Post by Masane Tsugumi on Feb 20, 2016 10:45:02 GMT -5
Division: 10th Division | Jūbantai
Rank: Captain | Taichou
Appearance:
"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it."
● Elegantly aged
Being a person that has clearly lived a full life, her once youthful beauty now transformed into a more matured and graceful form.
● Faded grey hair, kept softly styled
● Serene and charming body language
The kind aspects that compose her personality are visible not only in her expression but also the body language she unconsciously radiates.
● Wears jewelry
A golden bracelet on her right wrist and a golden ruby ring on her left little finger.
● Plagued by arrhythmia
Often causes her dizziness, lightheadedness and heart palpitations when physically exerting herself too far, chest pains in extreme cases. She paces her efforts to avoid this.
● Red cotton scarf, worn throughout any season
Through the years it has served as her favorite trademark item. It has considerable length to it, wrapped around her neck several time before leaving the end tassels to rest on the flat of her back.
● Dressed tidy with attention to detail
● Carries a kind and inviting expression
● Pays attention to her stance and body state
She frequently practices yoga to keep her body lenient and supple, accompanied with lessons in tai-chi for relaxation.
● Commanding figure with a heart of gold
Often she is described as emanating a feeling of authority, whilst still majorly retaining sensibility towards humane conduct.
"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it."
● Elegantly aged
Being a person that has clearly lived a full life, her once youthful beauty now transformed into a more matured and graceful form.
● Faded grey hair, kept softly styled
● Serene and charming body language
The kind aspects that compose her personality are visible not only in her expression but also the body language she unconsciously radiates.
● Wears jewelry
A golden bracelet on her right wrist and a golden ruby ring on her left little finger.
● Plagued by arrhythmia
Often causes her dizziness, lightheadedness and heart palpitations when physically exerting herself too far, chest pains in extreme cases. She paces her efforts to avoid this.
● Red cotton scarf, worn throughout any season
Through the years it has served as her favorite trademark item. It has considerable length to it, wrapped around her neck several time before leaving the end tassels to rest on the flat of her back.
● Dressed tidy with attention to detail
● Carries a kind and inviting expression
● Pays attention to her stance and body state
She frequently practices yoga to keep her body lenient and supple, accompanied with lessons in tai-chi for relaxation.
● Commanding figure with a heart of gold
Often she is described as emanating a feeling of authority, whilst still majorly retaining sensibility towards humane conduct.
Personality:
“It's beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.”
● Motherly demeanor
By nature she is an individual thoroughly invested in the wellbeing of others and the pleasures of watching over them, helping them grow in what they set out to become. Due to this, it is only natural that people are drawn to her for council and support. She likes nothing more than to be entrusted with the hopes and worries of another.
● Warm, patient and thoughtful
Tactful, respectful and kind. Her graceful methods of treating others has made her a welcome figure among most. She seems to possess near endless patience, even towards those with less-than-stellar dispositions. These aspects of her personality causes her to attract others to her, who respond well to it, like a magnet. She prefers to be approached as an equal, regardless of rank or standing.
● Strong principles and moral code
Devoutly believing in karma; living her life within the principle of “good deeds will be rewarded in the end”. She is sternly convinced that the peaceful path, of least bloodshed, is most certainly the correct one. On the other hand, she is sworn to uphold her role and firmly reinforces the idea of loyalty in the face of hardship. While the commitment to her duties have caused her inner conflict in the past, she’s always strived the find the middle road between her convictions and her duty as captain.
● Wise and experienced teacher
As a result of serving many years in service of the gotei thirteen, she has accumulated a significant amount of battle acumen. Through her experience of running her division she has been molded into a fine teacher. She enjoys helping anyone develop their fighting skills or expand their knowledge on many subjects. While her training regiment is quite taxing and harsh, her teaching method is very supportive and motivating.
● Reluctant to fight alongside another
Due to a tragic event in Tsugumi’s past she has become quite apprehensive about doing battle within close proximity of another. Likewise she prefers, whenever possible, not to be assisted and mostly wishes to fight alone. This is not out of arrogance but rather through a fear of unknowingly hurt to someone again (mainly with her bankai).
● Carries grief underneath her happy expression
One would never expect that a woman like Tsugumi, who constantly wears a smile and spends most of her efforts encouraging and praising others, could carry a longstanding and distinct feeling of sadness within her. She has difficulty accepting the deaths of people she loved, or even people she knew and respected; as such she lives her life frequently lamenting the loss of these individuals. This side of her is hidden from all but a few, as she prefers to carry this burden alone. Away from those who would be pained to see her smile fade.
● Frequently seeks solitude
Despite being a social butterfly she often retreats to be alone, this because she desires to keep her feelings of hardship to herself and mourn her lost in the comfort of privacy. Requiring frequent need to reflect on her past life and experiences, she spends a considerable amount of time simply remembering those who have passed and honoring their memory.
● Merciful
Even while being a military woman, Tsugumi still actively walks a path of least violence. She will aim to disable her enemies and as such rarely hold a killing-mentality, even against her sworn foes, unless offered with no other choice. While this has caused her problems in the past, her personality simply does not allow her to do otherwise.
“It's beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.”
● Motherly demeanor
By nature she is an individual thoroughly invested in the wellbeing of others and the pleasures of watching over them, helping them grow in what they set out to become. Due to this, it is only natural that people are drawn to her for council and support. She likes nothing more than to be entrusted with the hopes and worries of another.
● Warm, patient and thoughtful
Tactful, respectful and kind. Her graceful methods of treating others has made her a welcome figure among most. She seems to possess near endless patience, even towards those with less-than-stellar dispositions. These aspects of her personality causes her to attract others to her, who respond well to it, like a magnet. She prefers to be approached as an equal, regardless of rank or standing.
● Strong principles and moral code
Devoutly believing in karma; living her life within the principle of “good deeds will be rewarded in the end”. She is sternly convinced that the peaceful path, of least bloodshed, is most certainly the correct one. On the other hand, she is sworn to uphold her role and firmly reinforces the idea of loyalty in the face of hardship. While the commitment to her duties have caused her inner conflict in the past, she’s always strived the find the middle road between her convictions and her duty as captain.
● Wise and experienced teacher
As a result of serving many years in service of the gotei thirteen, she has accumulated a significant amount of battle acumen. Through her experience of running her division she has been molded into a fine teacher. She enjoys helping anyone develop their fighting skills or expand their knowledge on many subjects. While her training regiment is quite taxing and harsh, her teaching method is very supportive and motivating.
● Reluctant to fight alongside another
Due to a tragic event in Tsugumi’s past she has become quite apprehensive about doing battle within close proximity of another. Likewise she prefers, whenever possible, not to be assisted and mostly wishes to fight alone. This is not out of arrogance but rather through a fear of unknowingly hurt to someone again (mainly with her bankai).
● Carries grief underneath her happy expression
One would never expect that a woman like Tsugumi, who constantly wears a smile and spends most of her efforts encouraging and praising others, could carry a longstanding and distinct feeling of sadness within her. She has difficulty accepting the deaths of people she loved, or even people she knew and respected; as such she lives her life frequently lamenting the loss of these individuals. This side of her is hidden from all but a few, as she prefers to carry this burden alone. Away from those who would be pained to see her smile fade.
● Frequently seeks solitude
Despite being a social butterfly she often retreats to be alone, this because she desires to keep her feelings of hardship to herself and mourn her lost in the comfort of privacy. Requiring frequent need to reflect on her past life and experiences, she spends a considerable amount of time simply remembering those who have passed and honoring their memory.
● Merciful
Even while being a military woman, Tsugumi still actively walks a path of least violence. She will aim to disable her enemies and as such rarely hold a killing-mentality, even against her sworn foes, unless offered with no other choice. While this has caused her problems in the past, her personality simply does not allow her to do otherwise.
Strengths:
“Success is achieved by developing our strengths, not by eliminating our weaknesses.”
● Decorated veteran
Through many years of service and a myriad of hard fought battles, Tsugumi has gained a plethora of experience. Thanks to this she is able to accurately follow and predict the flow of combat, adjusting her according to the situation when possible. Her courageousness and temperate approach to hostile situations often are a morale booster for others.
● Balanced fighter
With a fairly even skill within all schools of combat she has many options to approach a situation with. Truly a jack-of-all-trades but master of none; perhaps more easily outclassed in some areas but very versatile in general. Her ability to switch between her traditional method of swordplay, to using spells, and even some hand-to-hand combat makes her a difficult opponent to predict.
● Kind nature
Perhaps her most valuable trait; Tsugumi’s natural disposition and mentality make her a trusted ally and valued companion. Thanks to her expansive social skills she can often disarm a grave situation through conversation, or even talk people into refraining from violence or surrendering themselves peacefully. Her ability to easily extend mercy to even the vilest of criminals is both a blessing and a curse.
● Zanpakutou mastery
When it comes down to handling her sword and its abilities Tsugumi is significantly gifted and thoroughly trained. Having had a relentless mentor, she had herself pushed to the limit to gain utter control over her blade. Her sword’s powers are as useful as they are dangerous, and it would be a grave mistake to underestimate them.
● Knowledgeable
While not as book smart as some of her peers, she has gained most of her wisdom through first hand practical experience. She can easily put these lessons to word and as such can pass these along to her subordinates with relative ease. This also makes it possible for her to optimally relate orders during urgent situations. Thanks to this, many seek her council and aim to be taught by her.
“Success is achieved by developing our strengths, not by eliminating our weaknesses.”
● Decorated veteran
Through many years of service and a myriad of hard fought battles, Tsugumi has gained a plethora of experience. Thanks to this she is able to accurately follow and predict the flow of combat, adjusting her according to the situation when possible. Her courageousness and temperate approach to hostile situations often are a morale booster for others.
● Balanced fighter
With a fairly even skill within all schools of combat she has many options to approach a situation with. Truly a jack-of-all-trades but master of none; perhaps more easily outclassed in some areas but very versatile in general. Her ability to switch between her traditional method of swordplay, to using spells, and even some hand-to-hand combat makes her a difficult opponent to predict.
● Kind nature
Perhaps her most valuable trait; Tsugumi’s natural disposition and mentality make her a trusted ally and valued companion. Thanks to her expansive social skills she can often disarm a grave situation through conversation, or even talk people into refraining from violence or surrendering themselves peacefully. Her ability to easily extend mercy to even the vilest of criminals is both a blessing and a curse.
● Zanpakutou mastery
When it comes down to handling her sword and its abilities Tsugumi is significantly gifted and thoroughly trained. Having had a relentless mentor, she had herself pushed to the limit to gain utter control over her blade. Her sword’s powers are as useful as they are dangerous, and it would be a grave mistake to underestimate them.
● Knowledgeable
While not as book smart as some of her peers, she has gained most of her wisdom through first hand practical experience. She can easily put these lessons to word and as such can pass these along to her subordinates with relative ease. This also makes it possible for her to optimally relate orders during urgent situations. Thanks to this, many seek her council and aim to be taught by her.
Weaknesses :
“The acknowledgment of our weakness is the first step in improving ourselves.”
● Heart condition
The arrhythmia from which she suffers tends to manifest itself most prominently when she has been undergoing severe physical strain for an extended period of time. While she is being medicated to counteract the symptoms, she still is advised to minimize continuous strain to her body. Her fighting style has been adjusted to work around this detriment, but she can often still be hampered by her symptoms when prolonged fighting ensues or when her opponent knows this weakness.
● Fearful of hurting allies
Due to an event that still lingers in her consciousness, Tsugumi has an evident fear of accidentally hurting or killing her allies during combat. While she displays excellent control over herself, the powers of her bankai are non-discriminate and will target everyone but herself. Having already ended one person’s life with it by mistake, she is very hesitant to use it when someone else is even remotely within her proximity.
● Non-lethal mindset
While being mostly pacifistic in nature is a true virtue, on the battlefield it can very much be a disadvantage. While Tsugumi shows little qualms with using force to combat force, she does show hesitation when it comes to land a killing blow. Often she will specifically aim her strikes to subdue her enemy, when it would be much less of a risk to simply terminate them. In many situations this has proven itself to backfire on her, but so far it hasn’t had mortal consequences for her.
● Tends to take on too many commitments
With a heart of gold like hers, Tsugumi simply cannot prevent herself from being very invested and involved within the happenings of Seireitei. There are many issues and crisis, yet simply not enough man power to tackle them properly. Hence she will constantly take on more and more tasks onto her responsibility, to the point where she is working herself to the bone. Many times the members of her division have to force her to take a break and mitigate the work between themselves so she would let herself rest.
● Helpless against fire
Her zanpakutou being one of the most majestic within all of Soul Society, has one fatal flaw. Its weakness against sort of significant form of heat has been a noted fact, one which she is still struggling against. While not entirely rendering her abilities useless, it does severely impact their effectiveness. Any opponent wise enough to use this to their advantage could create an opportunity to outplay her.
“The acknowledgment of our weakness is the first step in improving ourselves.”
● Heart condition
The arrhythmia from which she suffers tends to manifest itself most prominently when she has been undergoing severe physical strain for an extended period of time. While she is being medicated to counteract the symptoms, she still is advised to minimize continuous strain to her body. Her fighting style has been adjusted to work around this detriment, but she can often still be hampered by her symptoms when prolonged fighting ensues or when her opponent knows this weakness.
● Fearful of hurting allies
Due to an event that still lingers in her consciousness, Tsugumi has an evident fear of accidentally hurting or killing her allies during combat. While she displays excellent control over herself, the powers of her bankai are non-discriminate and will target everyone but herself. Having already ended one person’s life with it by mistake, she is very hesitant to use it when someone else is even remotely within her proximity.
● Non-lethal mindset
While being mostly pacifistic in nature is a true virtue, on the battlefield it can very much be a disadvantage. While Tsugumi shows little qualms with using force to combat force, she does show hesitation when it comes to land a killing blow. Often she will specifically aim her strikes to subdue her enemy, when it would be much less of a risk to simply terminate them. In many situations this has proven itself to backfire on her, but so far it hasn’t had mortal consequences for her.
● Tends to take on too many commitments
With a heart of gold like hers, Tsugumi simply cannot prevent herself from being very invested and involved within the happenings of Seireitei. There are many issues and crisis, yet simply not enough man power to tackle them properly. Hence she will constantly take on more and more tasks onto her responsibility, to the point where she is working herself to the bone. Many times the members of her division have to force her to take a break and mitigate the work between themselves so she would let herself rest.
● Helpless against fire
Her zanpakutou being one of the most majestic within all of Soul Society, has one fatal flaw. Its weakness against sort of significant form of heat has been a noted fact, one which she is still struggling against. While not entirely rendering her abilities useless, it does severely impact their effectiveness. Any opponent wise enough to use this to their advantage could create an opportunity to outplay her.
Beliefs:
Goals:
- A healthy body and meditation can provide a calm state of mind, which is helpful in making difficult decisions.
- Every individual's existence is precious, it is always a tragedy when it is cut short.
- Treat others fairly and with respect, regardless of how they treat you back.
- The balance of obeying duty and following personal beliefs can be hard to uphold, but both are required to be a fitting leader.
- If you have the means available to help someone, you should attempt to help them.
- Dedicating one's self to the greater good is a worthy cause.
- There are some wounds that perhaps time cannot heal, but one can find a way to bare them regardless of their hurt.
- Friendship and camaraderie is what makes life worth living.
Goals:
[li]Acquire more resources, supplies and manpower for the Koudodejiro in Hueco Mundo, to guarantee the safety of the subordinates stationed there.[/li]
[li]Investigate some of the confusing and vague reports coming from the material world and their relation to the spiritual balance.[/li]
Mid-term:
[li]Seek approval of the Ōshima clan to visit their estate and utilize their renowned hot springs, to soothe her mind and tired body.[/li]
[li]Discover a gifted individual(s) whom she can hopefully help attain bankai.[/li]
Long-term:
[li]Resolve the situation involving the Quincy in a manner that allows for the least amount of bloodshed.[/li]
[li]Make amends with her former husband and resolve the hate he bears towards her.[/li][/ul]
[/quote]
Zanpakutō Spirit:
"Perhaps it is her silence that causes one to reflect upon themselves."
The confines of Tsugumi's soul, and the spirit that slumbers within, might strike one as odd in regards to her personality. For such a warm and gentle individual a lot of people expect her inner soul to reflect that. Yet they would be shocked to learn that the landscape within her soul is one of cold ice. The relationship she shares with Kafuyu is one that is both dear to her as well as painful. Having manifested herself as a young maiden, most likely not older than a year of 8, pale skin covers her figure which is only clothed with a tattered and torn dress who's color has faded into a dull grey. On top of her head, upon her long chestnut brown hair, sits a majestic crown of ice which shines as if it were made of pure crystal. "Princess in the ice" she could be titled. The most tragic fact about Kafuyu is that she remains trapped within a lake of ice, destined to remain in a state of hibernation for the majority of her existence. Tsugumi's has never, to her recollection, seen her eyes opened. Her lips having turned blue from hypothermia and parts of hair have slightly frozen over. Regardless of her seemingly deceased appearance, she is in fact a living creature that is simply bound to sleep for most of its lifespan. In a sense Kafuyu, even after these many years, is still somewhat a mystery to her. This is because of her silence, as she has been sleeping for as long as Tsugumi has known her. On occasion she has spoken to her, such times being when she taught her name, but for the majority of her existence she has remained quiet within her frozen slumber. Tsugumi has learned to appreciate her unusual silence, it is a source of serenity to her as words are not required in order for her to feel Kafuyu's presence.
While her zanpakutou spirit is a valuable companion to her it also is a source of pain to her. Kafuyu's appearance strikes her as very similar to that of her deceased daughter. Seeing it reminds her of the fact that she will never see her to grow up, just as Kafuyu is to remain in her childlike form forever. This is further enhanced by the fact that Kafuyu's name means "Beautiful Winter", which reminds her of how her daughter loved the beauty of winter even though it caused her to become even more ill.
"Perhaps it is her silence that causes one to reflect upon themselves."
The confines of Tsugumi's soul, and the spirit that slumbers within, might strike one as odd in regards to her personality. For such a warm and gentle individual a lot of people expect her inner soul to reflect that. Yet they would be shocked to learn that the landscape within her soul is one of cold ice. The relationship she shares with Kafuyu is one that is both dear to her as well as painful. Having manifested herself as a young maiden, most likely not older than a year of 8, pale skin covers her figure which is only clothed with a tattered and torn dress who's color has faded into a dull grey. On top of her head, upon her long chestnut brown hair, sits a majestic crown of ice which shines as if it were made of pure crystal. "Princess in the ice" she could be titled. The most tragic fact about Kafuyu is that she remains trapped within a lake of ice, destined to remain in a state of hibernation for the majority of her existence. Tsugumi's has never, to her recollection, seen her eyes opened. Her lips having turned blue from hypothermia and parts of hair have slightly frozen over. Regardless of her seemingly deceased appearance, she is in fact a living creature that is simply bound to sleep for most of its lifespan. In a sense Kafuyu, even after these many years, is still somewhat a mystery to her. This is because of her silence, as she has been sleeping for as long as Tsugumi has known her. On occasion she has spoken to her, such times being when she taught her name, but for the majority of her existence she has remained quiet within her frozen slumber. Tsugumi has learned to appreciate her unusual silence, it is a source of serenity to her as words are not required in order for her to feel Kafuyu's presence.
While her zanpakutou spirit is a valuable companion to her it also is a source of pain to her. Kafuyu's appearance strikes her as very similar to that of her deceased daughter. Seeing it reminds her of the fact that she will never see her to grow up, just as Kafuyu is to remain in her childlike form forever. This is further enhanced by the fact that Kafuyu's name means "Beautiful Winter", which reminds her of how her daughter loved the beauty of winter even though it caused her to become even more ill.
{Spirit Plane}The landscape that lies within Tsugumi's soul, the home of her spirit, is one covered in ice. More specifically a lake in between two mountains that has frozen over completely. Within this valley, surrounding the lake, is a forest of pine trees covered with frost and snow. In the distance Tsugumi can see the two mountains towering above into the sky, casting their shadow onto the valley. Depending on Tsugumi's state of mind the valley can be covered in the warm glow of sunlight, or the freezing chill of night. The lake more specifically is truly Kafuyu's domain, as she resides underneath the frozen surface. At certain times, when looking at Kafuyu, she can catch vague glimpses of a palace of ice even further underneath where she remains.
Sealed Zanpakutō:
“The power of the sword, is as strong as its bond."
It is an odd concept to think that one of Tsugumi’s most fond belongings is a weapon. Obviously it is widely known that a zanpakutou is not simply a sword, but rather an extension of one’s self. The bond between Tsugumi and Kafuyu has existed for quite an impressive span of time now, despite the peculiar relationship they share, their bond is still present after all these years. Being a tool for battle you would expect Kafuyu to look as if it had seen some wear, showing its own number of years. Yet it seems to barely have a scratch on its surface. As if reflecting a part of Tsugumi's gracefulness Kafuyu's aesthetics are sublimely elegant, especially the turquoise color of the wrappings around the handle, which speak to Tsugumi's tastes. Being a katana, it has the appropriate sizes associated with a sword of that type, both in blade and handle size. Elegant yet modest in design, Kafuyu exhibits several subtle details that give it its own distinctive characteristics as a sword. The end cap as well as the hand-guard are colored in a shade of gold that can be best described as "faded", instilling a sense of nobility while avoiding to come over as garish. The hand-guard has a smoothed rectangular design with its four edges rounded off into half circle that extends outward. The sword's blade, while having served for an extensive time, possesses a radiant glimmer and also has maintained its exceptional sharpness. Overall, it is an extraordinary weapon despite its frequent use over the years.
As her zanpakutou Tsugumi carries Kafuyu with pride, which is why it is frequently seen to be properly attached to her sash. She holds a great deal of respect for her sword which is visible in the way she handles it. In most cases when Tsugumi has seated herself she will, rather than placing her sword on the ground beside her or against the wall, store it on a pillow. Because she regularly cleans her sword she is able to maintain its edge to its fullest potential. In battle, Tsugumi has the tendency to use a very traditional style of sword fighting to handle her sword. Mainly holding her weapon in the Chūdan-no-Kamae stance as her default position. While her preference for causing non-lethal injuries might make her attacks easier to predict (as she tends to go for places on the body that are less critical), the fact that she focuses on a strong balance between attack and defense gives her various opportunities to block an incoming attack, deflect and deliver a well placed riposte.
“The power of the sword, is as strong as its bond."
It is an odd concept to think that one of Tsugumi’s most fond belongings is a weapon. Obviously it is widely known that a zanpakutou is not simply a sword, but rather an extension of one’s self. The bond between Tsugumi and Kafuyu has existed for quite an impressive span of time now, despite the peculiar relationship they share, their bond is still present after all these years. Being a tool for battle you would expect Kafuyu to look as if it had seen some wear, showing its own number of years. Yet it seems to barely have a scratch on its surface. As if reflecting a part of Tsugumi's gracefulness Kafuyu's aesthetics are sublimely elegant, especially the turquoise color of the wrappings around the handle, which speak to Tsugumi's tastes. Being a katana, it has the appropriate sizes associated with a sword of that type, both in blade and handle size. Elegant yet modest in design, Kafuyu exhibits several subtle details that give it its own distinctive characteristics as a sword. The end cap as well as the hand-guard are colored in a shade of gold that can be best described as "faded", instilling a sense of nobility while avoiding to come over as garish. The hand-guard has a smoothed rectangular design with its four edges rounded off into half circle that extends outward. The sword's blade, while having served for an extensive time, possesses a radiant glimmer and also has maintained its exceptional sharpness. Overall, it is an extraordinary weapon despite its frequent use over the years.
As her zanpakutou Tsugumi carries Kafuyu with pride, which is why it is frequently seen to be properly attached to her sash. She holds a great deal of respect for her sword which is visible in the way she handles it. In most cases when Tsugumi has seated herself she will, rather than placing her sword on the ground beside her or against the wall, store it on a pillow. Because she regularly cleans her sword she is able to maintain its edge to its fullest potential. In battle, Tsugumi has the tendency to use a very traditional style of sword fighting to handle her sword. Mainly holding her weapon in the Chūdan-no-Kamae stance as her default position. While her preference for causing non-lethal injuries might make her attacks easier to predict (as she tends to go for places on the body that are less critical), the fact that she focuses on a strong balance between attack and defense gives her various opportunities to block an incoming attack, deflect and deliver a well placed riposte.
Shikai Incantation: Furueru, Kafuyu | Shiver, Beautiful Winter
Shikai Category: Elemental Release (Ice)
Shikai Range: Melee Medium
Shikai Description: By reciting Kafuyu's incantation and name, her true potential becomes unlocked and its capabilities within the element of ice granted to its wielder. At the point of releasing the sword's shikai state it snap-freezes the entire sword from the tip of the blade all the way down to the end of the handle. As if taking on a coat of white ice, the entire zanpakutou emits a cracking sound as it is being frozen over. This process happens in what appears as mere moments. In this icy state Kafuyu does not lose any of its sturdiness nor its combat capabilities. Her blade retains its original edge and sharpness, the coat of ice cutting as proficiently as if it were the actual blade itself. While the zanpakutou in its released state appears to be constructed entirely out of ice, this is in fact not correct. As its entirety is simply covered in a layer of reishi infused ice, merely casting the illusion of it being a sword entirely made of ice. It could easily be suspected that the sword would be more fragile in this state, but thanks to the spiritual energy reinforcing the ice, it is equally as sturdy as most metals. If the ice on the sword were to be broken or melted, it would simply reveal the actual parts of the sword lying underneath.
Technique Name: Tsuoukan (Spiteful Crown)
Technique Category: Offensive
Technique Range: Regular
Technique Description: Within Tsugumi's arsenal of attacks, Tsuoukan is a rather unconventional method of using ice to create an ability that is beneficial for her and harmful to her adversary. This power was born from the emotional impact her ex-husband's anger had on her. Fittingly enough, Tsuoukan has her create an object of ice that takes the form of crown. Its structure being a true majestic display as its surface subtly reflects light cast upon it. This royal coronal is actually formed around the scalp of Tsugumi's adversary, within what only seems like a moment, forcefully crowning them "king". At first this ornament seems quite harmless, however the hatred within this crown soon manifests itself in the form of a vicious assault upon the wearer. Moments after this crown has been attached to one's head is true powers surface, making the object's temperature drop so low that it begins to freeze-burn the wearer's scalp. The aim behind this is to force the wearer to panic and remove the crown to create an opening in their defense to take advantage of, the crown's burns are not as much deadly as they are painful. A huge advantage this ability possesses is the speed at which it can form, though not more than one crown can be active at the same time, there can be only one king. It can be used on more than one occasion thanks to the speed it can manifest (however, it becomes less effective since the opponent already knows what to expect). With sufficient strength of will one could be able to withstand the pain of Tsuoukan's burning for a longer period of time, yet keeping the crown on their head longer is definitely a detrimental choice towards their physical wellbeing. While the reiatsu cost to form this icy crown is relatively tame, its downside lies in its range, having to be within considerable range of an enemy in order to successfully pull it off as well requiring sufficient concentration. The burns left by this attack, while quite clean, can be quite painful and can prove to be a distraction to the one they were inflicted on.
Technique Name: Yasatate (Gentle Shield)
Technique Category: Defensive
Technique Range: Limited
Technique Description: Designed to be an ability that can be relied upon, Yasatate is a tool of defense that seeks out to protect Tsugumi. Born from the emotions she experienced during the time her head servant, Shousuke continuously shielded her from her husband's demands and presence. His protection and insistence to secure her peace and safety made such an impact on her that it helped shape Yasatate into what it is today. Describing it simply Yasatate is a shield made of reinforced ice which Tsugumi can create swiftly to protect herself from incoming danger. In size Yasatate measures up to be 9 feet in height and 6 feet in width, being adequate enough in size to block most hazards that directly come her way. The shield's design is quite interesting as it instills a royal and noble feeling, its form is similar to that of a kite shield with what appears to be a family crest to be present in its center, the crest itself appearing to be a crown with two swords crossing through it. The shield is suitable to deter most physical and ranged attacks (requiring an extensive amount of force in order to break). While it can block flames (or physical/ranged attacks that possess heat and melting capabilities), it is severely damaged by such attacks and is less likely to hold. A major weakness of the shield is its ineffectiveness against attacks of an explosive nature, the sudden burst of force combined with the heat created by the explosion, bypasses the shield's defenses most effectively as the combined sources of offense both shatters and melts the shield at the same time. Yasatate isn't simply designed to block but also restrict the enemy after an attack. Anything that makes physical contact with the shield becomes constricted within it, as the ice momentarily allows the object to sink into it and then immediately refreeze itself, trapping it within its own solid body. This can put the attacker in a difficult situation, limiting their movements if they attack with their limbs or causing them to possibly abandon their constricted weapon.
Technique Name: Ureikahou (Sorrowful Heirloom)
Technique Category: Augment - Debuff
Technique Range: Long
Technique Description: Kafuyu's shikai abilities are mostly based around the concept of disabling the opponent more than killing them. Out of all of them, Ureikahou displays this principle best. This technique relies on a good sense of aim and possibly the element of surprise, which it benefits from greatly. Like both Tsuoukan and Yasatate this technique also creates an object out of ice, though this one can create up to two at the same time. Born from the emotions she experienced when grieving for her lost child, with no amount of luxury that would ever be much as worth as her. Ureikahou takes the form of a majestic bracelet, an heirloom of royalty. Shimmering and sparkling in light as if it were crystal. When Tsugumi swings her sword she can create up to two bracelets (at the same time) and send them flying towards her intended target. When she fires these bracelets gravitate towards her target, instead of simply flying in a straight line. When having sent out two bracelets at the same time one of them will change its course mid-flight, as they are set to collide with one of the opponent's limbs (wrists, legs or neck). Not more than one can be present on a single limb at the same time. Once they reach one of the appointed limbs, the bracelet will snap shut, tightly attaching itself to it. Unlike Tsuoukan, these icy heirlooms do not begin to freeze-burn, but rather they begin to cause large chunks of ice to form over the afflicted limb. Eventually, the separate clumps of ice grow together and form one huge block of ice which incases the limb. These excessive quantities of ice contain a considerable amount of weight due to their mass, weighing down the limb in question, which severely hampers the movement and combat effectiveness of her opponent. If the target is airborne, it will cause them to lose velocity or possibly even crash-land (dependent on which/how many limbs were affected).
Out of all the limbs the bracelets can attach itself to, the neck is by far the most effective. It causes them to lose the ability to turn their head and generally disrupts their centre of gravity due to the extra weight attached to it. One of Ureikahou's biggest advantage; its longer range compared to the other abilities. Is perhaps also one of its biggest weak points. While Tsuoukan manifests itself onto the body of the opponent directly, Ureikahou has to travel towards its destination first. Its range is definitely extensive, allowing for the ability to be used from a safe distance. But while in flight, the bracelet is susceptible for attacks or blocking techniques. If not used with proper timing it has the risk of being shot down, rendering it useless.
Shikai Category: Elemental Release (Ice)
Shikai Range: Melee Medium
Shikai Description: By reciting Kafuyu's incantation and name, her true potential becomes unlocked and its capabilities within the element of ice granted to its wielder. At the point of releasing the sword's shikai state it snap-freezes the entire sword from the tip of the blade all the way down to the end of the handle. As if taking on a coat of white ice, the entire zanpakutou emits a cracking sound as it is being frozen over. This process happens in what appears as mere moments. In this icy state Kafuyu does not lose any of its sturdiness nor its combat capabilities. Her blade retains its original edge and sharpness, the coat of ice cutting as proficiently as if it were the actual blade itself. While the zanpakutou in its released state appears to be constructed entirely out of ice, this is in fact not correct. As its entirety is simply covered in a layer of reishi infused ice, merely casting the illusion of it being a sword entirely made of ice. It could easily be suspected that the sword would be more fragile in this state, but thanks to the spiritual energy reinforcing the ice, it is equally as sturdy as most metals. If the ice on the sword were to be broken or melted, it would simply reveal the actual parts of the sword lying underneath.
Technique Name: Tsuoukan (Spiteful Crown)
Technique Category: Offensive
Technique Range: Regular
Technique Description: Within Tsugumi's arsenal of attacks, Tsuoukan is a rather unconventional method of using ice to create an ability that is beneficial for her and harmful to her adversary. This power was born from the emotional impact her ex-husband's anger had on her. Fittingly enough, Tsuoukan has her create an object of ice that takes the form of crown. Its structure being a true majestic display as its surface subtly reflects light cast upon it. This royal coronal is actually formed around the scalp of Tsugumi's adversary, within what only seems like a moment, forcefully crowning them "king". At first this ornament seems quite harmless, however the hatred within this crown soon manifests itself in the form of a vicious assault upon the wearer. Moments after this crown has been attached to one's head is true powers surface, making the object's temperature drop so low that it begins to freeze-burn the wearer's scalp. The aim behind this is to force the wearer to panic and remove the crown to create an opening in their defense to take advantage of, the crown's burns are not as much deadly as they are painful. A huge advantage this ability possesses is the speed at which it can form, though not more than one crown can be active at the same time, there can be only one king. It can be used on more than one occasion thanks to the speed it can manifest (however, it becomes less effective since the opponent already knows what to expect). With sufficient strength of will one could be able to withstand the pain of Tsuoukan's burning for a longer period of time, yet keeping the crown on their head longer is definitely a detrimental choice towards their physical wellbeing. While the reiatsu cost to form this icy crown is relatively tame, its downside lies in its range, having to be within considerable range of an enemy in order to successfully pull it off as well requiring sufficient concentration. The burns left by this attack, while quite clean, can be quite painful and can prove to be a distraction to the one they were inflicted on.
Technique Name: Yasatate (Gentle Shield)
Technique Category: Defensive
Technique Range: Limited
Technique Description: Designed to be an ability that can be relied upon, Yasatate is a tool of defense that seeks out to protect Tsugumi. Born from the emotions she experienced during the time her head servant, Shousuke continuously shielded her from her husband's demands and presence. His protection and insistence to secure her peace and safety made such an impact on her that it helped shape Yasatate into what it is today. Describing it simply Yasatate is a shield made of reinforced ice which Tsugumi can create swiftly to protect herself from incoming danger. In size Yasatate measures up to be 9 feet in height and 6 feet in width, being adequate enough in size to block most hazards that directly come her way. The shield's design is quite interesting as it instills a royal and noble feeling, its form is similar to that of a kite shield with what appears to be a family crest to be present in its center, the crest itself appearing to be a crown with two swords crossing through it. The shield is suitable to deter most physical and ranged attacks (requiring an extensive amount of force in order to break). While it can block flames (or physical/ranged attacks that possess heat and melting capabilities), it is severely damaged by such attacks and is less likely to hold. A major weakness of the shield is its ineffectiveness against attacks of an explosive nature, the sudden burst of force combined with the heat created by the explosion, bypasses the shield's defenses most effectively as the combined sources of offense both shatters and melts the shield at the same time. Yasatate isn't simply designed to block but also restrict the enemy after an attack. Anything that makes physical contact with the shield becomes constricted within it, as the ice momentarily allows the object to sink into it and then immediately refreeze itself, trapping it within its own solid body. This can put the attacker in a difficult situation, limiting their movements if they attack with their limbs or causing them to possibly abandon their constricted weapon.
Technique Name: Ureikahou (Sorrowful Heirloom)
Technique Category: Augment - Debuff
Technique Range: Long
Technique Description: Kafuyu's shikai abilities are mostly based around the concept of disabling the opponent more than killing them. Out of all of them, Ureikahou displays this principle best. This technique relies on a good sense of aim and possibly the element of surprise, which it benefits from greatly. Like both Tsuoukan and Yasatate this technique also creates an object out of ice, though this one can create up to two at the same time. Born from the emotions she experienced when grieving for her lost child, with no amount of luxury that would ever be much as worth as her. Ureikahou takes the form of a majestic bracelet, an heirloom of royalty. Shimmering and sparkling in light as if it were crystal. When Tsugumi swings her sword she can create up to two bracelets (at the same time) and send them flying towards her intended target. When she fires these bracelets gravitate towards her target, instead of simply flying in a straight line. When having sent out two bracelets at the same time one of them will change its course mid-flight, as they are set to collide with one of the opponent's limbs (wrists, legs or neck). Not more than one can be present on a single limb at the same time. Once they reach one of the appointed limbs, the bracelet will snap shut, tightly attaching itself to it. Unlike Tsuoukan, these icy heirlooms do not begin to freeze-burn, but rather they begin to cause large chunks of ice to form over the afflicted limb. Eventually, the separate clumps of ice grow together and form one huge block of ice which incases the limb. These excessive quantities of ice contain a considerable amount of weight due to their mass, weighing down the limb in question, which severely hampers the movement and combat effectiveness of her opponent. If the target is airborne, it will cause them to lose velocity or possibly even crash-land (dependent on which/how many limbs were affected).
Out of all the limbs the bracelets can attach itself to, the neck is by far the most effective. It causes them to lose the ability to turn their head and generally disrupts their centre of gravity due to the extra weight attached to it. One of Ureikahou's biggest advantage; its longer range compared to the other abilities. Is perhaps also one of its biggest weak points. While Tsuoukan manifests itself onto the body of the opponent directly, Ureikahou has to travel towards its destination first. Its range is definitely extensive, allowing for the ability to be used from a safe distance. But while in flight, the bracelet is susceptible for attacks or blocking techniques. If not used with proper timing it has the risk of being shot down, rendering it useless.
Bankai Name : Kafuyu Kyuuden | Beautiful Winter Palace
Bankai Category: Vast Battlefield Release
Bankai Description:
"Within this hall of ice, all life has become still, laid silent by grief."
The winter palace, a giant structure carved and constructed out of pure solid white ice, its sheer majestic presence only matched by the chilling temperature that flows within. Tsugumi's bankai is the ultimate display of her zanpakutou's ice sculpting abilities, materializing a gigantic palace out of nothing in just mere seconds. As she releases her zanpakutou into its bankai her sword will begin to radiate with white light, when this happens the massive walls of Kafuyu Kyuuden will begin to form around her and her opponent. Starting from the bottom, the tiles ice floor will spread underneath their feet before beginning to build the walls from the ground upwards, until the structure is finished with the construction of the palace's roof and its four spires. This process takes only a mere few seconds, once the palace's construction is finished a loud sound will echo through its hall, indicating its completion (this sound being similar to that of a large gate shutting itself closed). The dimensions of the ice palace are quite expansive, measuring up to a length of 273 yards (250 meters) and 218 yards (200 meters) in width when viewed from the front, its ceiling towering to a height as high up as a 109 yards (100 meters). The palace, when completed, encompasses a substantial amount of space (the area which it inhabits being covered underneath its frozen layers of ice) and is easily visible to all outside of its walls, as this multi storied building's highest point towers high into the sky (even though it only possesses a ground floor). With its building style reminiscent of that of gothic architecture and its walls fortified with large bricks of ice, the palace isn't simply a structural masterpiece but also heavily resistant to both assaults from outside or within. At each of its four corners there stands a spire that runs upward until its very top ends meet into a single turret, whilst the stretches of wall between these spires also decorated with several smaller individual turrets. The pyramidal roof is casted fairly steep, giving little possibility in terms of foothold, the tip of the roof ending on a singular turret as well. The walls of the palace's exterior are embellished with various arches, none as impressive as the front archway, which has a wide staircase leading up to it, giving access to where the supposed entrance would be.
While the grandeur and simply majestic design of the palace is stunning there is one specific oddity that stands out; it has no windows, exits or entrances. The frozen confines of the palace serve as a prison in which Tsugumi can severely weaken her enemies. Its singular great hall makes it one giant arena, with no real means of escape or hiding. Escape is barely an option as the ice that makes up the walls is infused and reinforced with reishi, exponentially increasing the amount of impact and abuse it can withstand before breaking, one would break their hand before being able to even smash a hole in the 5 feet thick walls. The only safe way of breaking through the walls would to melt it with fire or similar techniques, though this is a rather time consuming process. Despite having no openings where light can shine through, visibility is possible within the palace. High up in the palace, at ceiling level, there is a bright source of light: the aurora borealis or northern light. The aurora shines bright enough that it allows for multicolored light to fill the palace's hall, reflecting on its icy floor and allowing for moderate visibility. While the palace can be considered a prison to those trapped within it, to Tsugumi it is something else entirely: a mausoleum. The cold hall is not barren in the slightest, as it almost appears as if a feast had been taking place. Across its vast space, at both the left and right side of the carpet path that leads to the throne in the back, are numerous frozen tables with many chairs set around them. The tables themselves are set with plates and dining cutlery while the rest of its space is stuffed with an incredible variety of foods and drink, indicating an enormous banquet had been taking place. The somber truth about this however is; as with everything else in the palace, the feast is entirely frozen by ice.
The fact that convinces Tsugumi the palace is more of a mausoleum than anything else is more a grim truth. Across the great hall, many ice sculptures decorate its premises, all appearing to take a humanoid form. These many sculptures, both standing and seated at tables, appearing to be simply enjoying the banquet as if they seem to have been caught in conversation or dance. Sadly enough, Tsugumi cannot find any pleasure in these frozen individuals being there, as these sculptures each separately have taken the form of a person she has known. These individuals, whether they are comrade or acquaintance, are in reality all deceased. Seeing the faces of her fallen friends every time she enters this place pains her, as many of these people are ones she cared for or deeply respected (these include, her former vice-captain and even the deceased former captain commander). Due to this, she tends to only resort to using her bankai whenever the situation can only be solved by doing so. In the very back of the palace stands the last jewel of the structure, the throne. A huge monument which is significantly larger than anything else within the hall (as it stands high on a pedestal). The throne stands there silently, a single crown of ice lying on its seat.
Technique Name: Rinnaki (Frigid Lamenting)
Technique Category: Offensive (Passive)
Technique Range: Sniping (Palace Grounds)
Technique Description: As could be expected inside a palace of ice, the temperature within is blisteringly cold. However, the palace's natural cold atmosphere is amplified to arctic levels due to an ability that is constantly and passively present within its confines. As a manifestation of the chilling grasp of sadness, Rinnaki takes effect as soon as the palace is completed, spreading its freezing presence on everything within the structure (excluding Tsugumi, to her the temperature just feels very cold). By constantly keeping the inner atmosphere to an extremely low -70°F / -56°C, it severely cools her adversary's body, causing vasoconstriction and muscle to tense up in an effort from their body to preserve heat. This makes extremely precise and advanced acrobatics harder to pull off, as their body allows for lesser maneuverability due their cold and cramped up muscles and appendages. The cold also makes combat more high risk as any wound inflicted, which breaks the skin barrier, essentially causes a tear in their natural "isolation" which acts as an entry point for the chill to cool their body even further. Long term exposure to the extreme cold, causes by the aura, can easily lead to frostbite on her adversary's body (starting with their outer limbs), causing the areas furthest from the heart to become more and more black. In the worst case scenario these limbs could basically die from lack of blood, even if this is not the case there still needs to be proper after treatment to remedy possible gangrene infection (which might result in amputation). If one totally lacks to pay this cold any attention their mortal wellbeing could be in jeopardy, as death by hypothermia is a very possible outcome. These factors make staying warm quite a difficult task, as hypothermia seems like an almost unavoidable result of partaking in battle within the palace.
Technique Name: Reigou Ukime (Chilling Misery)
Technique Category: Offensive
Technique Range: Sniping (Palace Grounds)
Technique Description: The second ability of Kafuyu Kyuuden is one that makes survival within the frozen hall even more unlikely. While Rinnaki causes the palace to be virtually uninhabitable, due to its relentless cold, Reigou Ukime adds another element to the mix, making things even more complex. When activated, the northern lights that reside near the ceiling of the palace will start raining down concentrated beams of multi colored light. The beams tend to target the location of where the opponent is currently standing, making standing still a very bad option. If one of the light beams hits the ice within the palace it simply does nothing, but when it hits an opponent it will instantly cause their skin, within the struck area, to be coated in a thin layer of frost. This can cause them to be struck off balance or lose their momentum, causing more beams to hit them, systematically freezing them solid. The only sure fire way to whether this barrage is use techniques the allows them to block without having the utilize their own body to do so, or simply dodge for long enough, as the duration of the ability is not very extensive. That in mind, having the opponent continuously dodge the beams does end up being beneficial to Tsugumi. As their physical activity can cause them to sweat more, which in turns causes Rinnaki to freeze it, bringing them closer to hypothermia or even freezing over entirely.
Bankai Category: Vast Battlefield Release
Bankai Description:
"Within this hall of ice, all life has become still, laid silent by grief."
The winter palace, a giant structure carved and constructed out of pure solid white ice, its sheer majestic presence only matched by the chilling temperature that flows within. Tsugumi's bankai is the ultimate display of her zanpakutou's ice sculpting abilities, materializing a gigantic palace out of nothing in just mere seconds. As she releases her zanpakutou into its bankai her sword will begin to radiate with white light, when this happens the massive walls of Kafuyu Kyuuden will begin to form around her and her opponent. Starting from the bottom, the tiles ice floor will spread underneath their feet before beginning to build the walls from the ground upwards, until the structure is finished with the construction of the palace's roof and its four spires. This process takes only a mere few seconds, once the palace's construction is finished a loud sound will echo through its hall, indicating its completion (this sound being similar to that of a large gate shutting itself closed). The dimensions of the ice palace are quite expansive, measuring up to a length of 273 yards (250 meters) and 218 yards (200 meters) in width when viewed from the front, its ceiling towering to a height as high up as a 109 yards (100 meters). The palace, when completed, encompasses a substantial amount of space (the area which it inhabits being covered underneath its frozen layers of ice) and is easily visible to all outside of its walls, as this multi storied building's highest point towers high into the sky (even though it only possesses a ground floor). With its building style reminiscent of that of gothic architecture and its walls fortified with large bricks of ice, the palace isn't simply a structural masterpiece but also heavily resistant to both assaults from outside or within. At each of its four corners there stands a spire that runs upward until its very top ends meet into a single turret, whilst the stretches of wall between these spires also decorated with several smaller individual turrets. The pyramidal roof is casted fairly steep, giving little possibility in terms of foothold, the tip of the roof ending on a singular turret as well. The walls of the palace's exterior are embellished with various arches, none as impressive as the front archway, which has a wide staircase leading up to it, giving access to where the supposed entrance would be.
While the grandeur and simply majestic design of the palace is stunning there is one specific oddity that stands out; it has no windows, exits or entrances. The frozen confines of the palace serve as a prison in which Tsugumi can severely weaken her enemies. Its singular great hall makes it one giant arena, with no real means of escape or hiding. Escape is barely an option as the ice that makes up the walls is infused and reinforced with reishi, exponentially increasing the amount of impact and abuse it can withstand before breaking, one would break their hand before being able to even smash a hole in the 5 feet thick walls. The only safe way of breaking through the walls would to melt it with fire or similar techniques, though this is a rather time consuming process. Despite having no openings where light can shine through, visibility is possible within the palace. High up in the palace, at ceiling level, there is a bright source of light: the aurora borealis or northern light. The aurora shines bright enough that it allows for multicolored light to fill the palace's hall, reflecting on its icy floor and allowing for moderate visibility. While the palace can be considered a prison to those trapped within it, to Tsugumi it is something else entirely: a mausoleum. The cold hall is not barren in the slightest, as it almost appears as if a feast had been taking place. Across its vast space, at both the left and right side of the carpet path that leads to the throne in the back, are numerous frozen tables with many chairs set around them. The tables themselves are set with plates and dining cutlery while the rest of its space is stuffed with an incredible variety of foods and drink, indicating an enormous banquet had been taking place. The somber truth about this however is; as with everything else in the palace, the feast is entirely frozen by ice.
The fact that convinces Tsugumi the palace is more of a mausoleum than anything else is more a grim truth. Across the great hall, many ice sculptures decorate its premises, all appearing to take a humanoid form. These many sculptures, both standing and seated at tables, appearing to be simply enjoying the banquet as if they seem to have been caught in conversation or dance. Sadly enough, Tsugumi cannot find any pleasure in these frozen individuals being there, as these sculptures each separately have taken the form of a person she has known. These individuals, whether they are comrade or acquaintance, are in reality all deceased. Seeing the faces of her fallen friends every time she enters this place pains her, as many of these people are ones she cared for or deeply respected (these include, her former vice-captain and even the deceased former captain commander). Due to this, she tends to only resort to using her bankai whenever the situation can only be solved by doing so. In the very back of the palace stands the last jewel of the structure, the throne. A huge monument which is significantly larger than anything else within the hall (as it stands high on a pedestal). The throne stands there silently, a single crown of ice lying on its seat.
Technique Name: Rinnaki (Frigid Lamenting)
Technique Category: Offensive (Passive)
Technique Range: Sniping (Palace Grounds)
Technique Description: As could be expected inside a palace of ice, the temperature within is blisteringly cold. However, the palace's natural cold atmosphere is amplified to arctic levels due to an ability that is constantly and passively present within its confines. As a manifestation of the chilling grasp of sadness, Rinnaki takes effect as soon as the palace is completed, spreading its freezing presence on everything within the structure (excluding Tsugumi, to her the temperature just feels very cold). By constantly keeping the inner atmosphere to an extremely low -70°F / -56°C, it severely cools her adversary's body, causing vasoconstriction and muscle to tense up in an effort from their body to preserve heat. This makes extremely precise and advanced acrobatics harder to pull off, as their body allows for lesser maneuverability due their cold and cramped up muscles and appendages. The cold also makes combat more high risk as any wound inflicted, which breaks the skin barrier, essentially causes a tear in their natural "isolation" which acts as an entry point for the chill to cool their body even further. Long term exposure to the extreme cold, causes by the aura, can easily lead to frostbite on her adversary's body (starting with their outer limbs), causing the areas furthest from the heart to become more and more black. In the worst case scenario these limbs could basically die from lack of blood, even if this is not the case there still needs to be proper after treatment to remedy possible gangrene infection (which might result in amputation). If one totally lacks to pay this cold any attention their mortal wellbeing could be in jeopardy, as death by hypothermia is a very possible outcome. These factors make staying warm quite a difficult task, as hypothermia seems like an almost unavoidable result of partaking in battle within the palace.
Technique Name: Reigou Ukime (Chilling Misery)
Technique Category: Offensive
Technique Range: Sniping (Palace Grounds)
Technique Description: The second ability of Kafuyu Kyuuden is one that makes survival within the frozen hall even more unlikely. While Rinnaki causes the palace to be virtually uninhabitable, due to its relentless cold, Reigou Ukime adds another element to the mix, making things even more complex. When activated, the northern lights that reside near the ceiling of the palace will start raining down concentrated beams of multi colored light. The beams tend to target the location of where the opponent is currently standing, making standing still a very bad option. If one of the light beams hits the ice within the palace it simply does nothing, but when it hits an opponent it will instantly cause their skin, within the struck area, to be coated in a thin layer of frost. This can cause them to be struck off balance or lose their momentum, causing more beams to hit them, systematically freezing them solid. The only sure fire way to whether this barrage is use techniques the allows them to block without having the utilize their own body to do so, or simply dodge for long enough, as the duration of the ability is not very extensive. That in mind, having the opponent continuously dodge the beams does end up being beneficial to Tsugumi. As their physical activity can cause them to sweat more, which in turns causes Rinnaki to freeze it, bringing them closer to hypothermia or even freezing over entirely.
History:
“When our emotions first ignited it’s like our hearts were never tired, my desires were set free, was like a raging wildfire. But now that spark has grown dark, we’re now just dying embers. Afraid I’ll end up all alone, within these cold Decembers."
“When our emotions first ignited it’s like our hearts were never tired, my desires were set free, was like a raging wildfire. But now that spark has grown dark, we’re now just dying embers. Afraid I’ll end up all alone, within these cold Decembers."
{Timeline}
827 – Chapter 1 – Birth as a human.
833 – Chapter 1 –Death.
833 – Chapter 1 – Reborn in Soul Society as Kusakabe Tsugumi.
839 – Chapter 1 – Meets Asakura Kichirou for the first time.
853 – Chapter 1 – Tsugumi is marries Kichirou.
853 – Chapter 2 - Masane Shousuke becomes head servant.
827 – Chapter 1 – Birth as a human.
833 – Chapter 1 –Death.
833 – Chapter 1 – Reborn in Soul Society as Kusakabe Tsugumi.
839 – Chapter 1 – Meets Asakura Kichirou for the first time.
853 – Chapter 1 – Tsugumi is marries Kichirou.
853 – Chapter 2 - Masane Shousuke becomes head servant.
{Chapter 1: Morning Cold} In life the end often comes as sudden as its beginning, human life is fragile and yet ever so rich in spirit. The soul, the immortal aspect of the body, will live on long after the body has drawn its last breath and perished. The person we know today as Masane Tsugumi was at one point such a fragile human, with a different name and a different life.
After a lenghty period of anticipation, Tsugumi's parents welcomed their first child into their family. While a family of humble heritage they accepted their daughter like a treasure. From birth, she was proclaimed to be a beautiful child, having especially vibrant and mesmerizing eyes. This fact did not decrease as she grew up and even when having become a young child, her beauty remained her most frequently praised feature. By some form of miracle her innocent and pure looks were recognized by a talented painter, who claimed that the child inspired him greatly. In return for allowing him to paint the child, he would compensate her parents significantly. The paintings he created of the child were astounding, capturing and portraying her more closely with every stroke of his brush. The paintings he made of the child, who had become his muse, gained such acclaim that word of them reached the ears of the monarchy, whom desired to see the artist performing his trade before their very eyes. As such both the artist and his child muse were invited to their court, where he displayed his skill in his craft with his inspiration there to assist him. The court watched the painting of this portrait in awe, but so did the current royal painter, who feared for his position as this new artist had swooped in and capture the king's gaze. Being a very nervous and unstable man, the royal painter grew restless, which soon turned into desperation. In an action driven by panic, he grabbed a dagger and plotted to kill the child, so that his competitor would be lose his muse. As both of them left the court he went in to make his move, dagger clenched tightly in his grasp. It was only when the child hit the ground that the painter's intentions were discovered. While he had been caught, it was already too late for the child. She perished from her injury.
Her life as a human had been a short and fleeting existence that had been tragically ended. Yet her existence in the afterlife would prove to be a far more lengthy and fruitful one. Seemingly as innocent as she had come into life before, Tsugumi was once again birthed, this time in the place known as Soul Society. Finally she gained the name that she is remembered by today: Tsugumi. The house she was born into was that of the Kusakabe clan, a clan of minor nobility that had managed to gain an admirable standing in recent years. Tsugumi's arrival promised many good things for the clan's future, as their daughter would be key to developing their relationship with another clan. Nevertheless, they still treated their daughter like a blessing and not an investment of some sort. Her life as a child was hardly filled with grief, unlike the other people who inhabited the districts of Rukongai. She was brought up within the gentle care of her mother and her maids, teaching her proper etiquette and social courtesy, preparing her for the future that had been decided for her. The Kusakabe clan had made an arrangement (before Tsugumi was even born) with the Asakura clan that the firstborn son and daughter of both families were to be married, to strengthen the bonds between them. Tsugumi had always been aware of this fact, she had never been lied to about it, which caused her to accept it without resistance. She knew this was for the clan's wellbeing and had been prepared for it all her life, feeling ready and satisfied with going along with it despite not having met the person she were to wed all that much before.
On the age of 6 is when she first met her future husband, it was at that meeting that it had been set in stone that Kusakabe Tsugumi were to wed Asakura Kichirou. In current days, her memory of her first meeting with him has remained quite vague (as she was still quite young) but she distinctly remembers the boy's courteous behavior and his sense of pride in his clan despite him still being a child. Even from their initial meeting both of the brown haired children managed to befriend one another and play without any sort of care, unbeknownst of what was being discussed inside. Despite having been raised so far knowing that they were to wed eventually, at that time both of them didn't entirely grasp the gravity of those words and neither did they really care. Back then they were just two children playing.
Time flowed onward and throughout the years the two children were both and educated and prepared, by their individual clans respectfully, for their inevitable union. When both children had finally reached adulthood, their arranged wedding finally took place and Kusakabe Tsugumi became Asakura Tsugumi. The marriage allowed for the agreement between both clans to be honored, as both clans now shared in each other’s wealth. Tsugumi had a life ahead of her filled with even more luxury and admiration, but also even more obligations. While she hadn’t been offered the chance to marry someone she truly loved, she didn’t dislike the husband she had been wed to, for the wellbeing of the clans she found it to be a tolerable situation. Her new lifestyle demanded her to adhere to many social obligations; always appear beautiful and presentable, use proper language and mannerisms, remember the names of other clan figures, study a myriad of conversation topics and many more things. In return she was granted any material wish she could desire and a fair amount of respect from other clans and commoners alike.
After a lenghty period of anticipation, Tsugumi's parents welcomed their first child into their family. While a family of humble heritage they accepted their daughter like a treasure. From birth, she was proclaimed to be a beautiful child, having especially vibrant and mesmerizing eyes. This fact did not decrease as she grew up and even when having become a young child, her beauty remained her most frequently praised feature. By some form of miracle her innocent and pure looks were recognized by a talented painter, who claimed that the child inspired him greatly. In return for allowing him to paint the child, he would compensate her parents significantly. The paintings he created of the child were astounding, capturing and portraying her more closely with every stroke of his brush. The paintings he made of the child, who had become his muse, gained such acclaim that word of them reached the ears of the monarchy, whom desired to see the artist performing his trade before their very eyes. As such both the artist and his child muse were invited to their court, where he displayed his skill in his craft with his inspiration there to assist him. The court watched the painting of this portrait in awe, but so did the current royal painter, who feared for his position as this new artist had swooped in and capture the king's gaze. Being a very nervous and unstable man, the royal painter grew restless, which soon turned into desperation. In an action driven by panic, he grabbed a dagger and plotted to kill the child, so that his competitor would be lose his muse. As both of them left the court he went in to make his move, dagger clenched tightly in his grasp. It was only when the child hit the ground that the painter's intentions were discovered. While he had been caught, it was already too late for the child. She perished from her injury.
Her life as a human had been a short and fleeting existence that had been tragically ended. Yet her existence in the afterlife would prove to be a far more lengthy and fruitful one. Seemingly as innocent as she had come into life before, Tsugumi was once again birthed, this time in the place known as Soul Society. Finally she gained the name that she is remembered by today: Tsugumi. The house she was born into was that of the Kusakabe clan, a clan of minor nobility that had managed to gain an admirable standing in recent years. Tsugumi's arrival promised many good things for the clan's future, as their daughter would be key to developing their relationship with another clan. Nevertheless, they still treated their daughter like a blessing and not an investment of some sort. Her life as a child was hardly filled with grief, unlike the other people who inhabited the districts of Rukongai. She was brought up within the gentle care of her mother and her maids, teaching her proper etiquette and social courtesy, preparing her for the future that had been decided for her. The Kusakabe clan had made an arrangement (before Tsugumi was even born) with the Asakura clan that the firstborn son and daughter of both families were to be married, to strengthen the bonds between them. Tsugumi had always been aware of this fact, she had never been lied to about it, which caused her to accept it without resistance. She knew this was for the clan's wellbeing and had been prepared for it all her life, feeling ready and satisfied with going along with it despite not having met the person she were to wed all that much before.
On the age of 6 is when she first met her future husband, it was at that meeting that it had been set in stone that Kusakabe Tsugumi were to wed Asakura Kichirou. In current days, her memory of her first meeting with him has remained quite vague (as she was still quite young) but she distinctly remembers the boy's courteous behavior and his sense of pride in his clan despite him still being a child. Even from their initial meeting both of the brown haired children managed to befriend one another and play without any sort of care, unbeknownst of what was being discussed inside. Despite having been raised so far knowing that they were to wed eventually, at that time both of them didn't entirely grasp the gravity of those words and neither did they really care. Back then they were just two children playing.
Time flowed onward and throughout the years the two children were both and educated and prepared, by their individual clans respectfully, for their inevitable union. When both children had finally reached adulthood, their arranged wedding finally took place and Kusakabe Tsugumi became Asakura Tsugumi. The marriage allowed for the agreement between both clans to be honored, as both clans now shared in each other’s wealth. Tsugumi had a life ahead of her filled with even more luxury and admiration, but also even more obligations. While she hadn’t been offered the chance to marry someone she truly loved, she didn’t dislike the husband she had been wed to, for the wellbeing of the clans she found it to be a tolerable situation. Her new lifestyle demanded her to adhere to many social obligations; always appear beautiful and presentable, use proper language and mannerisms, remember the names of other clan figures, study a myriad of conversation topics and many more things. In return she was granted any material wish she could desire and a fair amount of respect from other clans and commoners alike.
{Chapter 2: Warmth}
Shortly after the marriage, their household was bestowed a new head servant, an elderly man named Masane Shousuke, an individual whom had much experience in his trade as well as in life. Shousuke had a very gentle soul which caused Tsugumi and him to connect very well, so much so that their relationship evolved from a master-servant-relationship to that of friendship. He told Tsugumi, who was much younger and had lived a relatively sheltered life, about his experiences and personal philosophies. This interested her deeply as she had always been told what to do and think, she found it wonderful to hear someone reach their own conclusions so seemingly honest and graceful. He in turn admired her respect towards commoners and people in general. For someone who had grown up in a life of nobility and luxury she carried no disdain, disgust or revulsion for those lower in status than her, which was something he found truly exceptional and refreshing. It was thanks to her possessing little to no hate towards any living creature that he had managed to connect so deeply with her. Because of this he swore to dedicate himself to making sure she kept this light within her, becoming a “guardian” towards her.
Many clans of nobility had graces the Asakura household after the wedding, to congratulate them and bestow them with gifts. Tsugumi's husband Kichirou was an excellent conversationalist and thanks to these visits he managed to build steady relations with many of the clan. This caused the Asakura clan to become a very well liked family, systematically gaining standing within the noble "hierarchy". Kichirou had, from a young age onward, dreamt of seeing his clan rise into becoming one of the major houses of nobility, like the Shirotomi or the Ōshima clans. However, joining this exclusive circle is an exceedingly difficult task as it has only happened a few times throughout the course of history. Despite these odds Tsugumi's husband was adamant in reaching his goal, doing everything he believed would let him gain the sympathy and favor of the other clans. Tsugumi of course was expected to adhere to his requests, by acting accordingly to her husband's wishes. While she didn't share in his ambition, she wouldn't stand in the way or purposefully obstruct his dream. Gradually, over the course of many years, the Asakura clan became more known and revered. Tsugumi's lifestyle became more and more luxurious but also more restricted. The more wealthy and relevant her family became, the less freedom remained for her to do as she pleased. The more of a royalty she became, the more chains she gained. She bared this responsibility for her husband's sake, who had become increasingly more focused on his vision. It was thanks to her loyal servant and companion Shousuke whom offered her solace during these times, talking to her about simple things and making sure she could do things she wanted. Doing this made him an irreplaceable friend to Tsugumi, fondly appreciating his efforts despite having no obligation to do these things other than his personal desire to do so.
The real turning point in the family's rise towards the upper echelons of nobility came when they received an invitation from the Shirotomi clan to join them, and a few other families, in a gathering to attend a tea ceremony. While this might not appear that big of a deal at first sight, the underlying message was what meant most. The most influential clan in all of Soul Society had recognized their existence, finding it necessary to invite them. To Tsugumi's husband this meant the world as this confirmed they were on a steady track to realizing his dream. But this also woke him up to realizing what is was they lacked to truly push their clan to greater heights: a successor. Having a successor meant a stable future for their clan, it would send out a message to all the other families that they take their lineage seriously and are dedicated to their future. Tsugumi had always been in love with the idea of being a mother, so when the idea was proposed she jumped at the chance, despite not being entirely sure whether her husband did this out of love or simply for status.
After they were blessed with a successor, a daughter, her husband became even more focused on his goal as it seemed to creep within his grasp ever so slightly. Their marriage had always been very formal, but due to his constant efforts to mingle and spread the clan's influence he rarely had time to spend with his actual family. Yet, Tsugumi was satisfied. She had a newborn daughter (who resembled her closely) to lovingly attend to while her husband worked for the clan's sake. These several years were bliss to Tsugumi, as bonding and being able to spend all her time with her child made her feel complete. Her child was kind and gentle, just like her mother, and seemed to been very interested in learning many things. It was truly a beautiful bond they both shared, and as their baby grew into a young child their connection deepened even further. However, not everything was perfect. Their child, from birth, had always had a fragile immune system and frequently became ill as a result. When the child, who was roughly six years of age at that time, feel sick one harsh winter the entire household and its staff devoted its efforts towards their successor's health. She had become so ill that she was entirely bedridden, their family's physician feared for her life lest she get more thorough examinations. Her husband refused to let any other doctors into the estate, as this might be seen as a sign that they were incapable of handling their own child's health by the other clans. Tsugumi couldn't understand that he would put such things above their daughter's wellbeing, but pressing the issue simply resulted in a cold shoulder from her husband, whom believed their daughter would be fine with the care of their own physician. Instead of being frustrated over the issue, she simply devoted all her attention and worries to caring over their child. But despite this she could only watch her get weaker and weaker. It was during a snowy day that her daughter's health truly fell to a dangerous new low, despite her poor condition and strength she begged her mother to pick her up and let her look outside. Not being able to refuse her poor daughter's request she complied with the utter most caution. As she gazed upon the landscape covered in a blanket of white, it was then that her child said something that moved Tsugumi to her core.
Her child proclaimed the scenery was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. This moved Tsugumi emotionally, as the winter weather was essentially weakening her child to dangerous lows. But her daughter could only see its purity and beauty. After that it didn't take long for her daughter's condition to worsen, and soon after, the child succumbed to her illness.
Shortly after the marriage, their household was bestowed a new head servant, an elderly man named Masane Shousuke, an individual whom had much experience in his trade as well as in life. Shousuke had a very gentle soul which caused Tsugumi and him to connect very well, so much so that their relationship evolved from a master-servant-relationship to that of friendship. He told Tsugumi, who was much younger and had lived a relatively sheltered life, about his experiences and personal philosophies. This interested her deeply as she had always been told what to do and think, she found it wonderful to hear someone reach their own conclusions so seemingly honest and graceful. He in turn admired her respect towards commoners and people in general. For someone who had grown up in a life of nobility and luxury she carried no disdain, disgust or revulsion for those lower in status than her, which was something he found truly exceptional and refreshing. It was thanks to her possessing little to no hate towards any living creature that he had managed to connect so deeply with her. Because of this he swore to dedicate himself to making sure she kept this light within her, becoming a “guardian” towards her.
Many clans of nobility had graces the Asakura household after the wedding, to congratulate them and bestow them with gifts. Tsugumi's husband Kichirou was an excellent conversationalist and thanks to these visits he managed to build steady relations with many of the clan. This caused the Asakura clan to become a very well liked family, systematically gaining standing within the noble "hierarchy". Kichirou had, from a young age onward, dreamt of seeing his clan rise into becoming one of the major houses of nobility, like the Shirotomi or the Ōshima clans. However, joining this exclusive circle is an exceedingly difficult task as it has only happened a few times throughout the course of history. Despite these odds Tsugumi's husband was adamant in reaching his goal, doing everything he believed would let him gain the sympathy and favor of the other clans. Tsugumi of course was expected to adhere to his requests, by acting accordingly to her husband's wishes. While she didn't share in his ambition, she wouldn't stand in the way or purposefully obstruct his dream. Gradually, over the course of many years, the Asakura clan became more known and revered. Tsugumi's lifestyle became more and more luxurious but also more restricted. The more wealthy and relevant her family became, the less freedom remained for her to do as she pleased. The more of a royalty she became, the more chains she gained. She bared this responsibility for her husband's sake, who had become increasingly more focused on his vision. It was thanks to her loyal servant and companion Shousuke whom offered her solace during these times, talking to her about simple things and making sure she could do things she wanted. Doing this made him an irreplaceable friend to Tsugumi, fondly appreciating his efforts despite having no obligation to do these things other than his personal desire to do so.
The real turning point in the family's rise towards the upper echelons of nobility came when they received an invitation from the Shirotomi clan to join them, and a few other families, in a gathering to attend a tea ceremony. While this might not appear that big of a deal at first sight, the underlying message was what meant most. The most influential clan in all of Soul Society had recognized their existence, finding it necessary to invite them. To Tsugumi's husband this meant the world as this confirmed they were on a steady track to realizing his dream. But this also woke him up to realizing what is was they lacked to truly push their clan to greater heights: a successor. Having a successor meant a stable future for their clan, it would send out a message to all the other families that they take their lineage seriously and are dedicated to their future. Tsugumi had always been in love with the idea of being a mother, so when the idea was proposed she jumped at the chance, despite not being entirely sure whether her husband did this out of love or simply for status.
After they were blessed with a successor, a daughter, her husband became even more focused on his goal as it seemed to creep within his grasp ever so slightly. Their marriage had always been very formal, but due to his constant efforts to mingle and spread the clan's influence he rarely had time to spend with his actual family. Yet, Tsugumi was satisfied. She had a newborn daughter (who resembled her closely) to lovingly attend to while her husband worked for the clan's sake. These several years were bliss to Tsugumi, as bonding and being able to spend all her time with her child made her feel complete. Her child was kind and gentle, just like her mother, and seemed to been very interested in learning many things. It was truly a beautiful bond they both shared, and as their baby grew into a young child their connection deepened even further. However, not everything was perfect. Their child, from birth, had always had a fragile immune system and frequently became ill as a result. When the child, who was roughly six years of age at that time, feel sick one harsh winter the entire household and its staff devoted its efforts towards their successor's health. She had become so ill that she was entirely bedridden, their family's physician feared for her life lest she get more thorough examinations. Her husband refused to let any other doctors into the estate, as this might be seen as a sign that they were incapable of handling their own child's health by the other clans. Tsugumi couldn't understand that he would put such things above their daughter's wellbeing, but pressing the issue simply resulted in a cold shoulder from her husband, whom believed their daughter would be fine with the care of their own physician. Instead of being frustrated over the issue, she simply devoted all her attention and worries to caring over their child. But despite this she could only watch her get weaker and weaker. It was during a snowy day that her daughter's health truly fell to a dangerous new low, despite her poor condition and strength she begged her mother to pick her up and let her look outside. Not being able to refuse her poor daughter's request she complied with the utter most caution. As she gazed upon the landscape covered in a blanket of white, it was then that her child said something that moved Tsugumi to her core.
Her child proclaimed the scenery was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. This moved Tsugumi emotionally, as the winter weather was essentially weakening her child to dangerous lows. But her daughter could only see its purity and beauty. After that it didn't take long for her daughter's condition to worsen, and soon after, the child succumbed to her illness.
RP Sample:
Final Acceptance: Read the rules!!!! You have one more step to complete before you are able to post on the site.
Final Acceptance: Read the rules!!!! You have one more step to complete before you are able to post on the site.