Testing the Waters [Closed|Houmaru]

in the shadow cloaked room that was the Warden's nest a pair of gray eyes would suddenly spring open and lock onto the door. Even with senses dulled by the surrounding sekkisekki stone he could feel the presence of a new person within the outer perimeter. It was not a presence he was familiar with, but he could tell that whoever was approaching was a shinigami and a good deal stronger then himself. However the person was still not as strong as the woman who had wrecked a large portion of the maggot's nest and injured him rather badly. The Arrancar Tori had defeated him without any difficulty, in fact he had not been able to touch her while she had been able to deal extensive damage to him. If he had not had certain abilities he most certainly would still be missing an arm or he could have just been killed. In fact he had been missing an arm for a very short period within the battle when he had sacrificed it to prevent more damage to himself. He had been able to replace the missing limb however so everything physically was alright with him. What he had spent the most time doing was understanding the difference in his zanpakuto, how the fight had changed not just it but also himself.

One of the first things he noticed about himself was the he was actually interested in who was approaching and what that would mean. Before he would have just accepted the presence and only considered if it was friend or foe, here he was actually curious as to who it was. Considering the power level of the person who was approaching, as well as their steady and direct pace towards the Nest entrance, he suspected he knew this new person, if not by name but by rank.

By the time Kiriko had opened the door to his office he was already standing. Anyone who was able to walk into the maggots unannounced had to have more authority then his own after all. The woman before him stood at his height or nearly so, they were of equal eye level. She was attractive in a athletic way, lithe like a cat, and it was clear whatever training she underwent only enhanced that characteristic, with not extra muscle bulges like some of the mortal weightlifters thought was ideal. A body forged for the battlefield. Unlike his own hair that had somehow become streaked with white despite his youthful appearance and relatively short life as a shinigami her hair was black as night that was currently tied up in a tight bun to keep it out of the way. She was dressed entirely in black most suitable for a member of the second division, or she would have been if she had not been wearing the Haori of the Captain. It was not entirely unexpected, even though he most often stayed in the isolated maggot's nest he did leave occiasionally, and had heard the rumor that Kyousuke Tsukimiya- Taichou had been slain. Clearly this woman was to be his replacement, or so Houmaru thought.

“Good morning, Chinda- Taicho..Acting Captain?” He would say in actual surprise raising an eyebrow. He had actually expected when she walked in wearing the Captain's Haori that she had been confirmed for the position. “Your pardon.” he would say with a bow of his head although he always made sure that he was keeping an eye on her. “We had an extensive mess to clean up here, and several inmates to heal or dispose of. Please be welcome and have a seat if you wish.” Houmaru would say with a gesture.

He recognized the haori of the captain, but despite her wearing it he was more interested in what happened to the man who had owned it before. It was said that Kyousuke Tsukimiya was dead, but this was not the only time he had been 'killed' if his records were correct. The woman in front of him should have had proof of his death, not the bloodstained hoari, but something more difficult to fake, such as his head or body. Even then he would want to test the body to make sure it was not some sort of clever fake, after all it was known that he associated with members of the Fourth Division. As an ex-inhabitant of the maggots nest, the true whereabouts of their previous captain was of great interest to the Warden Houmaru Amatsuchi.

Words: 752

gp: 15

total: 15

ooc: sorry for the long delay and the crappy post.

 Kiriko stepped into the room silently, her eyes appraising the premise. To be honest she had never entered the Maggot's Nest before, only once had her Captain spoken quietly about how she should find Ametsuchi if she needed to as he was technically her Third Seat. She had always wondered though, her innate curiosity not much to write home about but instead it was her very Captain that inspired such desirous intrigue. He had been held here at one point, held for crimes she did not know and that might have been entirely fabricated. Sometimes she wondered what he had done to get on so many people's bad sides when he seemed to exemplify everything the Second would have wanted even in the past. Most of the time Kiriko tried to not think about it, it wasn't her position to know these things about her Captain nor was it professional to guess. Repressing such inquisitiveness hadn't left her without any thoughts towards the Nest though, especially when Takasugi came into her life so abruptly bearing the scars of an ignoble detainment.

She had to wonder what kind of man Ametsuchi was to do that to someone. Or if he simply neglected to stop people from harming the body and soul of that precious girl. Neglect was another sort of way of leading, leaving people free to commit injurious behavior so long as it was within certain parameters. She had seen none of that though on her way into the Nest, the corridors were impeccably clean and austere. There was no decoration or color to soften what was here and the sekiseki stone pressed down like an audible weight. But this was as it should be, a prison was not a home. That too made her curious, if she was correct in her information Ametsuchi spent most if not all of his time here. What that would do to a man... well maybe it explained Takasugi's state when she had been released.

Turning her attention to the man in question, Kiriko stared with a quiet intensity. The forcefulness was never far from her eyes even though her expression was placid and blank. In the Second Division there was a saying in the barracks, whispered by new recruits in a joking manner. “If at first you don't fit in, find some black.” Ametsuchi seemed to have done just that, clothed as he was in solid black. An interesting choice for someone not in the field. Perhaps that was where the purple sash came into play, a softening piece. His hair was salt and pepper, black with premature graying marks streaked throughout. It gave him an old statesman appearance rather than making him look old. She was more interested in his stance though, the way he moved, the sword at his hip. These were all strong indicators that he had been following orders, his center of gravity was low even as he turned towards her while she stepped off to the side.

Despite her personal feelings about the Nest, Kiriko had to admit that Ametsuchi seemed a capable man. That didn't stop the spike of anger in her stomach as he slipped up with her title in a way that was very telling. He clearly didn't believe that their Captain was still alive. A believe she would strip from him. “Yes, Acting Captain. I do not know what petty rumors you have been privy to here, but Tsukimiya-taichou is very much alive. He has only been delayed with his business and will return shortly. I will brook no words otherwise, you will have faith in your Captain. Nothing could happen to one such as him,” her tone lost its blandness and grew rock hard, but Kiriko had learned a bit about working with people and she knew not to castigate too strongly. Doubt was a powerful tool. So she mitigated herself by shifting her gaze to ostensibly look around the room, her tone reverting back to a certain softness, “I appreciate your offer however I came here to discuss your standing orders. I wonder though if this room is a fitting location. I am sure you recall Tsukimiya-taichou's declaration about your combat skills. Would you be up for an impromptu test of your progress?” despite losing the chill to her voice, Kiriko was not making idle conversation and it was quite apparent that she was looking for one answer and one answer only. She was the dominant power in the room, both in strength and in rank, and Kiriko was not expecting any excuses.

WC: 761 | GP: 15 | Total GP: 26

OOC - I liked it, don't worry~

Her reason's for visiting the nest were not as he had initially expected, and her response to his 'mistake' with title and veiled comment about Tsukimiya- Taicho's possible death were more enlightening. She showed visible anger at Tsukimiya- Taicho's implied death, her voice growing sharp and her eyes hardening. She flat out refused the idea, the rumors were false and the Captain was alive. She excused his absence as simply being delayed with his business but he would return shortly. She told him to have faith in the captain and nothing would happen to one such as him.

While Houmaru still had some misgivings about how Tsukimaya had been released from the maggot's nest, he did have to admit that he was an excellent Captain, and very formidable. It was interesting, he was actually more understanding and accepting on the matter of Takasugi- san's release then he was of the Captain himself. As the warden of the nest he could not show favoritism or kindness to any of the inmates, but she he had felt had not belonged within the nest. Her only crime was poor judgment in his eyes, the actual plot and murder of a man by poisoning was not that much of a crime given the nature of the man in question.

So if Kyousuke Tsukimaya- Taicho was actively pretending to be dead Chinda- Fuku- Taichou was not aware of it, otherwise she would not be so adamantly against the idea of him being dead. But why would he pretend to be dead? Houmaru could understand why he would have wanted to pretend back before he had been captured and thrown in the maggot's nest, but now he was well established within the structure currently, he had no reasons for it. So perhaps Chinda- Fuku- taichou was correct and he was just running some sort of errand, or simply had chosen to isolate himself to train for greater abilities. There was just no point in speculating further until proof of some sort was presented. Until further notice he would act as if Kyousuke Tsukimaya- Taichou was alive, not that he had planned on believing otherwise, he just did not need to hide his suspicions.

“Understood.” Houmaru would say to her before he turned his attention to the rest of what she said as she declined the seat. She wanted to discuss his standing orders? At first he was puzzled then he realized what she had been referring to, at one point after Captain Tsukimiya had risen and taken control over the maggot's nest he had reviewed Houmaru's skill and found it lacking. He had been then ordered to increase his skill, to surpass the best and become a master of hakuda, the only fitting level of skill for a man whose job was to subdue the maggot's nest inmates with his bare hands and nothing else. Amazingly enough he had been able to reach those heights, perhaps the captain had seen the potential in him to improve, perhaps he had simply demanded it from anyone in that position and had expected Houmaru to fail. It probably did not matter, Houmaru had been able to obtain a mastery of Hakuda that few had reached and kepted his position within the Maggot's nest.

Now the new Acting Captain of the second wished to check up and see if he had carried out the order to improve and wished to give an impromtu test of his skills. It was clear that she would also not take no for an answer. “If that is the order then very well.” he would say with a nod and a ghost of a smile at the comment that the office room was not a suitable place to carry out the testing. “Given the current condition of most of the occupants of this facility, we would most likely be able to conduct this test within without any interruption, or we could step outside the facilities walls and carry it out there. The choice matters not to me so i would leave it to you to decide, Acting Captain.”

words: 684

gp:13

total: 28

Ooc: posting will be delayed some with the net problems i am having, hope the post is good and works for you.

The man had an aura of skill around him, she liked the way he responded. A slight pause as he assessed her words and then careful assent. If he agreed with her or not as to the state of their Captain there was no sign on his face. She appreciated such tact. The more these rumors traveled and the higher up they seemed to ascend on the food chain the more believable they became. Even if Ametsuchi didn't believe Kiriko he was professional enough to accept her order and modify his behavior. This wasn't a man who would cause her problems during her short but new tenure.

Kiriko had no reason to like the older Shinigami. He was taciturn and closed up here in the Maggot's Nest and if she wanted to she could ignore him entirely. But the way he responded to her, and that shared ease and fluidity of movement... She felt that despite their gap in rank he might be the only person to truly understand Kiriko's fascination with the word efficient. Houmaru Ametsuchi was not the kind of Shinigami that you really recalled later, his personal details and physical appearance were all carefully constructed and bland. She liked that, seeing in it a mirror replication of her own desires to be the faceless cog working to keep the machine in functioning order. Taking up the mantle of Lieutenant, it had been a blessing for her ambition, but some small part of Kiriko regretted what she had lost in that transition from seated officer to second in command.

He wasn't making excuses either. Or babbling. If Kiriko was current on the most common rumors and stories floating around the Second then she certainly knew that her history preceded her in most things. She was known as uncompromising and demanding, a tough taskmaster. These qualities had helped her shape the Nibantai into perfection under the tutelage and leadership of Tsukimiya-taichou. After the Massacre, when everyone was a little harder in different ways, she gained a reputation for being a bit too sharp, a little too harsh. It was eagerness that caught Kiriko up, eagerness in her desire to be better this time around. But whatever the reasons her name was one that sent shivers up people's spines if they thought she had any reason to look at them twice.

And here was Houmaru, not even batting an eyelash as she not so subtly informed him they would be sparring. Kiriko certainly wasn't on the same level as her Captain when it came to form, but she was a formidable force on the battlefield and that was just as well known. What remained to be seen was if he was one as well. And just as Kiriko was thinking these thoughts she realized something important. As far as her reputation preceded her it had never pierced these thick walls. The Maggot's Nest had never been an arena she'd been staged on. In fact, considering the horrible state of the Second when she and Tsukimiya-taichou had come to power it was rather telling that the Nest had never required her attention to return to a proper state. The one constant during that time was the Warden, Houmaru Ametsuchi. Perhaps he had justification for his fearlessness.

“I would like to see more of the Maggot's Nest. As it now falls under my purview, for however brief a time, I think it important that I understand what goes on here. To that end, perhaps you can describe the area to me as you show me an appropriate area for our spar,” Kiriko spoke slowly, sounding out each word before voicing it. Her first instinct was to get away from this place, from the home territory of her opponent. But upon further introspection she realized that this was an opportunity she had to take. Perhaps she would learn more about her Captain simply through seeing the place that had managed to contain him for so long. In the end this might be her only chance to learn about this hidden area, and it was knowledge that would certainly help Kiriko in her duties in the future.

“We do not need anything other than an open spot with enough leg room. I am here to examine your hand to hand combat skills and nothing else so we do not have to worry ourselves with damage to the Nest. I'm sure your Kido is up to par anyway,” she finished with an arrogant smirk, her last prodding comment rather condescending but somehow also laced with approval. Ametsuchi, she was beginning to think, was rather well defined by the word proficient. He no doubt was quite skilled in all of the combat areas and she had no need to look into them individually. Besides, it was only Hakuda that Tsukimiya-taichou had outlined for the warden.  

WC: 809 | GP: 16 | Total GP: 42

OOC - Don't worry, I'm slow too!

houmaru would nod at Kiriko's orders to describe the nest and help her understand its nature as he lead her towards an area they could spar. Gesturing towards the door of the office he would lead her deeper into the facility. Yet even as he did so he could feel the power she held under control, and could tell from her movements and way she held herself that she was well trained.  It would be interesting to see how he matched up against the Vice-captain of the second division, but he did not hold many illusions as to the outcome of the spar. However he understood that simply because your opponent was stronger or faster then yourself that did not determine the outcome entirely, even if it did weigh heavily on it.  

“Very well Acting Captain.” Houmaru would say as he lead the way. “As you know, this Facility has recently suffered damage from recent events, and while it will soon become One Hundred percent operational again within short order I hold some concern about how the secrecy of this location has been compromised.  So I have submitted a report on the possibility of shifting the entire facility to a different location with improved security measures.

But that was not what you asked. This facility was established by the Gotai Six during its formation as a means to contain those individuals who posed a potential risk to Soul Society or the balance of the world, held dangerous knowledge that had to be contained but could prove useful so elimination of the individual was not recommended.  Ninety-seven percent of the current inmates fall under this classification and are not even trained shinigami.  They are segregated due to their potential disruptive potential. The first level here contains the majority of those individuals they are given almost free reign to walk around or be within their unlocked cells.  Those that are more of a danger, who need to be isolated due to their knowledge or power and training, would be placed in individual cells, either in pairs or solitary confinement in the lower levels. Any trained shinigami, even an academy student is placed within one of those levels, although some levels were re-purposed  for... other tasks at one time or another.

We are going to the main room of the first level, the central chamber that normally houses the main population of our inmates. However due to the Nest's invasion and the attempted prison break, we will not be interrupted by any test you wish to perform since those that normally would be about are either dead, in the infirmary, or in solitary while repairs are underway or they recover. Although I do hold some concern over their mental state after this recent event. The oppressive nature that Sekki-Sekki stone has on the psyche of most causes most of those who reside within instability. And the entire facility is surrounded by it. Combine that with the austere conditions, the lack of entertainment or distraction as ordered by the Gotai Six and most of the inhabitants eventually become insane to some degree if they were not so already.”

Houmaru would say, possibly unnecessarily to Kiriko, as they moved down the extremely simple corridor to the first of the security doors. These doors were designed much like an airlock, the first door could not be opened unless the second door was closed. Of course that had not stopped the Arrancar Tori as she had forced her way within and drove those within outside, killing the ones that had attempted to attack her. It was still unclear as to why she chose to do that, was it simply an attempt to sow chaos as the ones held within became free to do what they will? Or was it some misguided attempt to free those imprisoned under no charge, for things that were not even crimes.

Houmaru could have continued speaking, something he normally would not have done before the battle he held against Tori. He had been broken then, not just physically, but something had broken mentally and maybe even spiritually. But he had drawn strength within himself, strength obtained from his understanding of his zanpakuto spirits. It had not done him any good against Tori, but his understanding allowed him to recover more whole then he had been before the battle.  He understood that the abilities his zanpakuto had exhibited before were not his true powers, a fractured mind, even one that he grew close to and understood so well, did not mean he had been able to produce the true power bestowed upon himself. Even some of his techniques would need to be refined, for he would not be able to pull them off the same way anymore. This test of his abilities was something he actually looked forward to, to understand how far he had to go before he was ready to face an opponent like Tori again. But one of the things he noticed after the battle was greater willingness to speak to people, not that he would go out of his way to speak to total strangers for no reason, but he simply found conversation more easy.

However this could lead to annoying Kiriko, as he was already coming dangerously close to talking about things outside of her stated interests.  Anyway the location of the central chamber was not too far away from  his office, so by the time he had finished speaking to her they had arrived in the room. It was a large chamber, like a natural amphitheater, with tunnel like corridors branching off it. Normally this place would have been full of the inmates, but currently it was entirely empty and featureless, other then a few indentations and blood splatters that had not yet been cleaned up, the final reminder of someone's death.

“I am ready to begin when you are, Acting Captain.” Houmaru would say once they were well placed within the chamber, knowing the location would be acceptable. He did not know if  she had any last orders or requests for information before they began however.

Words: 1022

Gp: 20

total:48

Listening intently Kiriko picked up on much more than the literal meaning of the words Ametsuchi was telling her. His tonal intonation and body shifts were intriguing as well as he reacted to speaking to her. But it was the information itself that she was most curious about, information hidden from even people like herself for the most part. She had been informed of the Maggot's Nest's existence when she became Lieutenant, however it was still mostly shrouded in mystery and confusing as she never had reason to learn more about it. To hear both the reason for its creation and see the stolid walls of such an ignominious building it really build in her an appreciation for that sudden silence that Takasugi or her Captain often went into. Being in a place like this... In solitary confinement as Ametsuchi explained... It was... She couldn't think of a correct word. Soul draining? Something about this place just depleted and dragged down her spirits and she wasn't even stuck here. Knowing that you could not leave, knowing that you were alone here... It would have been a powerful feeling. Especially since most of the inmates had committed no crime to experience this mind crushing depression.

She couldn't imagine.

Kiriko was glad when the two of them finally stepped into the empty room the warden had promised. A cursory glance caught sight of the signs of struggle and damage and she was curious once more about this place that held so many secrets. “I was aware of a battle here but not the details. Did the Arrancar King attack the Maggot's Nest as well? Considering his might this place looks well off, he utterly destroyed most buildings in his path. I assume that I can place the praise on you for protecting your charge?” Kiriko was more than curious, her anticipatory questions showed that while she had read the reports they hadn't contained an immense amount of information like normal ones. That was the nature of this place, even a damage report had hidden nuances that couldn't be written down deliberately. It was only within the sanctity of the building itself that they were really free to discuss what had happened.

“As for your report, I am certain that when Captain Tsukimiya returns that he will look into your request. I see no reason not to approve it but I do not understand the history as he does,” she spoke with an open honesty. Kiriko would have stamped that request with approval the second it crossed her desk except that she had no right to do so. Not really anyway. Without even understanding the function of this place fully how could she oversee a change like that? It would have to wait for their Captain to return so that he could officiate over the question. He would know what to do, even if her security senses told her it was smart to change location no matter what.

Pacing backwards a few meters Kiriko dropped into a ready stance, her feet spread out evenly so that her weight was well distributed. “I'm sorry for the questions Ametsuchi-san, please begin,” she intoned formally. It was a struggle not to ask more, but she was here for a certain reason and had to see that function complete before she did anything else. 

WC: 557 | GP: 11 | Total GP: 53

He was forced to shake his head in the negative as Kiriko asked if the Arrancar King had been the one responsible for the nest's state. Some people might have lied to make the accomplishments of surviving and defending the facility more spectacular, or in hopes of obtaining a higher seated position that was not his way. Houmaru honestly did not care much about what seated position he held, in fact he had enjoyed the symbolism that his previous rank of Fourth seat had held, but one day after Captain Tsukimiya had risen to power he found his ranking improved unexpectedly.

“No. Praise is not necessary, I did not fight against the Arrancar King. The intruder who I fought with identified herself as Tori Saio, the Quinta Espada, or possibly the Former Quinta. I have not yet had time to research what is known about the individual in our archives. But I have obtained some valuable data on combat ability.” He would state to Acting Captain Kiriko. Having been so long within the depths of the maggot's nest, he was still not entirely certain who Tori was, although the name was somewhat familiar, and she had implied when she had spoken to him that there were some events surrounding her that should have made her name stand out. “As for the details of the fight, I engaged the Target outside the maggot's nest, as the Target attempted to enter and then was forced to put down a riot of escaping prisoners, incited by the target. No Prisoners are recorded to have escaped, although outside of multiple deaths all have received injuries that have placed them in the facilities medical ward or returned to solitary. The Target however did escape, and entirely uninjured at that I must report.” Houmaru would answer in a extremely brief yet clinical description of his battle that did not need to be censored due to who might read it. “The event is not worthy of praise.”

Houmaru would nod a second time however in agreement when he heard her reply that the transference of the Maggot's Nest to a new, more secure location would ultimately be decided by Captain Tsukimiya upon his return. With Kiriko's belief of Tsukimiya's survival such a response was fully expected, although the part of Houmaru's mind that slowly becoming more in tune with his emotions found it darkly humorous that they would speak to a former inmate of the Maggot's nest for permission to move and even improve the defenses of the facility.

But Houmaru did not have time to dwell on any of that as Kiriko moved to place herself a few meters distance from him as she entered a combat stance and gave the go ahead to begin combat. His initial reaction was to wait for her to launch the first attack, normally as the warden he was forced only to react to attacks initiated against him first. However she already had several advantaged, he knew as he had studied her when they had moved deeper within to this location, She could most likely end the spar rather quickly if she moved with the full speed and strength her muscles and reiatsu suggested she could move at. Still it would make the battle so one sided that it would be pointless to conduct if she chose to do that, so there was a high chance that she would limit herself to just barely better then his capabilities. If he was said to hold an advantage in this battle it would be primarily a psychological one. This was her first time within the deadening aura of the Maggot's nest, and its oppressive nature would work on his side, while she was not in inmate and would not suffer the mental anguish that came with knowing that one was stuck within forever, the sekki sekki stone would still be draining, pulling at the very center of her being and make her feel sluggish and weaker. While he experienced that feeling as well he was use to it, having walked the halls of the nest for a long time. He did suspect however that prolonged exposure to the nest had actually stunted his growth, keeping his reiatsu weaker and physical capabilities in a restricted state.

He would eye her stance for a brief moment, shifting his stance so that he projected only his side and face towards her, almost as if he should be wielding a sword instead of his bare fists. Then he would launch himself forward, throwing a solid punch directly towards her face, and then throwing a kick at her legs, in an attempt to knock her off balance. He did not expect his first attack to land at all, its true purpose was to draw attention to his hands, and partially obscure vision if possible. The second strike might not be entirely expected then.

Words: 817

gp: 16

total: 64

ooc: and so it begins. hope you find the post satisfactory, will begin with just some basic moves and then once I finally get my net back and can quickly get my mechanics fixed and maybe update my stats we could end up switching to some techs that don't require zanpakutos and such. but we can talk about that later.

Kiriko studied the warden, surprised at his own admission of his actions during the Massacre. He was unusually forthright, something she admired greatly. But also something she hadn't been expecting from the man. Isolated as he was, she would have thought the older Shinigami would want to talk a bit, or at least give her some highlights of his battle so that he wouldn't sound like a weakling. She knew though that a report like that, one that indicated weakness, was actually the best sign of strength. That Ametsuchi felt no need to declare useless things or lies to bolster his report... it said a lot about the man behind the title.

She found herself appreciative of his tone. This was a man that was efficient in action and word. Something she herself tried to be as much as possible. He wasn't wasting a breath on anything and he let his accomplishments speak for themselves. Kiriko knew intimately in that moment that whoever this Tori Saio person was she must have been incredibly powerful to walk away from such a tenacious man unscathed. It was more of a complement to the Espada than it was a detractor from Ametsuchi. At least in her eyes. Kiriko judged on professionalism and ability, and the fact that no one had escaped the Nest was proof enough of this man's rightful placement as Warden of the Maggot's Nest.

She watched him carefully, appreciating the tiniest flutter of his facial expressions and taking in all that he was telling her. Purposefully or not. Without the first engagement even complete she already knew in her bones that this would be a good fight. A wholesome and worthy one that would stretch her ability to its limits. But she felt certain, in spite of the ache and weariness that settled in from the sekiseki stones Kiriko carried herself with the ease and fluidity of someone wholly confident in their own skills. And she was, ever since that battle with Tova Kiriko had left behind her ragged weakness and doubts. She was as close to perfection today as she had ever been. This was going to be enjoyable.

He took up a strange stance, one she hadn't seen before despite her vast experience. Trying to understand the mechanical changes of a stance like that she was still processing when he came at her, something she took seriously as his charge was swift and deliberate. She moved without thinking, letting her body take over in the freeing way that only a true fighter could. Kiriko had honed each muscle, each sinew, each bone until her body was far more capable alone than with her mind attached. Often thoughts just slowed you down.

Utilizing her shorter height against the Shinigami she brought up one arm high and angled her forearm upward so that it was a slight slant towards the ceiling. The fist struck with powerful force but the positioning of her arm was enough to direct most of that momentum up and away, a strong deflection. The tri-attack combo was too simple to disguise and Kiriko spotted the intent miles away as the leg came up towards her torso and legs. She let her free hands drop as she herself ducked down, using her own speed to aid in the motion she let the kick come in too close to be rechambered before locking her arms in an x formation and grasping the leg tight with both hands. The pain from the thundering strike rattled up her arms and into her shoulders but she withstood and instantly popped up to her full height, intending on dragging Ametsuchi's leg along with her still crossed arms as she hopped up. The movement would throw him totally off balance, a standard toss that should result in him landing on his back with her hands around his leg. She didn't expect the move to be that successful though, and Kiriko griped as hard as she could so that he couldn't wriggle away before she was finished.

WC: 673 | GP: 13 | Total GP: 66

OOC: I'd prefer not to use mechanics at all and let this be free form, I need to work on how I write my fights and that was my intent for this thread. If later we want to bring in techniques but not stats that would be fine. 

Chinda-san seemed surprised that he would admit his failure so easily, but whatever conclusions she had come to it did not seem to affect her feelings, at least that he could tell. Beyond her initial surprise she did not reveal much of anything, although since he had not been immediately denounce him as incompetent or such like some might have. In fact it was almost as if her estimation of him had increased despite the bare bones facts of being defeated by an opponent who he had not even been able to touch. The more he interacted with her the more he felt a sort of familiarity or kinship with her, one that went beyond that of being a shinigami or even a member of the 2nd division, although those elements helped, It was almost as if they were the same kind of person.

She had not been caught unaware, or slowed down in the slightest by her surroundings, so when he attacked she was well prepared. In response to his punch she had chosen to use her arm to block and deflect the attack, angling her limb to cause the true force of the attack to be lessened as it 'slide' off. With that simple exchange he could tell that she was his equal in pure skill at least.

After she blocked his punch however she dropped her waist to alter the center of gravity and used her free hand to make a grab for the leg he was kicking with at first blocking the kick by resorting to a crossed arm block before latching on to his hakama clad leg. As soon as she was able to do this she popped up again in an attempt to drag him off balance and flip him onto his back. This however would not work out exactly as she planned, perhaps his frame made it appear as if he were taller then his actual height but they were only about an inch different, making the move somewhat more difficult to execute.

However, instead of trying to fight the movement to stay on the ground, he actually seemed to move with her. But as he did so he twisted in around so that his free leg had the chance to strike at her upper torso and head. Still this would cause him to fall face forward towards the ground instead of on his back as she tossed him whether or not she chose to let him go to avoid the strike or not. But even this he adapted to on the fly, throwing his arms out forward almost in the motion of a pushup he would catch himself before going face first into the dirt, as he did so he would bend his knees to help pull Kiriko off balance if she chose to maintain her grip, drawing her just a bit more forward then expected. And then he would straighten out once more, extending his legs and arms which would drive solidly into her body. Hopefully kicking himself free, he would attempt to use her as a springboard to roll back to his feet and turn to face her again.

Words: 529
gp: 10
total: 74

She exhaled, and pushed forward, sweat dripping down her forehead. The battle had raged for far longer then Kiriko had expected. Ametsuchi was no slouch, and he certainly didn't spend all of his time sitting at a desk if he had this much endurance! She was so far past breathing hard that her only consolation was the way her opponent began to falter in strength and speed at the same rate as her own body's weakening. Kiriko was used to fighting, probably more then the Warden was, but she had never engaged on equal footing with an opponent. Usually she fought ranged or spiritual based attackers, or even weapons. This hand to hand only fight was testing her ingenuity, and her limits.

With a bone shaking thud the two fighters clashed in the middle of the floor, their limbs shaking with fatigue. Kiriko blinked, then blinked again, a soft chuckle rumbling up through her dry lips. She had struck true, one chopped hand at his throat in what would have been a death blow to his windpipe in a real fight. But Ametsuchi was a skilled opponent, and he had his own success, a knee/elbow combo that would have snapped her dominant arm and ended things.

Slowly, with the wariness spurred on by a good and ferocious fight, Kiriko lowered her arms and stepped back. Her whole body ached, not just from exhaustion but from the myriad of blows that had been landed today. A rare smile crossed her face, fleeting and cursory. It was really only in a life or death fight that she felt so pushed, so good. So free.

“You certainly pass my test...” she gasped out, leaning against the nearest wall to regain her breath. “I think Tsukimiya-taichou would have no complaints with your progress Ametsuchi-san.”

Kiriko eyed him critically, weighing her options. She had gotten a good measure of the man through their conversation and battle, and she found herself really liking him. He was taciturn, solemn, trustworthy, and a strong opponent. She had always thought to herself that her secret technique, Shunko, was something to be taught to others. And who better then one of her own family, one of the Second? Sakamoto had achieved it on her own, just by watching Kiriko. To instruct someone else in the art though, it might prove to teach Kiriko more then she already knew.

Making her decision, she nodded to herself before bowing to finalize the fight. “Ametsuchi-san, I am impressed. I want to offer you a chance. I think this spar showed up that we are both equal martial artists, however I have developed a technique to make your Hakuda truly shine. It mixes Kido and hand to hand combat for explosive power. It is a secret of mine, but... I think you would be a worthy disciple. If you are interested in learning. Maybe then, the next time you cross paths with that Arrancar woman, you will be the one defeating her.” She smiled thinly at the sentiment. 

WC: 504 | GP: 10 | Total GP: 87