Toku kept his eyes on the ice marine, tracking every muscle fiber that he could see and analyzing the energy network in detail attempting to gather a precise road map of how his body works. Each detail, physical and spiritual, would give an idea on how this Marine manages his power control and his primary methods of utilization of said powers. "So tell me, Marine, what is your name?" Toku spoke with a calm and relaxed speech pattern, showing a strange lack of concern for the actual battle that was taking place.
"Aokiji." The Ice Marine said plainly, with a lack of enthusiasm that matched Toku's. "Do you have a name, Shinobi?"
Aokiji held a gentle gaze upon the unmasked Anbu Member from the Village Hidden in the Clouds, "Tokuigue." It was spoken softly, knowing that his name given was the nickname given by his village which was an acceptable name to be called since Anbu Members are not meant to reveal any actual information that may later be used for some form of action by an outside source.
"Tokuigue." Aokiji spoke the name as if it was something that could be tasted, his face showing that he was giving a moment to allow the flavor of the name to settle in his mouth as he committed the name to memory. "I shall remember you Tokuigue, as one of the few individuals to actually cause me harm." There was a strong menacing tone that came from the words spoken although the actual voice was calm and almost nonchalant about the actual statement. "I have a mission while here, and any person opposing the Marines in this land must be put down."
"Of course." Although Aokiji made a clear promise to kill Toku, the Shinobi responded with a simple phrase and a nod to acknowledge that he was aware of the situation and the dedication that the Ice Marine must attend to. There was no confusion that Aokiji was going to have to make the attempt to eliminate any opposition, as is the way of the Marines and those that hold rank enforce in a way that is truly a daunting fact many come to learn first hand and others tremble at the stories spread of the effectiveness.
Aokiji formed a long shard of ice in his right hand, still feeling the strange sensation in his shoulder similar to the feeling generated in one's legs after sitting down for too long on a toilet. The tingling nerves attempting to regain a greater range of feelings with some portions feeling outright numb. Still, he was able to push through the discomfort and complicated process of bypassing a damaged Energy Network Pathway and generate something that resembled a long icicle which would be akin to a spear.
The two monks that were in the immediate area observed the situation unravel and found themselves both confused by the personalities of the Shinobi from the Village Hidden in the Clouds of the Marine, each seemingly unfazed by the menacing nature of each other and also detached from the entire situation as a whole. Though they were capable fighters and were not scared to engage with the Marine, there was a clear sign that the Shinobi wanted to deal with the Marine himself and the Monks decided to respect that decision and allow the fight to be one for the two of them to handle.
Immediately Aokiji launched the spear with a tremendous thrust as it propelled through the air generating a clear aura of cold energy that was capable of causing frost on the moisture of the vegetation growing from the ground. Although the spear was flying through the air at a blinding speed, it was easily observable by the Satorigan in a casual pace. Though what Toku was not prepared for was the concentration of Natural Energy flowing through the spear. There was the idea that perhaps the ice generated by Aokiji was just a creation of the ice itself but it was infused with a massive amount of energy which meant that there was an increased level of danger and destruction that was carried by this frozen attack.
There was the initial consideration of deflecting the attack to determine the overall density of the ice, but with how much raw natural energy that it was holding there was too much at risk when dealing with the ice. So Toku took the advantage of having time to analyze the ice to determine his best course of action was to completely avoid the attack with some distance as opposed to simply deflecting or slightly dodging the attack for a reactive attack of his own. So with a dodge roll to the side he was able to avoid the attack, and in the middle of that motion Aokiji was able to generate another spear in his left arm faster than before and launched it as well.
This one was not any faster than the previous in terms of the flight speed, but the fact that he was able to generate the attack so fast and launch it was the concerning portion. Still, Toku had just enough time to avoid the actual attack and stay outside of the field of frost that was being generated by it. Aokiji continued to generate and launch ice faster and faster, providing less and less time for Toku to have time to determine the most effective way to avoid the attack in totality. Even with his Satorigan giving him the chance to see the attack in a slower pace, he was not capable of reacting fast enough or developing enough of a plan of avoidance.
Eventually Toku was on his toes as he performed a flip into the air to avoid an attack, which appeared to be the opportunity that Aokiji was anticipating as he dashed and got close to Toku in the air with a spear in his hand. This time he was attempting to impale the Shinobi into the ground at close range. There was but a few seconds to react and Toku jerked his right arm as a metal tendril came out of his arm and slammed into the ground. A sudden gust of wind escaped from his body and propelled him towards his bladed tendril as his Satorigan showed Aokiji stabbing into the ground.
There was a look of surprise on Aokiji at Toku's ability to maneuver in mid air the way that he did, and honestly Toku was surprised himself. He had been tinkering with Wind Style and as he felt a strange sensation on his back between his shoulder blades he realized that the tailed beast aided in his control over Wind Style and at an optimal moment. Though it appeared that Chomei would not leave it at that as a dark purple chakra aura consumed the body of the Shinobi.
This aura was paired with a surge of electrical energy radiating from his body in small discharges, "Welcome to the Symphony." With those words, Toku swung his right bladed tendril towards Aokiji who was able to block the attack with his ice spear. Quickly Toku made an approached as he twitched his left arm and watched as another bladed tendril made its way to Aokiji. He was able to block another attack and this continued as Toku approached, which Aokiji had no problem with as he was now prepared for when the Shinobi got close.
The moment that Toku was in range, Aokiji immediately created a second ice blade and swung at Toku. With a small window, Toku quickly stepped into Aokiji and pressed his hand against the hand of the Ice Marine. The impact immediately created a loss of feeling in his hand and caused him to lose the grip of the blade. "Dance of Chaos." Toku rapidly started to press his hand against various key points on the body of the Ice Marine as his Lightning Release started to tear through the nerves of Aokiji and his dark chakra using the wind to pull air from the immediate area.
After a serious of impacts, Aokiji stood still before his body fell over with every part of him feeling like it was on fire. "You will live, but your access to your powers will be limited and the pain you feel right now will not end anytime soon." The Shinobi looked down at the Ice Marine, "But right now, you are at my mercy." Toku looked away from the Ice Marine at his own hands and took note of the frost that developed, aware of the lack of feeling in his hands.
"A small price to pay."
Tenjinsai quickly arrived on scene, perched on a nearby hill to overlook the entirety of the situation. What he quickly took in was a sight that he wished he had not seen. It immediately reminded him of the wars that he had just put an end to within his own home. Bodies were strewn about the ground, numbering in the hundreds, perhaps even thousands. He found himself wishing to chastise the humans for the senseless killing, but he would simply become a hypocrite if he did. His own people had been warring for several years after the disappearance. As such, Tenjinsai had no room to judge these beings for simply being, human. One thing however was clear though, he needed to intervene before things progressed any further. No more lives needed to be extinguished before their time, not if he could prevent it.
Studying the field further before placing himself at the midst of it, Tenjinsai realized he recognized most of those present. The first of which he noticed was one of the other young men from the tournament. Regashi, he believed it was if he remembered correctly from the registration. Furthermore, there were two other individuals that caught his attention. Kirito Gekko, the pirate Captain he had met some time ago; As well as his first mate, Shinoji. It appeared that in their time apart the two had gotten stronger, as had their opponents. From where Tenjinsai now stood though, it appeared that the battle was nearing its conclusion. It seemed that the individuals he had recognized, as well as another person that could only be described as a green man, were working toward the same end, and were succeeding. One individual remained standing before them, what appeared to be a giant reptilian beast.
It immediately reminded him of a hollow, though it was clearly not a being of spiritual origin, only resembling one. One thing was not contendable though, they were very powerful. The beasts strength could be compared to that of the his Captains, the strongest of the shinigami. The fact that creatures like this were starting to surface now, it could be a sign of things to come. For the time being though, there was a single threat to deal with, the one before him. Tenjinsai moved to the field in a burst of shunpou, appearing beside Kirito and staring down the dragon. Introductions could wait, the first thing that needed to be done was to deal with this beast, and perhaps find out what it was and where it came from. With the appearance of another combatant the beast snarled at Tenjinsai, smoke coming from its nostrils as it leaned forward to get a better look at him.
"Who the hell are you supposed to be? Another sheep come to the slaughter?" Tenjinsai raised his right arm up into the air, his palm open as he pointed it toward his new target. While doing so, the young shinigami's reiatsu was released in its entirety upon the surrounding area. The crushing weight of his strength would become apparent as even a beast as titanic as the dragon faltered before his power. "No, I would be your judge, jury, and executioner. Bakudou no Rokujuu Ichi, Rikujokoro; Bakudou no Rokujuu San, Sajo Sabaku." From the palm of Tenjinsai's right hand a myriad of yellow energy burst forward. It took multiple forms, most prominently forming as a variety of yellow triangular spikes and a thick braided rope. These spiritual constructs would either drive themselves into, or ravel around the dragon, effectively binding and capturing the massive beast.
With all he deemed needing to be done having been achieved, Tenjinsai turned to face Kirito, his reiatsu lessening until it was no longer noticeable. "Pirate Captain Kirito Gekko, if I do remember correctly. It has been some time since we last met though I see the same trouble still follows you." He paused a moment, turning to glance at the creature behind him before looking back to his acquaintance. "If you are privy to what this creature is or where it comes from, I would appreciate the sharing of such information. It closely resembles the beasts that my people hunt. That, combined with its great strength, is greatly concerning." The young Captain's arms crossed along his abdomen, his hands resting within the opposing sleeve of his haori. He certainly hoped that the explanation would be something simple and mundane, though such a thing was simply a hope, and a foolish one at that.
Toku stood over the collapsed body of the marine, his own hands feeling the cold sensation from the power of Aokiji. The two monks that observed the battle in the near distance were truly shaken by the performance, attempting to understand the power that the random young man was capable of. To see someone so young perform so powerfully without actually giving off a large amount of power or exertion.
It was clear that Toku had used quite a bit of energy and definitely was showing signs of exhaustion, but it was strange since none of his attacks were all that powerful from what they could see. They started to assume that the Marine may not have been as powerful as they had assumed initially. So they made their way out of the small forested area and approached Toku.
“Thank you for your help… Tokuigue?” One of the monks (with a long mane of hair) spoke, attempting to assume that the name he heard in the exchange between the Shinobi from the Village Hidden in the Clouds and the Ice Marine that had plagued the Land of Z.
Toku simply provided a nod to acknowledge the accuracy of the name, “Toku is fine.” He spoke plainly, since he was not keen on hearing the full length of his given alias and provided such to a man that would not remember the name too clearly. The benefit of a gentle touch on the mind can alter small short term memories, which allows one such as him to disappear from the mind and memories of those that might have details that prove detrimental to a mission.
The monks both nodded and gave a respectful bow to an ally, “We must tend to the survivors.” The second monk (with a skin bald scalp) spoke towards Toku before looking towards his full mane friends, “If there is any remaining…” The pain he was feeling from the loss of loved ones finally reached him and it was clear that it was a heavy burden, one that was shared by both of the monks.
It quickly became an awkward moment for the Shinobi, seeing the emotions starting to swell in their facial features and decided that it would be best to leave them be. He would not have much time to step away when a sudden presence was felt in the immediate area. It was a heavy presence that was greater than anything Toku had ever been able to sense and it almost forced him to turn his head and look over at what it was.
His eyes pierced the forest that surrounded him and saw where the two other individuals, one that stood by the green creature and the other that seems to be his subordinate. This presence was a new arrival who wore clothing that was more traditional with an archaic time in history which was strange in its own right. That was not the part that gathered his focus, but instead he could not help but see the flow of energy in the body.
The energy was a torrent rushing through the Energy Network with the fury of a waterfall crashing upon the earth, and even the density was concentrated which was the most terrifying part. There was no way that a person could have this much power in their body, but the Satorigan does not see false factors when it comes to Energy Signatures.
Then, almost as if to displace the doubt that was building in the mind of the Shinobi based in the common features of the Village Hidden in the Clouds, the man unleashed the full pressure of his power upon the enemy of his choosing. The creature meant little to the Satorigan as the focus was stolen and held prisoner by the man as his body released Energy from every pore in his body, or at least that is what the Satorigan was able to observe.
The man quickly shifted all of that generated power into a focal point upon his hand and unleased a strange technique that held and bound the target without a single moment of doubt before decreasing the potent power that was unleashed. It was truly a moment glorious of power that brought equal parts fear and curiosity to Toku. Even the monks were shaken by the power surge that just took place.
Kirito prepared to finally attack this beast just before another familiar face appeared in front of him. It was Tenjinsai, the one Shinigami Captain who appeared back on Thriller Bark. He could only smile as he knew this guy was trouble himself as well. "You are right when it comes to these marine bastards, they follow me like lap dogs. This guy is a Marine Admiral, he's the rank right under their great commander. The reason he is a dragon is due to the fact he ate a zoan type devil fruit, much like myself." Taking a step back Kirito began to focus his Haki to take on this beast. However he was no longer worried since he now thought of a way to win. The Mochi devil fruit could expand his size. It was a short and sweet plan but it will do for now. Waiting for Tenjinsai to make a move first, Kirito stood there with his flames appearing around him.
Tenjinsai kept his eyes trained directly on the beast in front of him as he listened to the man beside him speak. He could not help but be somewhat surprised when he had, very briefly; Explained that the large beast before him was in fact a human. It had devoured some type of fruit that had given him such strange abilities to transform himself. The young Captain was compelled to step closer to beast, to study it and learn more about it. These humans, they were becoming increasingly interesting, as well as dangerous. To this point, there had been several Tenjinsai had already met that had reached, if not exceeded, the power of some of the current Captains. Something in the back of his mind, the young leader knew that this would come to be a problem one day. Whether it would be a problem for his people, or those of a different race or world, it was a conclusion that was inevitable.
Already, just as his people had been plunged into war, the world was up in arms. It would only grow worse as the combatants grew stronger, and drew more and more people into them. Such was the way of war, only ever escalating until it finally drew to a close; With countless dead, lands scorched, and families shattered. In the end, all Tenjinsai would be able to do is watch as the world tore itself apart until it was ready to pull itself back together. Though at least, he may be able to help bring it to a swifter close by assisting the human standing beside him. Kirito had clearly been positioned to put an end to the beast Tenjinsai had captured; Posturing aggressively and preparing the strange powers he possessed. The young Captain would assist his human acquaintance once more as he raised his arm up into the air, a black sphere gathering in it.
Small tendrils of dark energy slowly emerged from the sphere, writhing unnaturally around the sphere. Suddenly, Tenjinsai would crush the energy in his hand, clenching his fist tightly and allowing the energy to pulsate around him growing rapidly in intensity. "Hadou no Kyuujuu, Kurohitsugi." As he spoke, the energy that had emanated from his body redirected itself, slowly forming a large black box around the beast. The constructed slowly paneled its way upward over the dragon and then enclosing atop it. Once formed, countless spikes spawned from the edges of the cube and penetrated deep inside of it, piercing the captured creature trapped within. Several moments would pass before the box would begin breaking down, revealing the sight of a wounded and bloody dragon. Upon observing its body, it was most likely dead, perhaps just hanging by a single thread to what little life it still possessed at most.
Tenjinsai flicked the sleeves of his haori, allowing them to fall back further on his arms to reveal his hands. They would be revealed for only a moment though as he would place his arms slightly over his abdomen, his hands placing themselves into the opposite sleeve and resting atop one another. His head would then turn slightly toward Kirito, his gaze meeting that of the human. "Kirito, I would ask at this point what plans you have for the future. It seems every time we have met people end up dying en masse. While the affairs of humans are not directly my business, my people are in charge of protecting the spiritual realms which includes that of earth and the spirits that roam it." He paused a moment, his gaze turning to the ground as he briefly thought before looking at Kirito once more. "Consider it the passive interest of a guardian."
Taking a small step back, Kirito watched as Tenjinsai finished off the Marine Admiral without even batting an eye. His strength was even stronger than the last time they met in Thriller Bark. With this in mind he deactivated his flames then looked over at Mar who was standing there in shock. It was understandable to fear the power Tenjinsai had within him. Shinoji was just standing there without any emotion on his face. Those two were lost for words since they had never seen his power before. It was astounding to see how much his power increased within the time period that had passed since Thriller Bark. Perhaps where he came from was some special training grounds that no one from this world could travel to without help. Going there would help my progress, however Kirito doubted Tenjinsai would just allow him to travel to his home.
After Tenjinsai finished off the Marine Admiral he stood there looking in Kirito's general direction and began to ask some questions. What was his plans for the future and explain his duties to a minimum. It was more of a passive theme of interest in the matters at hand. Even Kirito knew that he had to keep going with his morals intact however he needed to become stronger. "Just like when they attacked us on Thriller Bark, the Marines are out doing the World Government's bidding like lap dogs. As you can see before us is the destruction the World Government causes if one person dares to speak up against them. Someone of this land must have spoke up and now the land is suffering for it. I wouldn't be here killing Marines if I was strong enough to nip the source at the bud. In the end my goals from before are the same, defeat the World Government and put a stop to this madness. Perhaps you can understand since you protect the land of souls. With this many humans being killed it has to be throwing off the balance." Kirito clenched his fists at his side before turning to look at Shinoji. His first mate wouldn't had lived if Tenjinsai and Kirito weren't here to defend him. It would had ended in death all over the place. It was with this in mind Kirito made up his mind. "Your home Tenjinsai, it seems it is isolated from this world. Perhaps you could take me there and allow me to train to become stronger and even share some of your sword techniques with me. In exchange I will share all Intel you wish to know about the World Government and even make a plan to stomp them out before they shed any more innocent blood." This was a far-fetched idea but if Tenjinsai accepted it would perhaps open many more doors to the world finally becoming peaceful. "Of course I will come alone to prove that I mean no ill will towards your home. Shinoji will remain here and attempt to clean up this situation and help Mar reconnect this land with Planet Namek I believe he said it was. It also appears that other person who was here is off fighting in another city to the south."
Kirito looked over at Shinoji with a smile on his face. "I am entrusting you with this task Shinoji. Take some time here to train however, your magic can become so much stronger than it already is. If Tenjinsai accepts I will return once all business is complete." Turning to Tenjinsai he then got a serious look. "Do you accept my proposal, Shinigami Captain?"
Tenjinsai sat quietly as Kirito began to give him a more in depth version of what he had said the first time they met. These marines were apparently the representatives of their government; Similar to the Gotei Thirteen being the military arm of the Soul Society. It was clear that, taking the story from one end of the conflict, the marines were clearly at fault. There was still more he did not know though, enough so that he could not truly make a personal judgment. He needed to know more, the rest of the story from the other end and all those involved. Kirito was simply one part of this massive tale, one Tenjinsai was somewhat inclined to believe. His human acquaintance had seemed light-hearted and compassionate enough, but there was no way to tell if all of his compatriots were like that. One man, and even his crew around him, was but a drop of water in the sea.
Hopefully more would come to the light in the future and perhaps all of this bloodshed could be brought to an end. To that end, an opportunity of sorts came to truly find out what the situation within the World of the Living was. Kirito had suggested that he, and he alone, return with Tenjinsai to the Soul Society to train and study. He desired to become strong enough to put an end to all of the conflicts that ravaged his world, a story the young Captain was familiar with. It was as though the two men had walked the same path, Tenjinsai had just been further down the road. The premise of taking his him though would not be a particularly welcome one amidst his subordinates. They had just welcomed an outsider into their world; Another one, regardless of their intentions, would not be looked upon favorably. But still, it was entirely his decision in the end if he was to allow it.
He effectively had the power to do all he desired within the realm he now ruled without any questioning of his orders. The issue was not wanting, or being able to afford, ruffling up the peace that had just been established. Sighing lightly, Tenjinsai removed his left hand from the sleeve it had rested in. Perched upon the tip of his index finger was revealed a small black butterfly with red markings, fluttering lightly. The young shinigami whispered a message quietly to it and sent it off to relay his orders. Additionally, it would also retrieve whatever prize he would be granted from the tournament. He then turned his gaze back to Kirito, meeting the humans eyes with his own. "Kirito, I can not say whether your offer will be accepted or not, but it will be given the chance to be agreed to at the very least."
Drawing his zanpaktou, Tenjinsai plunged it into the ether between dimensions and turned it as a key. The fabric of reality was torn asunder as a portal to the Soul Society would open before them. "I sent orders ahead to convene all the Captains and you will make your case there for all to see. While it is ultimately my decision whether you are allowed to remain or not; I cannot risk reigniting a war that has just ended by bringing another outsider in without discussing with my subordinates." Then sheathing his zanpaktou, Tenjinsai motioned his right arm toward the senkaimon, gesturing toward their travel. "We may leave whenever you have concluded what business you have left here."
Seeing Tenjinsai, accept his request brought a small smile to his face. It was now time for Kirito to reach his full potential without being interrupted by Marines or other enemies. Hearing about the rest of his group, Kirito had little to no worries that his case would plead with success. The World Government was pure evil and needed to be stopped before it got out of hand. Stepping forward and through the portal, Kirito faced forward without looking back.
With everything apparently in order, Kirito quickly stepped through the portal that had been opened. After he had fully passed through, Tenjinsai moved towards it and paused for a moment. Looking back behind him he gazed upon the carnage that still lay behind them. Despite all he had seen in his life, it still shook him to the core to see so many bodies scattered amidst the battlefield. No matter how many friends he had seen die, or men he had cut down himself, he would never be used to it. Maybe one day he would become jaded like his father and the other Captains; But he truly hoped that day would never come. He just had to remember that, despite the bloodshed that would occur, this was all in the name of peace. But was this truly the correct way to go about doing so? In the distant future, would the new generations look back and see them as heroes or tyrants.
One thing was for certain, only time would tell. Sighing lightly, Tenjinsai turned back toward the senkaimon and stepped through its threshold. He disappeared from the World of the Living and would find himself moments later back in his home.