Hiroka walks down the path of the dimly lit Dangai, his right arm resting on the handle of his Zanpakuto. He raises his left arm upward taking a look at his
Tendoriru o Tanoshimu that was wrapped firmly around his forearm. It wasn't certain if he'd end up using it, but it was certainly a good surprise should he need it. A battle with a Captain, something he had longed for since his arrival within the Gotei 13 following his graduation from the academy. Now a member of the Eleventh, his desire to continue pressing the boundaries of his limits had only grown. Often Hiroka's desire to continue training was due to a bit of insecurity in his current strength. His anger of the past however, pushed away his doubt and gave him the resolve to break through his previous limit of power. This was going to be a test of strength; one that would definitely strain his physical ability but also his mental as well.. It was through this reality that he knew he couldn't go with haphazard strategies. He steels himself as he shakes away his typical temptation for recklessness, approaching the shōji of the Senkaimon.
Taking a quick second to meditate and relax himself, a devilish grin spread across his face as he re-opened his eyes. Excitement was overtaking him, pushing away the nerves that made him overthink the extent of his training. He went forth, brimming with energy and determination, arriving in the place known as the
Valley of Screams. His eyes narrowed at the piercing light that overtook him as he stepped into the rather desolate stone-scape. He took in his surroundings, mentally approving the inevitable location of battle, happy to see there was no harm to using Ikarihime at its strongest. Spotting a high plateau, he quickly rushed to the top of it, drawing another deep breath before removing his sword from its scabbard. Normally he'd revel in opening with a display of Hakuda but this was combat with a Captain and wanted to appear as professional as possible. Though,there was nothing really stopping him from mixing Hakuda with the use of his Zanjustu, in fact that was most likely more optimal.
Awaiting the arrival of the leading officer of the Fifth, Hiroka ran a few scenarios through his mind. There's always an unpredictability to combat after all, especially when his opponent’s techniques were unknown to him. This didn’t dissuade him from thinking of at least some plausible uncomfortable events that could transpire, he was in a way his own worst enemy and if anything, this was a nice mental warm up. Despite always thirsting for a stronger opponent to fight, his methods were not often barbaric in nature as some might assume, but instead calculated. He couldn’t deny that there were times when bloodlust set in, but even then that only drew out less restraint during battle. His right hand raised and clutched at the left side of his chest above his Reiatsu seal, the
Yūgure no Hiru. It would eventually need to be removed, but before then he did wonder how far he could go with thirty percent of his power. His spiritual pressure was almost always in check and within his control while wearing the patch, though it was wild and destructive when removed. It mainly acted as safeguard for others’ protection from his Reiatsu, but then again, that wasn't needed here.
Despite Hiroka's mind going through varying tactics, he remained vigilant to any sudden movements. His mind was capable of adapting strategies on a whim even in the middle of combat, relying on reflexes alone to preserve himself while formulating a plan of action. He was unfamiliar with the nature of these tests, would the Captain simply strike right out at first sight? Or would there be some form of formality prior to their brawl. Hiroka's body remained rather calm until he caught wind of Tenzen, his hand steadily gripping the hilt of his Zanpakuto ready to defend himself.
Hiroka kept his expression neutral, showing no emotion towards the blonde man. Though he did not know his opponent, he did not wish to hold an aggressive face to his superior. Tentatively he motioned to bow making sure to remain ready for anything just in case.
"Greetings, Captain Oda." Hiroka greeted carefully returning to a cautious posture before the Kidō Corps Commander.. The man seemed to give off a sensation of inner calm, a contrast to his own fiery and ferocious will.
"I look forward to our battle. It's an honor to have this opportunity."
Although the meaning of his greeting was sincere, his delivery was not. The excitement within Hiroka was beginning to boil over, the intensity only rivaling his determination in claiming the title of Captain. And with that title, he would be one step closer to pursuing the title of
Kenpachi. Although it wasn't a requirement in reaching that goal, this was the path he aspired to follow. Needless to say as well, he did have a general desire to take lead of his division into the future of the Seireitei; especially with the ever present tensions between the factions of the realms.