“It's my job as an instructor to teach others how to compensate for their weaknesses.”
“My dear lost one, your parents failed in raising you, allow me to guide you in their stead.”
“If you become what you’re afraid of, your fear will fade.”
“I wanna mess up this world so much that it won't even be possible to reset it!”
Fugōri (Lit.不合理;
"Madman"),
Shishō (Lit.師匠;
"Esteemed Instructor"),
Piero (Lit.ピエロ;
"Clown"),
Otonashī Otoko (Lit.おとなしい男;
"Obedient Man")
Character Name: Ensō Aikawa
Name Meaning: Ensō (Lit.(円相;
"Circle"), Aikawa (Lit.愛川;
"River")
Actual Age: 600
Physical Age: 25
Race: Soul Born
Birthday: November 11th
Gender: Male
Height: 180cm (5'9" ft)
Weight: 66kg (145lbs)
Blood Type: O-
Affiliation: Gotei 13, Seretei,
Profession: Shinigami, Teacher
Title: Vicehead Instructor of the Shin'ō Academy
Position:3rd Seat
Division: 3rd Division
Partner(s): Although Ensō is an instructor, he does not have a particular partner or squad, electing to forge relationships with those inside and outside of his division, as he sees it as a learning opportunity to hone his skills as well as a chance to gain influence with others, not limiting himself to seated members of a division; his "kind" personality remains extremely respectful towards Lieutenants and Captains.
Base of Operations: Soul Society, Seireitei — 3rd Division Barracks, Shin'ō Academy
Notable Features:
Ensō is a fairly tall and has dark, medium-length iris-colored hair that is parted on his right, which typically covers his left eye when he is not in combat. The man has crimson eyes that let off a soft and warm inviting feeling when he is putting on his instructor façade and not allowing for his sadistic nature to seep out. Unlike many who have been battle-hardened, the Shinigami typically wears a soft smile that can quickly blossom into a rather grotesque smirk given the right conditions. Like other Shinigami, he wears the standard Shinigami uniform, called
Shihakushō (死覇装, Garment of Dead Souls) - a white shitagi, a black kosode, a black hakama, a white hakama-himo, white tabi, and waraji. The black kosode has the 3rd Division’s insignia embedded into the clothing. Although he does not hold the rank of Lieutenant, he does have the sigil necessary to be summoned as such when appropriate, especially given the lack of 3rd Division members and his rank of Senior officer granted by his position as 3rd seat.
Personality:
At first, Ensō appears to have a normal and quiet personality. He seems to be extremely polite and soft-spoken, respecting of his superiors, which often allows for others to mistake him for a kiss-ass. He has been praised and highly regarded by those that have watched him teach and seen him in battle as a talented Shinigami, so much so that despite him holding the position of 3rd seat, he can withstand missions that would require a partner or two. However, this facade is used to mask his true motivations and allegiances. In truth, Ensō cares little for other Shinigami, let alone Captains and would manipulate and kill them or even use them as human shields when deemed necessary.
In contrast to his previous demeanor, the man delights in mocking others and often tosses out flippant remarks to his superiors or those he dislikes when his façade is shattered. He can be quite gruesome at times as he has trapped a Hollow before, cutting it into pieces just for the fun of it to see if Hollows of lower intelligence could truly feel pain when subjected to torture. Ensō has displayed a very duplicitous nature, making him capable of infiltrating other divisions while disguising his intentions in order to further his plans under the guise of a venerable instructor from the 3rd Division.
In spite of this, when looking past the Shinigami's many masks and faces, he's in fact a broken man who knew he was destined to live a short life but defied destiny itself. From a very early age, Ensō knew that Shinigami like him were subject to annihilation from Hollows at any moment, so he decided that he'd destroy everything beyond the point of being able to restore it — there won't be room for a "factory reset." His world view is a nihilistic one; everything will end, so it's not wrong to take advantage of the toys within the world that have been brought to him and have fun with them.
Relatives:
Although shrouded in mystery, Ensō is aware that his parents have been deceased for quite some time. In fact, they died by his own hands as he puts it. He watched as a hollow devoured his parents, purposefully delaying the Shinigami's attempt to save them at the time, which resulted in their death. He recalls the fake tears falling from his face and off of his cheeks until the Soul Reaper took him to safety and a quiet place where he could be alone and not heard: it was here that his smile and cackle burst forth after he thought about how he'd caused those who had given him life to perish.
Reiryoku Level:
Immense Spiritual Power
Many aren't quite aware of the 3rd Seat's Immense Spiritual Energy. Given his position and feigned quiet nature, it comes as a surprise to those that are able to witness the depths of his spiritual pressure that his reserves are far larger than most beings. While his Reiryoku is certainly immense and seemingly endless to those capable of sensing it, it is also quite the terrifying and imposing force. Though it is masked by his master control over his Reiryoku, the spiritual energy that he holds is terrifying for many reasons, which have to do with the maddening effect that it can have on others as it imposes itself on them and puts a heavy strain on their body, making them question whether or not his Spiritual Pools are that of a Shinigami, let alone a person of his rank. Blessed with reserves this high from a young age, he quickly managed to master his control of them, as they do not leak out as they used to, which often caused him issues early on in his life as a Soul Born.
Sensing Reiryoku: Expert
Reikaku (Lit.霊覚;
"Spiritual Sense")
If one is unable to sense that which is around them, can they truly be productive on the battlefield? This is a question that Ensō has often asked his students to think about, which he recalls reflecting on himself early within his life. With no mother or father figure around to teach him, he had to learn on his own. But such a twisted man knew exactly where he wanted to go and what he wanted to do. As an Expert in sensing Reiryoku, it's not uncommon for the man to detect other spiritual energies that have been suppressed or duplicated; allowing for him to even sense through after-images that have a tangible presence. Thanks to his sensory capabilities, he is aware of when to pick and choose his fights, albeit, sometimes he lets his vehement bloodlust get the better of him at times. When teaching others on how to sense Reiryoku, the man often hones in on a specific spiritual energy, processing the details in real-time and relaying them to a student; sudden shifts in reiatsu, the release of one's suppression, and when one excites their Reiryoku in order to begin an attack are just a few examples.
Being able to intercept an opponent's attack as its forming can be the key to life or death, there is no in-between when it comes to this. Ensō always says that it's far better to be proactive rather than reactive, as being reactive can have one on the defensive more than they'd like to be. Feats such as categorizing those who are Shinigami, Hollow, Captain, Lieutenant, or those that he wishes to keep an eye on are easy. Their spiritual energy is something that he simply cannot forget, especially given the fact that he wishes to prey on many people and
feel their emotions mix in with their Reiryoku when possible; after all, it gives him quite the rush of adrenaline. As a Master of controlling his Reiryoku, the Shinigami is aware of how important is to be for one to be on their guard at all times, which is often necessary as an instructor — more so than one would think, given that students can be quite rowdy in sometime violent ways. Although some may attempt to circumvent his sensory capabilities and take him off-guard depending on their mastery of Reiryoku, the man is not taken off guard when a presence that was already immense begins to exude vast levels of spiritual energy or pressure, as it makes the situation more entertaining to find out that an enemy is stronger than he assessed.
Reiryoku Control: Mastered Control
In order to hone one’s abilities, they must first understand the very foundation that they stem from; that is to say Spiritual Energy. Ensō has refined his mastery of Reiryoku to a degree in which he can fine-tune his Reiatsu to allow for him to project it in different directions. More often than not, this causes his opponents to believe he is in a different place or attacking from a different angle than what they're perceiving. Having been born with rather large reserves that caused the man to pass by mountains of corpses due to his Reiryoku levels leaking out of his body, he deemed that it would be necessary to Master his energy if he was to be of any use. Unlike most, he was able to achieve mastery of his Reiryoku within his first hundred years as a Soul Born, a feat that is typically unheard of. Because of his true nature and the effects that his Spiritual Energy can have on others, the man appears not only to be physically weak, but rather weak in regard to his spiritual reserves to those that are not masters of sensory. Although even a master has their downfalls, as the man has been able to mask the maddening effects of his Reiatsu from even Captain level individuals, electing to only seldomly and briefly release it when necessary. Because of this, the 3rd Seat’s energy remains wrapped around him like a spider’s web, entangling those who would dare to look beneath the surface.
While he need not rely on his Mastery of Reiryoku in order to bolster his physical strength and durability, he most certainly can do so in order to stop a heinous physical attack or Kido from having the desired effect on him. Enhancing his overall attributes has even become second nature, as his job as a teacher has allowed him to continue to hone his abilities and hold up the 3rd Division’s reputation of being well-rounded. It is not uncommon for the man to release bursts of his Reiatsu or during combat, which can result in a delay in his opponent’s movements, because of the sheer presence, pressure, or effects that his energy has on others. Thanks to his fine control, the man has never succumbed to exhaustion of his reserves and can forego the majority of incantations for his Kido, even those of a higher level without them losing their potency.
Reiatsu: Master —
Reiatsu Type: Standard —
Reiatsu Color: Pale Violet
Perhaps the reason as to why the 3rd Seat has accumulated so many bodies is due to the sheer strength of his Reiatsu. Working in tandem with his Reiryoku control, the man's Reiatsu is typically non-existent or can be exerted in a very subtle way, which is particularly effective against those who don't see him as a threat. Given the effect that his Reiatsu has on others, it goes without saying that this, too, is kept under wraps in order to conceal his power levels and to ensure that he no longer leaves piles of corpses in his wake. Many believe that the man is a novice given his secretive nature. To reveal one's trump card is, after all, foolish if they're not prepared for repercussions. As a dirty fighter, the man will utilize his Reiatsu in the midst of battle, electing to either allow its full effect work in tandem with his Zanjutsu, or he will plant the seeds of madness within his opponents, gradually making their moves sloppy and predictable. When releasing his Reiatsu, the man can do so in a way that allows for his spiritual energy's color to be seen, or it can manifest in a transparent way; sneaking up on a foe only to delve them into the depths of madness. Techniques such as spreading his Reiatsu across vast distances with no strain allow for the man to become a manifestation of terror on the battlefield. From destroying the surrounding environment to keeping up with others who exert their Reiatsu, the man has no issues in flexing his mastery when necessary to show that he can indeed stand toe-to-toe with even Captain-level opponents, leaving those with lesser spiritual energy and mastery to a fate that he finds to be rather delightful.
Reiatsu Effect(s):
Maddening:
Madness is abundant everywhere; whether one likes to believe it or not. The inner voice that calls one forth and begs to be let out. Bloodlust, laughter, joy in solemn; there are many maddening things within the world, and Ensō firmly believes that everyone has a loose hinge to some degree, whether or not it's repressed is another story. To live and die by the blade is a prime example: One does it because it's their duty, but can they truly say that they don't enjoy the feeling of their blade making its way through a body like a scalpel peeling through all seven layers of the skin? Perhaps they can, but he would call them liars. When exuding his masterful control over his Reiatsu, the man's own emotions tend to affect what
type of madness is brought forth from a person. As a person who is viewed as relatively tame and controlled, those who feel the man's Reiatsu get a large glimpse at who he truly is — a sadistic jokester with a nihilistic view on the world. When people come into contact with Ensō's maddening Reiatsu, they find allies turning into enemies, their bodies appear to be foreign, causing claustrophobia to set in and make them chip away at their own body. Even those that would call themselves medics — a job that involves saving others — find themselves harming others with the illest intent possible, causing them to lose their restraint entirely. Hallucinations are not uncommon for those that can't handle the effect of this Reiatsu, but bloodlust and little restraint that results in sloppy fighting certainly is. Like a shadow growing larger as the Sun moves across the sky, the Shinigami's madness can manifest itself rather subtlety, planting the seed of discord, or it can cause outright insanity if he so wishes.
Paralysis
Yet another effect that finds itself utilized to the fullest when exercised by Ensō, his Reiatsu is capable of paralyzing an opponent, keeping them seated in their place like a good student. This form of his Reiatsu can work in tandem with his more predominant maddening effect, but can also be used exclusively. More often than not, when flaring his Spiritual Pressure, the Shinigami does so in a way that manifests through certain motions such as a blank stare or even a surprisingly "warm" smile. With his paralyzing Reiatsu working in tandem with his Reiryoku Mastery, it is not out of the realm of possibilities for the man to focus his Reiatsu on a specific part of an individual's body, causing a rather massive delay in their response while targeting their body's functions, which can lead to a rather lethal aftermath.
Zanjutsu Level: Master Swordsman
Zanjutsu (斬術, Swordsmanship; Viz
"Art of the Sword")
In order to touch a weapon, let alone a Zanpakutō, one must understand that their blade will become engulfed with the blood of their enemies. Even if one says that they hold such conviction, they often find themselves faltering when holding a blade. From a rather young age, Ensō wielded various types of blades, ultimately coming to wield his own Zanpakutō and truly know what it's capable of whilst in its sealed form. Although not one to shy away from unleashing his Shikai or Bankai, the Shinigami prefers to make as much use of every weapon in his arsenal as possible, especially his primary weapon. When using his Zanpakutō, the man will often wield it alongside his sheath, electing to make full use of the scabbard as a weapon itself, as it is not something to be underestimated. It's quite difficult to tell how the man is going to strike given his style of fighting, as it revolves around the idea that he can flow like water, taking any shape he pleases but ultimately drowning his opponents with his superior skill.
There are many forms of combat, and much like water, he adapts as he needs to. Over the years, Ensō has developed a fighting style that excels in footwork, fluidity, and redirection. He has dubbed it the
Flowing Steps (Lit.流れるような動き;
"Nagareru Idō"), an ode to the movement and capabilities of water. Just like it, he flows around his opponent, not only adapting to their movements but parrying and even redirecting their moves with simple motions, going as far as to disorient the foe with his footwork. However, should such a style fail him, Ensō is not above resorting to what would be considered "cheap" tactics in order to win. One's ability to change how they fight and become as unorthodox as possible in the process can be the key to winning a battle. When his use of Kido comes into play, the ability to predict his next move becomes increasingly difficult, allowing for him to interweave his spells into any situation. While many modern swordsmen prefer the practice of Iaido, the teacher prefers the technique's predecessor, which is known as
Battōjutsu(Lit.抜刀術;
"Drawing Blade Technique") and deals specifically with the rapid drawing and sheathing of a sword. Battojutsu practices and studies the dynamics of sword drawing and hand-eye coordination regarding live-action factors of timing, distance, targeting, and the specifics of one's sword, including its size and blade, to strike readily. It is practiced with live swords, making it much more effective than the technique that came after it and much more practical for one who wields a blade to kill as opposed to one who wields a deadly weapon for sport.
The Shinigami’s Zanjutsu has no "set" style given its flowing nature and is therefore even more dangerous. Wielding his Zanpakutō or Tanto with a single hand is something that he is quite accustomed to, despite the fact that his Tanto is not imbued with his Zanpakutō’s Spirit. By capitalizing on his ability to mute his body’s movements as well as his breathing techniques that allow for him to make not a single noise and suppress his breathing for minutes at a time before taking another breath, the man has become quite fearsome when wielding his blade. Even his strikes and slices do not make a single noise; something that could be attributed to his attunement with any given environment. He does not make a noise, in the same way, an Owl’s feathers mute their wings as they soar through the air.
Not only do the aforementioned capabilities make him extremely versatile as an opponent, but they also allow for him to divert his opponent's attention at any given moment by adding noticeable breathing patterns and movement to act as a distraction. Unique to the 3rd Seat, he has made use of specific and concentrated breath patterns, which increase his lung capacity and amount of oxygen in his bloodstream. This increase in oxygen allows him to enhance his physical abilities and mental concentration tremendously, increasing his reactive capabilities. This unique method of breathing is not without a name, in fact, it has been dubbed as
Engetsu no Kokyū (Lit. 偃月呼吸;
”Breath of the Crescent Moon”). When used for offense, this technique can only truly come to life when Ensō makes use of his Reiryoku, which allows him to create various crescent-shaped blades when slashing that vary in length and overall size.
Known Techniques: Hōzuri,
Onibi,
Hitotsume: Nadegiri,
Ryōdan,
Senmaioroshi,
Agitowari
Hohō Level: Shunpo Master
Hohō (Lit.歩法, Step Method; Viz
"Fast Movement")
For a man with the title of "teacher," it's not surprising that Ensō has mastered the Shunpo technique. From a young age, his training was specialized around the ability to move at high speeds while maintaining one's ability to react. By the time the man had reached his days in the Shin'ō Academy, he had already claimed the title of "Shunpo Expert." Needless to say, there weren't many that could keep up with the man. Alongside his Zanjutsu skills, his Shunpo operates in a similar manner; his movements muted with every step instead of a slice. Footwork has always been quite important to the Shinigami, as he will take multiple stances or none at all depending on his plan of action when facing a foe. Though a rather bold statement, the man would say that the Captain of the 2nd Division is his only
possible superior when it comes to his mastery of Shunpo. Even then, this theory has yet to be tested. Chasing after his own students has played a part in his training, which keeps him from getting sloppy with his movements or slower. Through rigorous training, the man's Shunpo has come reached a point in which he claims that he is able to outdo the Pesquisa of even the most highly regarded Arrancar; the same can be said for those that sense Reiryoku — like an intruder, the man circles around one's defenses until he finds a gap that he capitalizes on. Traveling long distances is not out of the question for the man, as he's shown the ability to travel from one side of the Seireitei to its exact counterpart in one swift movement.
Although footwork is imperative, the man has not forgotten that this movement involves the entire body. As such, he has not only become capable of creating two after-images that have a tangible essence, but he can create up to eight after-images in total, which can throw his enemy off, given that these tangible clones can shift positions at any given time with him or an intangible clone. Perhaps his ability to create a tangible after-image isn't all that amazing when contrasted to his ability to utilize the Shunpo technique in a unique way when executing his Zanjutsu or Hakuda techniques. While it's true that he can throw out multiple attacks at once, where is the fun in being truthful in battle? Ensō can also create tangible images of parts of his body, which results in a foe perceiving that his sword is attacking from more than one angle when in reality it's only coming at them from a singular direction. Combining his ability to make his limbs create tangible images alongside his ability to unleash multiple attacks creates an intricate situation that is difficult for many to solve without receiving a lethal dose of damage.
If one were to neglect their reflexes and rely solely on expedition, they would not be able to call themselves a true master of Shunpo, as it's equally important to be able to perceive and dodge high-speed movements. With reflexes alone, the man can quite literally stand still and dodge a point-blank attack thanks to the level of perception he has developed. Sometimes dodging is not enough, however; meaning that the Shinigami will enact his own counterattack during the course of his dodge, not wasting a single movement. A true testament to his reflexes is an ability that he developed by combining his Shunpo prowess with his practiced breathing. Dubbed
Gōma: (Lit.降魔にうま;
”Fallen Demon”), using this technique, the user can enter a state of where they have an altered perception of time, allowing them to see everything around them in slow motion. While this does not increase the speed of the user's physical actions, it allows them to identify and react more effectively, making it easier for the user to dodge and counterattack.
Known Techniques: Senka,
Utsusemi,
Speed Clones
Hakuda Level: Expert Hakuda Combatant
Hakuda (白打, White Hits; Viz
"Hand-to-Hand Combat")
If one is unable to fight without their weapon at hand, then they can be considered quite useless. While some are exempt from this claim given their specialties, Ensō does not falter from this belief. As someone who prefers not to release their Shikai or Bankai unless it is absolutely necessary, he has become an expert in Hakuda. Enemies that come at him with the intent to kill do not make him waiver, as he has complete faith in his ability to disarm and take down an opponent no matter what state they are in. This, too, minimizes the possibility of damage received by a potential foe as long as the 3rd Seat holds back his monstrous strength. Despite being an instructor for Hakuda at the Shin'ō Academy, the teacher does not show his true Hakuda prowess or style to those he teaches, electing to reserve it for those above a student's level.
Little is known about the Aikawa Clan or its inner workings, though they are a clan renowned for their Shunpo and Hakuda mastery to those that can manage to find information on them. There are two reasons for the Shinigami's speed and strength: the first is the Tsuki Style's focus on consistent specialized breathing techniques that enable them to achieve a "state of oneness", in which the Aikawa apply a form of autosuggestion — a self-induced suggestion in which individuals guide their own thoughts, feelings, or behavior. This can be likened to self-hypnosis. The second reason for their extreme expedition is the practice that starts early on in their life. From the moment they learn how to walk they engage in drastic training in order to produce legs that specialized for running and fighting.
His true fighting style manifests as the
Tsuki-Ryu (Lit. 月流;
”Lunar Spirit Style”) a mysterious and fearsome assassination fist that was secretly passed down through the Aikawa Clan for thousands of years. Apparently created by a mythical Shinigami who had mastered the art of Hakuda and Assassination, the martial art focuses on its users becoming one with everything in order to achieve a state of oneness, thereby allowing its users to “become like the waning moon.” Because of the unique physical constitution required to use the Tsuki Style, it is a martial art that can only be used by those of with uncanny strength and durability.
The fighting style can be used alongside weapons for assassinations but also extensively in hand-to-hand combat, making it an all-purpose style. Whether armed or unarmed, the Tsuki Style focuses mainly on the utilization of the clan's trained speed. The fighting style can be likened to Chinese Martial Arts, in particular
Fa jin, a style of technique that delivers an impact that penetrates the exterior to reach the inside of the body.
Known Techniques: Tesshō,
Tsukiyubi,
Takigoi,
Kazaguruma,
Kagamibiraki,
Raiōken
Kido Skill Level: Kidō Master
Kidō (鬼道, Demon/Spirit Way; Viz
"Demon Arts")
Although many would claim that one cannot fight solely with Kido, they would be quite foolish to assume that such a thing to be true. There are many Masters and even Experts that are capable of not only crafting Kido in all of its forms but executing them to their fullest potential with or without an incantation. Such a feat has not passed over Ensō, as he is one of few that has not only crafted Kido spells; going further beyond to the point in which he can cast low to higher-ranked Kido up to #88 without the name, foregoing the incantation entirely in order to ensure that he has the upper hand in battle. While he can shorten the incantation for some of the high-ranked Kido he knows, such as Kurohitsugi, these spells can only reach their maximum potential due to their longer incantations via his use of
Kōjutsu Eishō (Lit.後述詠唱;
"Spoken-After Incantation") in which he foregoes the incantation beforehand, casting the spell at its maximum efficiency by uttering the incantation after the spell has come to fruition. Aside from this strategy, foregoing the incantation entirely is a very specific technique known as
Eishōhaki (Lit.詠唱破棄; Incantation Abandonment; Viz
"Destruction Chant") - A class of Kidō Incantation where the Kidō practitioner forgoes using a spoken incantation at all. Alongside this ability, should the man wish to increase the potency he will do so by enacting an incantation whilst deceiving his opponent with
Nijū Eishō (Lit.二重詠唱; Twofold Incantation; Viz
"Double Destruction Chant"), chanting two entirely different incantations electing to mix them together to confuse his foe, or to cast two separate Kido simultaneously on those that are aware of this tactic. As an instructor, it's quite easy for the man to read the lips of a foe casting an incantation, or decipher what technique one is using based on the aura made by the technique before it is cast, or the amount Reiryoku being used for a technique.
If Ensō wasn't well-versed in all-types of Kidō — that is to say Bakudō, Hadō, Barriers and Seals, as well as Kaidō — he wouldn't be classified as a master. His in-depth knowledge comes from prior training before his enlistment as a Shinigami as well as his own studies and training within Shin'ō Academy. Having produced students that went on to surpass him in the ways of Kidō, it's evident that his abilities are nothing to scoff at. Ensō's favorite way aside from Zanjutsu or Hakuda use in battle to gauge an opponent is to make use of various Kidō in order to see how the opponent deals with them or to give the impression that he specializes in these arts and fast movement solely. Should one underestimate his ability to turn even the simplest of spells into lethal weapons, they'd find their head on the ground.
Known Spells:
Bakudō: (Lit.縛道;
"Way of Binding)
Sajō Sabaku
,
Danku ,
Sai,
Tsuriboshi,
Hainawa,
Seki,
Geki,
Shitotsu Sansen ,
Hyapporankan ,
Enkōsen ,
Kyokkō ,
Rikujōkōrō ,
Sajō Sabaku ,
Sekeinton ,
Shibireyubi ,
Tenteikūra ,
Tozanshō ,
Hakufuku ,
Tanma Otoshi
https://bleach.fandom.com/wiki/Goch%C5%ABtekkan
Hadō: (Lit.破道; Way of Destruction; Viz
"Path of Destruction")
Shō,
Byakurai ,
Fushibi,
Shakkahō ,
Ōkasen,
Sōkatsui ,
Haien,
Tenran ,
Raikōhō ,
Sōren Sōkatsui ,
Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō,
Kurohitsugi
Barriers & Seals:
El Escudo,
Millón Escudo,
Goyōgai
Kaidō: (Lit.回道;
"Turn Way) While not a prodigy like the Kido Corps Commander or Kido Prince, Ensō is more than capable of reviving others from even the brink of death with Kaidō, which is especially important when he conducts battle simulations within the academy. Such a refined ability to heal becomes even more imperative when he takes his students on practical missions to the Living World, as there's no telling when an enemy may appear and injure a student. For this very reason, he needs to be able to heal in order to ensure the future of those that could prove to be fun opponents in the future. Being able to heal while fighting is something that the man has come to master, as being stationary can mean the death of himself or his students. As such, the man has been able to remotely heal others by attaching a direct line of Kidō to others that transmits Kaidō.
Uncategorized Spells:
Noren Mekuri
Skills and Abilities:
Uncanny Strength and Durability:
Perhaps the man's unworldly strength and durability would take others by surprise given his rather slender physique. In fact, the reason why many call his natural abilities "uncanny" is due to the fact that they do not manifest on a surface level. His body is in shape but does not boast a muscular tone or let off the presence of such a feature. It's thanks to this that opponents are caught off guard by the strength behind even a simple punch — that which can topple multiple buildings with relative ease. Considering his style of Hakuda, foes that realize his level of strength are quick to attempt to dodge his attacks given their devastating effects. Many often find themselves comparing his durability to that of an Arrancar's Hierro, which is quite laughable, given that he would quickly retort that he has ascended beyond the level of something like Hierro. Having broken blades on multiple parts of his body by letting his opponent's blade reach him, which, in turn, creates more openings than one would think. Point blank attacks from spells and physical attacks from those that aren't as well-versed in fighting or lack strength fail to reach their intended level of damage; leading to an opponent's downfall. Deflecting a weapon with his bare hands is not something out of the realm of possibilities given his strength; given that the man is capable of lifting thousands of pounds when necessary.
Adaptive:
Even before honing his abilities within the 3rd Division, the man was already well-rounded. Perhaps it was the reason why he was able to ascend to the 3rd Seat relatively quickly when he joined the ranks of the Gotei 13. From a young age, the man found himself consistently needing to adapt; after all, it's not easy to keep up such a deep facade without practice. Like a Spider, the man lures others into his web and spins around them with words that keep them in place or allow for him to gain their subordinance. When fighting new opponents, the man delights in testing out their abilities and is able to quickly identify what their strengths and weaknesses are and how he should approach them. Without hesitance, he looks for the first gap — be it physical or mental — and bears his fangs.
Enhanced Senses:
Lips murmuring the words of an incantation as if one is speaking in slow motion, even if they're a fair distance from the man; the slight pause in an enemy's movement which allows him an opening in which to strike. The ability to hear a certain tempo in not only his own footsteps but the footwork of his opponents as well; becoming rather linear as he hones in. Gentle rays of the sun resting themselves on his skin as the Reiatsu of an opponent begins to permeate within the atmosphere, a distinct difference between the two being noticed at the start of an onset. Blood trickling from an opponent's body that is held in the air above him — dead or alive — invading his taste buds with a rich iron taste that imprints their essence onto him as he distinguishes it from the taste of other things. A certain whiff of Reiryoku or Reiatsu as he inhales, distinguishing which tangible image of his opponent is real and who else is around them. For these reasons, it goes without saying that the Shinigami's senses are abnormal; enhanced beyond belief. In particular, his nose is his sharpest sense. Ensō's nose allows him to distinguish between other species and hone in on others over long distances while tracking them. He's even been able to sniff out what one is feeling; allowing him to manipulate their emotions as they present themselves to his sense of smell. Such a strong sense of smell boosts his already expert level of sensing Reiryoku, as he can quite literally smell it.
Equipment:
Tantō:
While not infused with his Zanpakutō's spirit, the man's Tantō is not something to underestimate. It is one foot in length and typically concealed within either of the man's sleeves in a manner that allows for it to be drawn with either hand for a quick strike to his foes. This is, perhaps, the most unfair piece of equipment that the man carries on his person, as the way it's positioned within either sleeve allows for its tsuka to be grasped, dragging the blade out of its wooden scabbard with extreme ease, given that there is no delay since no guard exists. When engaged in Hakuda, the man has no issue interrupting the battle by grasping the weapon and quickly striking the enemy in a vital spot, sometimes going as far as to drench the blade in his Reiryoku Sogai-zai drug.
Denreishinki X (lIT.伝令神機;
“Divine Messenger Machine”)
Gigai (Lit.義骸;
“Faux Body”)
His Gigai typically sports a black overcoat on top of his suit with a bow tie, making him appear to be an everyday salaryman. He can occasionally be seen wearing a trench coat with dark-colored gloves.
Needles:
Ensō's crafty nature does not leave him without yet another weapon in his arsenal that can serve a variety of purposes. No longer than 6 inches, pointed at each end, and nearly weightless; these needles are meant to be utilized to hit an opponent's vital points. While their pressure points would be effectively hindered if hit by these, that is not what they're made for. These needles are meant to take one off guard and regardless of whether or not they hit an opponent's vitals, they undoubtedly pierce through objects in a similar manner to Hadō like Sōkatsui. For the hell of it, the trickster will tear an enemy to shreds with these alone, creating an especially difficult battle for those with and without good eyesight, as these needles are thin and made from a light yet strong metal.
Inventions:
Reiryoku Sogai-zai: (Lit.霊力阻害剤;
"Reiryoku Inhibitor")
Perhaps one of the most lethal inventions that the trickster has acquired through research and understanding of Reiryoku. Some may refer to it as a poison, but Ensō prefers the term drug. It is, after all, to be administered as such. Although to be fair, if one were to be attacked by such a thing, perhaps it's more fitting to be referred to as venomous given that it inhibits the brain's receptors to spiritual energy. As a result, one becomes unable to control their energy. When deployed, the output of one's Spiritual Energy begins to plummet rapidly. This can cause incantations to backfire, as it directly affects one's control and typically takes one off guard. Making an adjustment to the temporary loss of one's Spiritual Pools would be a testament to their strength. Those with vast amounts of Spiritual Energy may brush off such venom, but in doing so they elect to allow themselves to be harmed. Much like the suppression of one's Reiryoku that comes about when entering the Human World depending on their rank or capabilities, this is a forceful suppression that is hard to shake off. When administered, one has to rely solely on the use of their sword or their might. This makes the invention particularly heinous for those that aren't well versed in Zanjutsu and Hakuda. Oddly enough, this drug does not carry a smell, lacks color, and varies in weight, making it appear as if it were a "ghost" drug of sorts, given its subtle nature.
Zanpakutō Name: Aion (Lit.アイオン;
"God of Cyclic Time")
Zanpakutō Appearance:
A rather mediocre looking katana, Aion boasts an ebony kashira with a golden stripe that towers above the tsuka, which bears the same color as the kashira with the exception of the firestone path in the middle that leads down into the gilt fuchi and rectangular tsuba. Aion rests on Ensō's left side, snug within his white obi. Particularly refined by polishing with a gritstone nearly every day — some days for hours on end — it goes without saying that the 80cm blade is treated with respect by its owner.
Zanpakutō Spirit:
Aion is a deceptive being. It cannot be classified as anything other than a divine being, given that its face is subject to change at any moment. Ever-changing, it is the true manifestation of Ensō's own spirit — a sadistic manipulator with multiple faces. Wearing a typical Kimono, Aion consistently shifts in shape and size, its face hidden behind an Onnamen — a Japanese mask that looks like a woman but lacks facial expression. The spirit is not disruptive and surprisingly enough it never has been. It is a manifestation of a part of his soul and personality, which he hides from others but elects to let loose when possible. Giving in to his deepest desires satisfies the being's deceptive and playful nature to no end, giving it a rush that possibly exceeds the Shinigami's own when witnessing such acts.
Inner World:
A world of jagged edges that have a circular center with two lights jetting out at opposite ends. Within the center lies a rather aged tree with no leaves but a plethora of branches in their place. An angled opening on the front of the tree serves as the predominant resting place for Aion and it's often where the man is greeted by the being when communing with his it through
Jinzen (Lit刃禅; Sword Meditation; Viz
"Sword Zen"). When one stands outside of the tree, they notice the beauty in its graceful aging but are only able to see a black void in place of what actually exists inside of the tree. A traditional Japanese manor with as many rooms as there are masks for Aion exists within the tree. There is a clear distinction between the encirclement within which the tree and two lights reside, one could possibly refer to it as a border. Until the man was able to achieve his Bankai, he was not permitted by Aion to cross said barrier. When crossing the barrier into the endless jagged mountains and fog, the man understood why he wasn't allowed to cross until he had unlocked the ability to release his Bankai. Through becoming one with his Zanpakutō by mastering his Bankai, the man could withstand the effects of the outer layers of this world where time and reality were intermingled and ever-changing. When on the outer boundaries, Ensō consistently shifts between all forms of his physical age — a baby, toddler, child, teen, young adult, mature adult, and elder. Alongside this, he will sometimes take a certain amount of steps only to be put back at his original location or the border once more.
Release Phrase: Although the man is able to use his Shikai in a state of constant release, he prefers not to unless warranted. As a result of his prowess, he is able to release his Shikai with no command, or by uttering the words:
"Invert, Aion"
Shikai:
When in its released state, the man's Zanpakutō turns into what appears to be a Jingasa (Lit.陣笠;
"Bladed Hat"). Unlike a normal Jingasa, the brim of this hat carries a razor rim that is capable of mutilating those that would dare to underestimate its cutting capabilities. Aside from the abilities that come with its release, the cutting power of Aion is nothing to scoff at, in fact, the Shinigami has been able to "cut an enemy into a thousand pieces" with one swing of this hat. Unbreakable to those that would oppose it, the razor-rimmed hat becomes quite malleable when in the hands of Ensō. It's a rare sight to see the man break down the hat into pieces, as it diminishes its power when it is split into pieces. Despite this diminished power when split, the hat is still extremely potent. On the same token, the hat can be enlarged at any time, just as any other Zanpakutō can be.
Shikai Special Ability:
Ensō has the ability to make things spin, simply put. One might scoff at the ability to do so, but they fail to realize that his ability to make things spin is quite lethal and allows him to be categorized within an all-range role. As a well-rounded instructor should be, the man is able to fit any role when his Shikai is released. By controlling whether or not something spins, the Shinigami can make anything spin faster or slower, change the direction of rotation, or create friction within the environment, which can in turn spawn something such as a tornado given that the technique is applied effectively. When thinking of the foundations of the ability to make things spin, one must recall that in this Shinigami's case, spinning physical and spiritual things — that which is tangible and intangible — is possible. Therefore, when one such as Ensō can control the number of times that an object — a person, attack, defense, projection, etc — can spin, he is able to halt an attack entirely by slowing down the rotational force that the attack holds. He can also supplement an attack's firepower by adding to its torque. Although not applicable to the man himself, those that come into contact with his Shikai, its varying dome of influence, or either of his hands whilst his Zanpakutō is in its released state, one would find themselves subject to a lethal degree of vertigo initially, should they survive the encounter itself. Surprisingly, his ability to control how things spin can be quite grotesque, yet effective in even the most unique ways, such as reversing the way that blood is flowing out of one’s body, effectively making them a blender of sorts when need be. Whether it’s stopping an attack, causing a foe’s body to be overcome by a tremendous sense of vertigo, or aiding his “allies,” the Shinigami’s Shikai is quite potent to say the very least, especially given the fact that it can be controlled remotely, without the use of his hands.
Bankai: Aion: Kyūjō Odori (Lit.球状踊り;
"The Cyclic God's Spherical Dance")
When enacted, the man loses the famed razor-rimmed hat. It is replaced by six chakrams that have the same applications as the bladed hat. The chakrams are so thin that when put together, they take on the appearance of one giant chakram. The amount of pressure exerted on the area surrounding the man as he gathers his Spiritual Energy and releases his Bankai is enough to level entire locations when not properly controlled, making even its release dangerous. Instead of requiring his hands to apply the effects of his abilities, his body now acts as the catalyst, meaning that any effects enacted from the chakrams or formerly just his hands now come to fruition when something comes into contact with his body. In a sense, the man's body becomes a truly fearsome offense and defense, more so than in his Shikai.
Bankai Special Ability:
The wheels of fate are ever-spinning. They continue to churn, never counter-acting. Everything ages and decays with time. But what if time itself became inverted, spun on its own head, and defied like destiny? Instead of decaying something or aging it, it can be spun right back into its place of origin. Aion’s ultimate ability is to revert actions back to the state of that they were in when they first came into contact with the Bankai or the Shinigami's body, completely nullifying and preventing the following actions from becoming real. This effect essentially creates a checkpoint. As a result of reaching this checkpoint, the battle between the man and his opponents can rage on but not without consequence. One performing Kido may be forced to restart their incantation, one’s sword can be spun back into its sheath, and one’s Bankai can even revert back to its Shikai or better yet; its sealed state depending upon when their checkpoint was crafted. This ability reverses what is has happened beyond the first point of contact with the Shinigami or his Bankai, thus taking the ability to spin to a level in which one is forced to start over, effectively creating a gap for Ensō to capitalize on. One's actions have been reversed, something that takes time to register with even the most elite of foes. The limitations on this ability undoubtedly exist, as only that which comes into contact with the six chakrams and the man’s body is reset to the created checkpoint. Perhaps the most lethal part of this reverting spin is the fact that when a foe returns to their checkpoint, they are met with a sense of vertigo alongside the confusion that has plagued them, causing an even larger delay than the reset that they’ve experienced.
Personal Relationships:
Yasu — The tale of a student
Shusuke — The tale of the adjucator
Jinnosuke — The tale of laughter
Jiro — The tale of bad luck
Omoni — The tale of bloodlust
Likes: Jokes, Teaching, Combat
Dislikes: Order, Justice, Balance
Hobbies: Painting, Blacksmithing, Shinigami Training
Favorite Food(s): Mochi, Yakitori, Chewing Gum
Theme 1: Odd Battle
Theme 2: Encroach
Theme 3: Unleashed
Biography:
The tale of the Madman