So in tune, Arashi paid attention closely to the Captain’s reiatsu, the fluctuation more than anything else. He did not need to see the excitement that knocked at the door to know that his words had brought a grin upon his face. Though the Captain hides it physically, not only did his reiatsu give it away, but so did his eyes. They themselves, being the windows to his soul. He struggled to maintain a proper composure. The Captain at this moment can hide nothing from Arashi. Hiding expressions and emotions has been something he has done all his life. Able to notice the subtle details that it takes to prevent it. Still, it is nice to know that the Captain is appeased by his answer, but it did not go unnoticed, his first answer did not get the same reaction…
Captain Oda responds…
"Suta-san... That second answer was wonderful. From the time we are born into this world to the time we are torn away from it, we are engaged in battle. I was raised on this belief, trained with it, and until the day I die, I shall live with it. I am trying to establish that mentality into this Division that is why everyone you see is on edge. My goal is to instill a sense of battle readiness in this Division so that no matter what happens, no matter where they are, should an invasion take place we will be able to respond and cut down the threat."
Spoken as a true Oda, Arashi will know nothing of this. However, the warrior concept is clear. It does explain to the edge that every member had, even upon his arrival. To make them aware of their surroundings, their every move. A slight shift of his head, he nods. Now the time approaches. What he perceived to be a test, along with it being a lesson. Captain Oda is the proctor, the enemy, the judge. Even without stating that he is such, his role is without a doubt.
Definite
Arashi maintains a casual nature, but just as easy as it is to flip a coin, such causality can change in an instant. Though the statement stands, his blade is drawn even though it still sits within the scabbard. His guard has been up the entire time, well before he stepped foot into the barracks. His senses working in tow, having expanded through the training room the instant his foot touched the floor of this new environment. Once his gaze finished laying the area, his attention returned to Captain Oda. He began his instruction, the rules, the objective.
"Zankensoki (「斬」「拳」「走」「鬼」, Cut-Fist-Run-Spirit) This is a term you may have heard in the Academy it represents the four forms of combat we Shinigami use. Zan: sword combat, Ken: Hand to hand or Hakuda, So: mobility techniques or Shunpo, and lastly what this Division and Kido Corps excel in Ki: Kido. While we excel in Kido I do not think we should focus on that alone. Should someone close the gap between you and them you will be forced to use Zanjutsu or Hakuda. So today we will be focusing on those two, which means no Shunpo and no Kido. We can do a free-for-all or you two can team up and fight against me. -
Reiterating the teachings of the Academy. Lessons that have been burned into the web of his mind, stuck far greater than the purpose of glue and duct-tape. Somethings are never to be forgotten, what he speaks are indeed on that list. What his goal is, becomes clear, and though the understanding of kido is important Arashi is not able to use. Not even the practice of Shunpo can be exerted. Resorting to Hakuda and Zanjutsu, one Arashi has mastered in his past field of work. Now he must summon the knowledge and experience in Hakuda to best Captain Oda. No easy feat…
Captain oda continues…
- Lastly, Suta-san, your first answer is lacking. Worrying about if they are a friend or foe, wanting to make a sanctioned sparring match worrying about those things causes hesitation. Let's use Shirogane for an example, would you have tried to cut him down for his obvious treachery or would you have tried to understand him first?"
A fair point… Arashi can see that his question is geared towards the enemy, whether they are a comrade, friend, family, it did not matter. Arashi had another question to answer now, one that will undoubtedly weigh on his mind. With no immediate answer, his smile begins to disappear slowly, his eyes opening just a bit for his gaze to be revealed to both Himari and Tenzen. What they will see, what they will feel. Is utter silence; no expression of anger, doubt, worry, confusion.
The tension becomes palpable, intensified further by the gaze that Arashi carries. His point is made. The point is caught and understood before it is dissected and instilled into his brain. A chance to think about another answer, yet- again, even Himari, though indirectly. Arashi understood, but he did not have an answer. He will not verbally express this…
Captain Oda’s eyes become a glare in the direction of Arashi, he speaks his final statement…
"If you want to fight someone, you just attack."
Simple, yet, a calling to battle. It seemingly became the catalyst for the first strike. Captain Oda Dashes towards Arashi, no hesitation, no hindrance in his advancement. His statement becomes an instruction and in tandem, becomes an action. A lesson made to be learned in the heat of the moment. Arashi’s smile, once diminishing, returns. His eyes once opened, closes. The spiritual pressure of Captain Oda channeled and focused. He felt this, and he saw this all the same. Through the slits of his eyes, he could see clearly. His hand though opened, closed, Arashi is not fooled by this action. He did not believe that Captain Oda would betray the rules he has set, but the enemy is not honorable and with that in mind, he is at the ready.
The focal point of strength, the extended knuckle, aimed to strike between Arashi’s eyes. Arashi had put himself in motion, his left foot coming forward as the coming
fist/knuckle is inches away from striking. Ashi drops his center of gravity, the Captain’s fist and along with his arm goes whizzing over the top of his head, tracing along his hair.
Whooosh!, the seamless speed of Ashi’s movements fluid and without fault. Concurrently to him lowering himself, his right hand moves in utter silence and at an unprecedented speed, wrapping around the handle. His next movement performed within the movement he had just performed, side-stepping with his left foot taking the lead. He pivots upon said foot to get to Captain Oda’s left side, just as his strike is missing. The goal to catch him in mid-action…
Arashi remained in close, drawing his sword in tandem.
NOT to slash and cut the Captain, but to strike with the top of the handle.
Onibi A Zanjutsu skill used to strike with a blunt surface. Arashi’s spiritual energy is channeled in great droves, instantaneously to the impact point of his weapon. While the devastating force of this attack is meant to leave a massive hole, Captain Oda would receive a bruise upon the surface and a couple fractured ribs upon contact and in tow be sent away from Arashi with unrelenting force. Arashi’s action working in unison. With mastered control in all his actions there is no lack of skill or focus upon the precision of his strike and movements. They could change, within the fraction of a second.
His reiatsu remained tucked away, refined and sharpened. His intelligence and thought process the same. He knew well even in the midst of his performance that Captain Oda did not attack aimlessly. The moment his blade is drawn whether the attack lands or not, the blade of Hoshizora has already disappeared, faster than the eye can blink. His blade is broken into bits and pieces of light that work at high speeds to spread across the room, hidden within the lighting. He release his
Shikai without speaking a single word. He’d still sheath his
”blade” as if there is one still, in tow he would continue to move even as he strikes, getting to the Captain’s blind side, remaining close until the time comes where he doesn’t need to be. Which will be soon to come. His zanpakuto, remained as is, giving the illusion that he had not released his Shikai, but the Captain in all his intelligence battle sense, he will notice that the room has become undoubtedly
brighter.
In the midst of this, even through the questions, the instructions, the explanations. Himari remained quiet. Her presence did not go unregistered for her decision will determine if this will be a free-for-all or a two on one altercation. She hesitated... Her thoughts weigh on her ability to act. She is stuck for the moment, contemplating her next move, well, her first move… By now, Captain oda had already struck, Arashi had already made his move in a counter attack against him. If she hesitates like this in training, she will surely die at the hands of her enemy, but she must make her mistakes in training, so that she doesn't die in combat.
Her decision has been made, making an ally out of Arashi Suta. At least for the moment that is, but just like Captain Oda who has been struck by his attack or not, they both will find themselves surrounded by the light, that is his shikai. If Captain Oda had any recollection of what his Zanpakuto can do from two months ago, then he will quickly understand just how dangerous he can truly be… Arashi remains vigilant, his stance centered, but very easily mobile. His right hand remained around the handle. Never did his natural expression leave his face. Quite frankly, he is enjoying himself...
