My thoughts and notes at the bottom as usual.
-Bleach-
It had been nearly a few hours since Yoruichi's visit and Ichigo had been under some... relaxing training with the tall shop assistant, Tessai down in the basement. Both were sat on the dusty ground.
"Feeling better Ichigo-dono?"
Ichigo sat opposite Tessai, still outside his mortal body wearing his shingami garb that was ruffed up from various exercise, he sat crossed legged with his elbows on his knee making his black sleeves slide down his arms revealing scratches and bruises
"A little." Ichigo dryly as he brought up his left hand which showed the knuckles bandaged and as he leaned forward to speak, one could see soot and singe marks around his cheeks and nose.
"I might be better however if people stop throwing fireballs around like they're going outta fashion!" He said clearly annoyed. Tessai pushed his glasses up in a nonchantly manner.
"Forgive me Ichigo-dono but its best you get a hands on experience with the dangerous art of Kido (demon or spirit way), it might safe your life if you know why your enemy is suddenly stopped trying to run you through with their sword and started chanting spells at you." he finished admonishingly but not unkindly. Ichigo looked at Tesai with a suspicious glean in his eyes.
"You didn't chant anything, I remember Rukia..." he paused for a second, he took a breath and started again.
"Rukia had to say a book and half for her spells and the ones she did use were barely stronger than firecrackers against hollows. All you said was 'good job...', 'very close...' and my favorite 'Try to dodge faster next time Ichigo-dono!' and your fireballs about took off my head!" Ichigo rubbed his blackened nose with agitation before looking back at Tessai.
"So does these Kido things actually need those long ass chants? Most of them sound right down useless and disturbing 'mask of blood and flesh'... really?" Ichigo finished incredulously, recalling one of Rukia's many chants. Tessai was quiet for the moment.
"You wish to learn more of Kido? Its no casual hobby Ichigo-dono." Tessai cautioned. The orange haired Shinigami nodded relaxed.
"If its a threat or something I can use to help Rukia I'm all for it. Besides they look kind of interesting, like real magic and all that." He finished in a calm tone that did not quite hid a little interest.
Tessai, who also sat crossed legged across Ichigo nodded.
"Very well Ichigo-dono, Kido is not something you can understand within a few days but allow me to pass on the basics as best I can. Kido is ability to use your spirit energy to manipulate the word around you, it is also considered one of the four main combat styles of the Shinigami. Usually Shinigami who follow this path end up mastered quite a few number of Kido as their career continues, do you know how many spells there are Ichigo-dono?" Tessai asked politely.
Ichigo ran hand threw his hair in thought.
"I know theres one to bind people, that red one you and Urahara throw about and I remember that Shinigami in the white coat that took Rukia...he shot lightening at me? So maybe 30 altogether?" he shrugged. Tessai 's lips twitched.
"Quite a few more than that Ichigo-dono. We have sub divisions for each kind of spell, one section is one you are familiar with, the Bakudo (way of binding) is perhaps the most easiest to learn at first but can turn out to be the hardest to master. Of course there is also another section which you have been dodging this evening, Hado the most common to and perhaps the biggest appeal to new Shinigami. There a few others but none that should be a cause for attention." Tessai finished off handedly. Ichigo pondered this for a moment.
"So is there a lot of Shinigami who use spells? I mean so far Urahara's only been teaching me how to fight sword to sword, should I be looking for people using them a lot?" Ichigo said inquiringly. Tessai stroked his his chin.
"It has been a long time since I was in the soul society, it is possible that that Kido has become a common use for low ranking shinigami however..." Tessai trailed off.
"However?" Ichigo prompted, looking interested." Tessai was quiet for a few seconds before answering.
"The soul society... it doesn't change like the human world, at lest not quite as fast." Tessai offered, looking for words to help the explanation.
"Shinigami age and die at lot slower pace than humans Ichigo-dono... a lot slower. I believe the current Commander-General is pushing somewhere around three thousand years old." Tessai said quietly. Ichigo looked and blinked at him then his eye shot open.
"T-three THOUSAND YEARS OLD! How is that even possible?" Ichigo asked amazed.
Tessai only shook his head.
"There isn't a exact clear answer. Popular theories range from the shinigami using Reshi inside their bodies instead of cells or other micro organisms , to theories on how the spirit itself is more durable and long lasting than a physical shell. It does truly depend on who you ask, however it doesn't matter to most as not matter how long one lives, deaths clock is always ticking." Tessai said solemnly before shaking his head slightly.
"We have gone off track, I was saying that shinigami don't age as humans for that reason the soul society doesn't accept or deal with change respectably or easily. Kido has always been something few specialize in. For those who did there is usually an offer for shinigami to join the Kido corps, a branch dedicated to the study and learning of all matters Kido." He finished.
Ichigo frowned at this.
"So most Shinigami I run into...?" he looked at Tessai, who nodded.
"Will most likely not be using Kido beyond anything you have seen. besides the most highest ranking shinigami of course, its usually expected of them to have a good mastering of all four areas. It takes a keen mind and a talent to be good a Kido, however if one were to work at it and be true to the teachings they too could learn." Tessai looked at Ichigo when he said this.
Ichigo raised one eyebrow.
"So for example if you were to look at me, would I be someone to try his hand at Kido" Ichigo prodded.
"No" Ichigo twitched. But before he could open his mouth to object, Tessai had already put up his hand to stop him.
"If you let me finish Ichigo-dono, I was going to say, no you don't have the characteristics of a Kido practitioner, which is why it will be perfect against your opponents when you use Kido against them."
Ichigo's protested died in his mind. For the smallest of seconds, he thought he was back in the real world being judged by his looks, told he would never accomplish his goals or dreams, that any education was wasted on a obviously uncaring youth. Ichigo took a breath, calming his mind.
"Will you teach me?" Ichigo sounded neutral as he could at this point, never begging nor demanding. Tessai just smiled.
"Please give me a moment will I fetch the training tool." and with that stood up and dusted of his apron and briskly vanished up the ladder.
Ichigo stared at where Tessai's form disappeared and marveled at how... quiet the training area was. Since this journey had began this environment, this basement was always in motion and sound, explosions, clashing off swords and to down right trash talk. But now the dust and dirt flowed around him, carried by gentle caress of a breeze. Ichigo didn't know where it came from, as far as he knew the only way for air to get in was the ladder entrance .
But what did he know?
The wind felt so cool and refreshing like it was draw not from the city above, small and clean but it still had its share of cars and trash. This was mountain air, so fresh it froze and then burned his lungs leaving the after taste of wildness. Did Urahara create it? Now that Ichigo thought about it, was anything around him natural? Or was it like him in some strange morbid way, a finished product of Urahara's experiments created with a purpose?
Even so, it was relaxing and if knowing if this was real or a weird eccentric artists landscape picture without the frame was going to ruin that, Ichigo decided, he didn't want to know.
Something about having making a choice about something trivial as the wind and dirt made him relax inside a little, a tiny ball of tension loosened just a little. Urahara's actions had... well not scared him but alarmed would be better to say after retaining his Shinigami powers.
Ichigo had felt it for the moments it was on his face. It was cold and inviting, smooth but with an edge, it was a mask yet if he wore it with reckless or if he gave in to its power, it would become his face.
It was madness seeped in power, given form. It disgusted him yet called to him.
He was glad when he shattered it. it reminded of the abyss that nearly swallowed him and Zangetsu. Dark and hungry, always hungry.
But to know that he didn't want to eat people and he was still human of a sort, gave him a relieve of sorts. A stray breeze lifted his bangs out of his face for moment before it died and the hair fell limply back down.
It was nice, Ichigo decided.
"PUT ME DOWN! I WAS SLEEPING YOU BIG DOOFUS!"
It... was nice anyway.
Tessai came climbing down the ladder one handedly while his other had the puffing Jinta under his arm. As he walked close Jinta seem to lose breath from his shouting and just muttered under his breath. Tessai placed the red head child on the ground in front of Ichigo before sitting down again.
"Forgive my lateness, it took me longer to find little Jinta since he was slacking off his duties behind the shop." Tessai finished sternly. Jinta picked his nose in child ness rebellion.
"I was having a great nap before I was kidnapped, what am I even doing here anyway?" Jinta pestered Tessai. Ichigo scratched his head in confusion to match.
"I'm also kinda wondering that."
Tessai just chuckled.
"Ichigo-dono, this is your training dummy." He said patting Jinta's head. For a second there was silence. Jinta broke it.
"I'M WHAT? I am not doing it! No. Nope! No way!" He shook his head violently before stomping back to the ladder. Tessai raised one eyebrow.
"Shall I give Ichigo-dono your allowance to practice on instead then?" Tessai said slyly, winking at Ichigo, which he could only tell by the movement of Tessai's eyebrow.
Jinta froze midstep before silently skulking back to the pair. Tessai nodded expectantly at him. Ichigo frowned at Jinta.
"Are we going to be doing anything dangerous to him?" He moved his eyes to Tessai, who to his credit immediately shook his head,
"If it was anything remotely dangerous i would personal put myself in ways harm before any of the children Ichigo-dono, I say that with hundred percent conviction." He really did.
Ichigo could, well not see it but feel it. This man Ichigo realized for the first time and it was foolish of him now that he thought of it that Tessai was dangerous, he was a pleasant man, a bit overbearing but he had this gentleness about him that fooled the wary and calmed the nervous but he held within such fearsome power. A man that lived and survived with Urahara was not someone to dismiss casually.
A volcano with pretty flowers and rolling green fields glowing in the sunlight does nothing to stop the destructive force it could unleash against those who would disturb it. Ichigo shivered at the shoulders and cleared his sudden dry throat.
"If he's so unwilling can't we ask the other one, the little girl...Ururu?" Ichigo didn't really know Urahara's kids, he seem to have never really introduced to them formally. They were young and powerful, spiritually aware and alive, he knew that when he fought Ururu before.
At lest he thought they were alive.
Ururu had power, her kicking him about like a toy was evidence of that, her fighting prowess wasn't what bothered Ichigo, it was when she became a fighting machine that didn't see him anymore, just a target. No warmth, no hesitation and no remorse.
If she was some sort of mod soul then in terms of her and Kon, Kon was pitifully weak. Kon when he was bored had told Ichigo a little more of what a mod-soul was and what it could do, it was surprisingly interesting despite coming from Kon's mouth.
They were weapons, Kon had come out right away and said it without trying to hide it, like his perversion. Mod-souls were small and easily carry able weapons that a Shinigami was to insert at best a person or second best a corpse to help that Shinigami fight off hordes of hollow that one Shinigami couldn't alone, Ichigo guess they didn't know about putting them into inanimate objects or maybe they thought that was beneath them.
It was to safe lives and resources Ichigo summed up, a basic disposable solider that could fight until ordered and if destroyed, no loss just swing by your local Shinigami shop and pick up a new one.
But that was were the problem came, the Shinigami had made the soul-mods... too effective.
They had developed personalities, feelings, habits and names, the Shinigami supposedly saw the moral objectivity of using living weapons they had no control over or maybe saw a future threat, either way thus began the recall, the ordering and the destruction of the mod-soul race.
It was a near clean job with survivors like Kon scraping through the cracks. The interesting thing about mod-souls that Kon let slip however was they never grew.
Ever.
Age, power, interests, likes and dislikes, their speed, their intelligence...everything was frozen at their creation, forcible sititutions could change a mod souls mind about something but it was hard to do.
They were born at their limit, their tiny capsules could inhabit bodies of various strengths true but their base power never changed. Kon was what Ichigo guess if mod-souls survived to have a society, a low commoner.
Kon was neither special, fast or intelligent but he had a strong kick, very strong. He was one trick pony who could kick hard and run fast.
A strength of mod-soul upon creation depended entirely on its creator or creators. If a particularly good Shinigami invested enough power and creativity into a mod-soul it could develop rare powers that would be given to more experienced or more wealthy Ichigo guessed, Shinigami to use. Kon was nether powered nor filled with creativity. But Ichigo got a weird feeling from Ururu, not exactly human.
If she was a mod-soul she was on a another level from Kon, perhaps a bit randomly Ichigo saw the parallels between him and Kon both the lowest of their jobs and both trying to survive, it was sad now. Ichigo could grow to reach his goals he couldn't before, Kon could never grow on his own.
Urahara... if there was one man who knew about mod-soul, their banned existence and how to make a powerful one and not care about the rules, it be him.
But if Ururu wasn't a mod-soul. That made her truly terrifying, she was a little girl and she kick his, albeit normal spirit backside. If she could grow in power even a tiny bit, then she be a force to reckon with and perhaps feared.
Jinta however didn't bother Ichigo, strong spiritual energy yes, high strength was good, however his attitude was a total brat, through and through.
Big spiritual power with a even bigger attitude. A bit rich coming from him, Ichigo thought humorlessly.
Jinta rang no alarm bells, lest none as big a Ururu.
Ichigo was brought out of his musings by Tessai merely shook his head before saying
"Ururu is away on an errand since this morning and won't be back for awhile, its important so I can't call her back without good reason. Jinta here should suffice for now." He finished.
Errand?
-Bleach-
"Sado, Orihime good to see you again." Yoruichi said pleasantly. Both teens stood in the abandoned junk yard Sado found the day before, it was approaching dusk. Yoruichi coughed once before continuing.
"We have three days left, so I thought we work on your basic abilities of working under pressure and dodging, both can save your life in battle so to help me in this lesson is my cute little assistant here, Ururu. You might remember her from Urahara's shop?" she said brightly.
Behind the wreck of the car Yourichi was Ururu in pink shorts and a white t-shirt with a rabbit on it. Her blush intensive as three sets of eyes locked onto her. Orihime waved energetically and Sado nodded but before Orihime could launch into conversation Yourichi spoke.
"We shall begin immediately" Yoruichi declared. Both teens blinked at her but whilst there attention was on the cat, they didn't notice Ururu walk out shyly until she stood behind them and as if out of thin air an object appear, it looked like a giant surfboard wrapped in bandages.
It wasn't until Ururu unraveled one end and hoisted it on to her shoulders did both Orihime and Sado see the glowing holes from where missiles were starting to heat up. They both looked at each other.
Ururu fired.
Yourichi smirked with sadistic pleasure.
-Bleach-
Jinta snorted.
"So what we doing here anyway? This better be important you know?" He was whiny as usual but he did seem curious the way his eyes darted about. Tessai waved a hand in Ichigo's direction, looking rather cheerily.
"You shall be help Ichigo-dono with his first Kido spell" Before Tessai even finished Jinta had doubled over in laughter.
"T-this idiot? Oh wow this frggin hilarious, I'm glad you woke me up for the Tessai!" Jinta said trying to catch his breath.
Ichigo's eye twitched, his hands rose to reach for Jinta's scrawny neck. Tessai of course beat him to it, Jinta let out a cry of pain has he held his head, Tessai's hand was still in the shape of a swift chop where Jinta's head was moment s ago.
"Jinta be serious or you'll be punished!" Tessai warned parentally. Jinta glared at him before huffing in obvious disappointment and lingering pain. Pleased with that reaction, Tessai turned to Ichigo.
"I shall begin with the first spell that Shinigami are taught. I believe Kuchiki-san demonstrated this spell on you?" Tessai offered to Ichigo's memory.
Ichigo frowned as he thought back, the only spell she had used on him was the...
"The arm-breaker spell?" Tessai paused for a second then nodded politely.
"Its correct name would be 'Bakudo 1: Sai'..." Ichigo felt a stirring of potent energy from Tessai, he only said the name of the spell in passing conversation but it was enough to near activate the spell. Ichigo swallowed inaudibly, who was Tessai?
"To begin the spell, gather a small amount of energy within your finger tips and touch your target and swipe your fingers away, chant the name of the spell while doing so and the you should bind your opponent." Tessai instructed, showing Ichigo the motions of the hand gestures. Ichigo studied them and realized something.
"What about the chant? Is it big?" he asked. Tessai pushed his glasses up a little before replying.
"Low level spells such as this Ichigo-dono require no chants to activate, they require little power as well. Now Jinta here will stand still while you bind him, if you succeed we can have him become a moving target, now begin."
Ichigo nodded once and turned to Jinta who was muttering quite louder now, as Ichigo got close his eyes got more annoyed...and perhaps a little nervous.
The substitute shinigami raised his fingers to Jinta's chest, mirroring Rukia on that first night he noticed off handedly, he gather energy to his fingers that he constantly felt when he battled with Zangestu and swiped across Jinta's body as he said loudly,
"BAKUDO 1: SAI!"
It was the strangest sensation Ichigo felt. He felt the energy leave and form small wires, wavy and loose, still connected to him but not at the same time. They wrapped around Jinta but he didn't seem to notice them at all, neither did Tessai but he was watching for something. As he swiped his fingers away the wires tightened and pulled at Jinta's limbs.
It started to work as Jinta's right arm folded over backwards and inwards, Ichigo felt the swell of pride but then suddenly the arm dropped like a dead fish, Jinta's eyes sparkled with malicious glee and he opened his mouth to...well Ichigo never found out as the spell exploded from his control and Jinta's left arm shot up like a rocket and clipped his own nose sending backwards on to the ground with a bloody nose. Ichigo stood still for a moment then laughed. Not a quiet chuckle or a snigger but an eye watering, stomach hurting laugh.
This was the scene Urahara came down to see on his hourly basis exercise, a.k.a. beat the crap out of Ichigo sessions.
Ichigo on one knee laughing his guts out and Jinta screaming on the ground and Tessai... just staring.
Looked like a good time for tea Urahara concluded.
-Bleach-
End, this was pretty good, sorry for the late chapter, i giving up mostly but i guesss i got a second win. Ururu interests me. mods souls interest me. Kido interests me. see the pattern?
Next chapter should be the begin of the soul society invasion. its been a bit slow to get there but meh.
Heres hoping this chapter does well. any mistakes just pm them to me.
laters
