Third Division Barracks
Asahi's Living Quarters
Sunlight breached the boundaries of the nearby window, reaching the face of the unconscious shinigami. Warmth caressed his face, whispering gently to start the day. Asahi took to life, opening his eyes to see the white of the ceiling above, taking a moment to adjust. His body moved to that of a sitting position with his hands rising to rub at his eyes. A yawn slipped out from his maw, breaking the silence that hung over his quarters.
Scanning across his residence he subconsciously processed all that laid within. A workbench sat in one corner, alchemic tools meticulously placed upon its surface. Storage containers and various plushies taking up a majority of the remaining space. Clutched within the embrace of a large pink bear was none other than the Clown's zanpakuto, Minaoshi. His optics stopped at that sight, forming a smile upon his face.
Swinging his figure to the side, he touched down his feet upon a small fluffy area rug beside the bed. His toes curled at the stray fibers for a moment up until he brought himself to a stand. Asahi reached for the heavens above, letting out a drawn-out groan. Three paces forward and the shinigami stretched backward, touching his palms to the ground behind him. Holding that for about a minute, he brought his legs up from the ground, aiming them upwards. Outstretching his left arm to the side, the male balanced upon one hand, closing his eyes. It was a routine of his when waking to stretch and practice balance, an act that he found most enjoyable. Being a master contortionist and acrobat was mostly a hobby, but they sometimes find combative practicality.
After he felt his balancing could come to an end, Asahi worked his way back to his feet.
"TA-DA!!!"
He exclaimed as if there was an audience to observe the feat, chuckling to himself with a playful tone. Even alone he could amuse himself, finding fun in the smallest things. Over a short time, he ran through his hygienic routine, changed into his uniform, and took note of his daily planner. Asahi retrieved his weapon, glancing at it with an excited expression.
"Goooood morning! It's time to start our day. ♥"
Strapping the lengthy blade onto his back, he took to the hallway outside from his quarters, watching other shinigami of the Third go about their way. Where solitude managed to be enough for him, the presence of others meant more possibilities. Everyone had such varying personalities, priorities, and perspectives, adding a unique flavor to every day. The mundane and repetitious tasks could be spiced up just by a different face being added to the equation. It also helped that there wasn't really anyone that Asahi didn't like to some capacity. Those who may house some animosity towards him still received respect for their disposition and would present them with a smile. Some may call this a weakness if taken at the surface, but this delivery of kindness never conflicted with the task at hand. There was always an acknowledgment of who was a threat or not, who must be killed or saved, regardless of the way he treated others. It was not above him to eliminate anyone who posed a threat to the goals of the Soul Society.
Shinigami in passing greeted Asahi, something he returned with a personal response to each friendly and familiar face. Not many had any foul feelings for him. That was to say that there was no reason to. Sure there may be a few that find his constant bright nature a bit unsettling. How could anyone be so unphased by conflict, death, and serious situations? Was it an act? What could be hidden behind a mask with crescent-shaped lips? His demeanor did raise these alarms but to most it was comforting. A refreshing air from the jaded and angsty soldiers that often filled the ranks of the Gotei 13.
Shin'ō Academy
The Shinigami Academy
Eventually, the Clown's stride brought him through the gateway of the Shin'ō Academy. Beholding the newest entries into the institution with an overflowing amount of excitement. The scurrying bodies clad in outfits accented with blue and red, decided by the gender of the individual wearing it. His step came to a pause, appreciating the sight at hand. Any of those before him could end up doing something absolutely amazing.
Asahi made a path for the external training grounds intended for practical lessons in Kidō. His expertise laid within the understanding, application of various spells, and his favorite part, finding ways to use them in unique ways. Kidō was a tool, no different than a blade or one's own body. The limitations to their use were only truly defined by the way the individual can think at the given moment. One could perceive a spell simply as a means to injure or incapacitate an opponent, or they can think outside of that box and find the limitless potential of that single spell.
There was a bit of a hop in the male's step as he made his way to the small group of students that awaited his arrival at the training grounds. They mingled amongst themselves up until they saw him approaching, altering their posture to one that displayed more discipline. Asahi closed the distance and soon stood before them, eyeing them over for a moment with a stern look, one that did not last long.
"It's another wonderful day for training! Last time we discussed proper form and theories involving the execution of Kidō. You've all demonstrated the ability to utilize the first few spells of both Hadō and Bakudō."
Asahi turned and took a few paces away from the group, making a circle before beginning to head back towards them.
"Spellcraft isn't simply about using it at face value. You have to be able to adapt. Adapt to your opponent. Adapt to your environment. Adapt to your own weaknesses. More times than not, lacking fluidity will result in..."
The Fifth Seat stopped only a few centimeters before one of the trainee's faces, looking them straight in the eye with a twisted expression.
"Death!"
The cadet's face became flushed, uncertain of what to do in this given situation. The stare seemed to go on for an eternity after the final and weighted word. Was this some kind of threat? A scare tactic? Or just a simple truth? The same sentiment resonated within the others that stood nearby. The tension would be broken by a set of giggles making their way out from the officer. His step taking him back to where he stood before, all while giving the brightest of smiles.
"I want to run some practical drills. Buuuut fiiiiirst~ ★"
Wandering over to an equipment rack the short shinigami grasped at a bokken and tossed it at the first trainee he saw. She clutched at it firmly but held a look of confusion.
"I- I thought we were going to be practicing Kidō?"
"We are! It wouldn't be much of a demonstration of versatility if we solely relied on spells. More often than not those opposing you will not even know Kidō! So you of course have to be prepared for ways to succeed in an exchange with the other taking a different approach!"
Asahi pranced his way away from the group a bit, beckoning just the female cadet he had given the wooden sword. She approached unsure of what was going to occur but tried to wear a face of sheer confidence. Standing only a few feet apart the Clown stood with his arms behind his back, one hand wrapping around the wrist of another. His eyes closed and a joyful smile was painted upon his face in the brightest of colors.
"Attack me! Whatever way you like!"
The junior shinigami looked back at her peers for a moment then back at the unmoving man before her. His posture giving no sign of any immediate defense, which gave her a bit of unease. She shook the thought away as it was her directive to strike. Gripping the bokken at two points she lowered it before her, extending a foot before her figure, the other behind. Sliding into range of Asahi, her arms raised the weapon above her head. Tightening her grasp and priming a breath she followed through with a downward slash aligned centered with the smiling male.
Only centimeters from making contact, Asahi took a step outward and forward, moving away from the path of the blade. He raised his right hand with just his index finger extended, aligning it with the midpoint of the training weapon. His eyes slowly opened as his maw opened to utter but one word.
"Shō."
A burst of energy collided with the center of the bokken, applying a force that pushed the blade further off course. The student desperately tried not to lose her weapon, putting all her focus upon not being disarmed, fighting against the force as much as she could. Asahi took advantage of this by reaching forward with his free arm, bending it soon after, and descending it upon her back. Matching that instance of contact, he swept out her legs from beneath her, thrusting her into a path to collision with the ground. Right before her face would meet with the dirt her momentum would stop. The male had grasped at the back of her uniform, preventing the impact. He brought her back to a stand and then looked towards the other students.
"Ya always gotta keep your enemies on their toes!. Kidō is best served as a big surprise! Sure it can just be an outward power but being sneaky works sooo much better. Even if the spell itself is proven ineffective, it could still hold value to create an opening. Creativity is a limit breaker!"
The trainees nodded to their instructor's statements, taking mental notes of what had transpired, working their own theories of future applications. The session continued with the group breaking into pairs and testing ways of utilizing their spells on the fly to get an advantage over the other. All while Asahi sat upon the ground with his legs crossed, enjoying a small bag of candies he drew out from the lining of his hakama. Today, just as every other, was going to be a wonderful day.
Third Division Barracks
Asahi's Living Quarters
Sunlight breached the boundaries of the nearby window, reaching the face of the unconscious shinigami. Warmth caressed his face, whispering gently to start the day. Asahi took to life, opening his eyes to see the white of the ceiling above, taking a moment to adjust. His body moved to that of a sitting position with his hands rising to rub at his eyes. A yawn slipped out from his maw, breaking the silence that hung over his quarters.
Scanning across his residence he subconsciously processed all that laid within. A workbench sat in one corner, alchemic tools meticulously placed upon its surface. Storage containers and various plushies taking up a majority of the remaining space. Clutched within the embrace of a large pink bear was none other than the Clown's zanpakuto, Minaoshi. His optics stopped at that sight, forming a smile upon his face.
Swinging his figure to the side, he touched down his feet upon a small fluffy area rug beside the bed. His toes curled at the stray fibers for a moment up until he brought himself to a stand. Asahi reached for the heavens above, letting out a drawn-out groan. Three paces forward and the shinigami stretched backward, touching his palms to the ground behind him. Holding that for about a minute, he brought his legs up from the ground, aiming them upwards. Outstretching his left arm to the side, the male balanced upon one hand, closing his eyes. It was a routine of his when waking to stretch and practice balance, an act that he found most enjoyable. Being a master contortionist and acrobat was mostly a hobby, but they sometimes find combative practicality.
After he felt his balancing could come to an end, Asahi worked his way back to his feet.
"TA-DA!!!"
He exclaimed as if there was an audience to observe the feat, chuckling to himself with a playful tone. Even alone he could amuse himself, finding fun in the smallest things. Over a short time, he ran through his hygienic routine, changed into his uniform, and took note of his daily planner. Asahi retrieved his weapon, glancing at it with an excited expression.
"Goooood morning! It's time to start our day. ♥"
Strapping the lengthy blade onto his back, he took to the hallway outside from his quarters, watching other shinigami of the Third go about their way. Where solitude managed to be enough for him, the presence of others meant more possibilities. Everyone had such varying personalities, priorities, and perspectives, adding a unique flavor to every day. The mundane and repetitious tasks could be spiced up just by a different face being added to the equation. It also helped that there wasn't really anyone that Asahi didn't like to some capacity. Those who may house some animosity towards him still received respect for their disposition and would present them with a smile. Some may call this a weakness if taken at the surface, but this delivery of kindness never conflicted with the task at hand. There was always an acknowledgment of who was a threat or not, who must be killed or saved, regardless of the way he treated others. It was not above him to eliminate anyone who posed a threat to the goals of the Soul Society.
Shinigami in passing greeted Asahi, something he returned with a personal response to each friendly and familiar face. Not many had any foul feelings for him. That was to say that there was no reason to. Sure there may be a few that find his constant bright nature a bit unsettling. How could anyone be so unphased by conflict, death, and serious situations? Was it an act? What could be hidden behind a mask with crescent-shaped lips? His demeanor did raise these alarms but to most it was comforting. A refreshing air from the jaded and angsty soldiers that often filled the ranks of the Gotei 13.
Shin'ō Academy
The Shinigami Academy
Eventually, the Clown's stride brought him through the gateway of the Shin'ō Academy. Beholding the newest entries into the institution with an overflowing amount of excitement. The scurrying bodies clad in outfits accented with blue and red, decided by the gender of the individual wearing it. His step came to a pause, appreciating the sight at hand. Any of those before him could end up doing something absolutely amazing.
Asahi made a path for the external training grounds intended for practical lessons in Kidō. His expertise laid within the understanding, application of various spells, and his favorite part, finding ways to use them in unique ways. Kidō was a tool, no different than a blade or one's own body. The limitations to their use were only truly defined by the way the individual can think at the given moment. One could perceive a spell simply as a means to injure or incapacitate an opponent, or they can think outside of that box and find the limitless potential of that single spell.
There was a bit of a hop in the male's step as he made his way to the small group of students that awaited his arrival at the training grounds. They mingled amongst themselves up until they saw him approaching, altering their posture to one that displayed more discipline. Asahi closed the distance and soon stood before them, eyeing them over for a moment with a stern look, one that did not last long.
"It's another wonderful day for training! Last time we discussed proper form and theories involving the execution of Kidō. You've all demonstrated the ability to utilize the first few spells of both Hadō and Bakudō."
Asahi turned and took a few paces away from the group, making a circle before beginning to head back towards them.
"Spellcraft isn't simply about using it at face value. You have to be able to adapt. Adapt to your opponent. Adapt to your environment. Adapt to your own weaknesses. More times than not, lacking fluidity will result in..."
The Fifth Seat stopped only a few centimeters before one of the trainee's faces, looking them straight in the eye with a twisted expression.
"Death!"
The cadet's face became flushed, uncertain of what to do in this given situation. The stare seemed to go on for an eternity after the final and weighted word. Was this some kind of threat? A scare tactic? Or just a simple truth? The same sentiment resonated within the others that stood nearby. The tension would be broken by a set of giggles making their way out from the officer. His step taking him back to where he stood before, all while giving the brightest of smiles.
"I want to run some practical drills. Buuuut fiiiiirst~ ★"
Wandering over to an equipment rack the short shinigami grasped at a bokken and tossed it at the first trainee he saw. She clutched at it firmly but held a look of confusion.
"I- I thought we were going to be practicing Kidō?"
"We are! It wouldn't be much of a demonstration of versatility if we solely relied on spells. More often than not those opposing you will not even know Kidō! So you of course have to be prepared for ways to succeed in an exchange with the other taking a different approach!"
Asahi pranced his way away from the group a bit, beckoning just the female cadet he had given the wooden sword. She approached unsure of what was going to occur but tried to wear a face of sheer confidence. Standing only a few feet apart the Clown stood with his arms behind his back, one hand wrapping around the wrist of another. His eyes closed and a joyful smile was painted upon his face in the brightest of colors.
"Attack me! Whatever way you like!"
The junior shinigami looked back at her peers for a moment then back at the unmoving man before her. His posture giving no sign of any immediate defense, which gave her a bit of unease. She shook the thought away as it was her directive to strike. Gripping the bokken at two points she lowered it before her, extending a foot before her figure, the other behind. Sliding into range of Asahi, her arms raised the weapon above her head. Tightening her grasp and priming a breath she followed through with a downward slash aligned centered with the smiling male.
Only centimeters from making contact, Asahi took a step outward and forward, moving away from the path of the blade. He raised his right hand with just his index finger extended, aligning it with the midpoint of the training weapon. His eyes slowly opened as his maw opened to utter but one word.
"Shō."
A burst of energy collided with the center of the bokken, applying a force that pushed the blade further off course. The student desperately tried not to lose her weapon, putting all her focus upon not being disarmed, fighting against the force as much as she could. Asahi took advantage of this by reaching forward with his free arm, bending it soon after, and descending it upon her back. Matching that instance of contact, he swept out her legs from beneath her, thrusting her into a path to collision with the ground. Right before her face would meet with the dirt her momentum would stop. The male had grasped at the back of her uniform, preventing the impact. He brought her back to a stand and then looked towards the other students.
"Ya always gotta keep your enemies on their toes!. Kidō is best served as a big surprise! Sure it can just be an outward power but being sneaky works sooo much better. Even if the spell itself is proven ineffective, it could still hold value to create an opening. Creativity is a limit breaker!"
The trainees nodded to their instructor's statements, taking mental notes of what had transpired, working their own theories of future applications. The session continued with the group breaking into pairs and testing ways of utilizing their spells on the fly to get an advantage over the other. All while Asahi sat upon the ground with his legs crossed, enjoying a small bag of candies he drew out from the lining of his hakama. Today, just as every other, was going to be a wonderful day.