JULY 9, 2014.
Post by Kureno Midorikawa on Feb 3, 2014 13:23:37 GMT -5
Kureno donned his uniform as he departed for the underground training facility, where one of the Tenshintai was being sent. His people would ensure that no-one would interfere, or accidentally stumble upon this training session that the Riteitai Gundanchou was about to undertake. A few more of his Riteitai Shinigami would be present in the facility to operate the device and to ensure things ran smoothly as far as the training was concerned. While Kureno would operate the Tenshintai himself, his energy would be focused on completing whatever trial his Zanpakuto had in store for him.
Their conversation the previous night was different from the usual, as Youshanai Kyoufuu seemed eager to undergo the training, to test the Shinigami who imprinted on her as an Asauchi and see not only if she should be subjugated by him, but if he could handle the power of Bankai. Kureno knew that whatever she had in store would certainly push him beyond anything he had experienced over the centuries.
Kureno briskly arrived at the temple where he would go to attain Bankai, where he gave his personal salute (Moving his hands to the opposing elbows and sliding along the arms until they were on top of each other, palms facing each other, cupped to resemble a circle.).
"We will link Seireitei together."
The Riteitai shinigami bowed and let their leader pass, before they resumed their positions, with a fair number still around the area, to keep an eye out for unwanted guests.
Footsteps echoed throughout the vast, underground room as Kureno looked around, taking stock of where he would be for the next three days. There definitely seemed like there would be plenty of room to move, even to fly, with an uneven spread of elevations and depressions keeping the grounds interesting and varied as opposed to just plain and flat. In the middle stood the Tenshinai, with two Riteitai shinigami stationed. Upon seeing their leader, they gave him a salute, to which he returned with his own.
"Everything is set Gundanchou. We'll disengage when it's time to rest, about twelve hours from now. Tomorrow's will be longer at approximately seventeen hours, followed by another seventeen after that. If you are able to continue beyond each of these allotted times, please let us know so we can maintain it or rotate people."
"Very well. Let's get right to it then. Time is of the essence."
With that, Kureno unsheathed Youshanai Kyoufuu and took a deep breath, before stabbing the Tenshinai with his Zanpakuto. A moment after the blade pierced the construct, a pulse of wind erupted from the dummy, forcing the Shinigami to cover their eyes briefly. Moments later, another being materialised into existence, taller than the people present, being at least a good head taller than Kureno himself, with green feathers, white body and a quartet of wings to go with the black-to-orange clawed hands and feet. The two Riteitai were in awe at the presence of their leader’s Zanpakuto spirit but quickly composed themselves, as they had a job to do.
With a chuckle, the creature commented on Kureno’s attire.
“Ahhh, actually seeing you with the rest of the team makes me understand why you insisted on wearing it coming in… but you shouldn’t need your headgear at least Kureno-kun.”
“Heh… true I guess… I shouldn’t be followed now, and even if someone got in, we’d know.”
With that, he slipped off the hat and handed it to the man before him, who bowed. Youshanai nodded to the two Shinigami after Kureno got back into position.
“You two better clear out a fair distance away. I don’t want any unnecessary casualties to get in the way of this test.”
Heeding her warning, the Riteitai troops retreated to a considerable distance away as Youshanai looked at Kureno with her pitch-black eyes.
“We’re going to be duelling within a raging wind storm. If you can best me before our time Is up, I will concede, and you will attain Bankai. If you can’t then either you’ll have to try again some other time, likely much much later given the nature of this training… or you’ll die.”
“I’m well aware of the risk. Either I succeed here, or my position or my life will be forfeit. Likely both. The Onmitsukidou aren’t fond of failures.”
“Good to see your conviction is strong. Let’s begin.”
With that, Youshanai Kyoufuu closed her eyes, as the very air around them began to swirl violently. Within moments the encircling wall of wind blocked them off, preventing anyone from entering, or leaving the whirlwind. That wasn’t all, it felt as if the air inside was… different. Kureno couldn’t quite place it. At his feet, a clang could barely be heard from inside the storm. Looking down, the Riteitai Gundanchou spotted the sword, waiting for him to pick it up. Knowing that this was her way of evening the fight for him, Kureno lifted the weapon and positioned himself into his stance, while his Zanpakuto spirit floated somewhat lazily in the air, waiting for him to be ready.
