>>43739108
It's easy to find her; you manage to pick her out from a crowd at a glance. Hanae stands out with her shoulder-length wheat colored hair and pale blue eyes. She stands almost a foot shorter than you, her posture gracious and flawless. The red and white uniform of the female trainees covers a slim figure, and the sleeves hide the frail hands of a weak girl.

Her beauty is like that of an untouched golden flower.

And yet it's meaningless to conjure anything about a spirit's strength or even age based on outward appearances. The girl may look fourteen, but she could be twice that age, or well over a century old.

Approaching a flat field with thick oaks spread a good distance apart from each other, Hanae finally stops, hand on the hilt of her sword, eyes glaring at a training dummy stood on a pole near one of the trees. It seems that she prefers to train alone - you're out of of Academy grounds, far from where most people spend their time after classes.

Taking a better look, even the dummy is different from the ones regularly used at Shin'o; it's much cruder in appearance and structure. She must have made it herself.

...

>Watch her train for a while. Try to stay hidden.
>Talk to her.
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43739140
>Talk to her.
Let's not start our shinigami career with creepin'

Character sheet:
http://pastebin.com/V0UZzkwL

>>43739140
I feel like watching her train a while, but not making that much of an effort to hide ourselves. Either she's so engrossed in training she won't notice us, or her senses are as advanced as the rest of her and she'll see us regardless.

>>43739182
Wait, is our maximum reiatsu output capped at D?

>>43739236
That's right! It's the average value for most Shinigami.

>>43739201
I'd agree with this.

>>43739252
I guess I forgot that in Bleach, you don't really 'become stronger' you instead learn to better access the strength you already have, and optimize how you channel it. ...unless you're a hollow, of course. Despite being full RULES OF NATURE, anyone with a strong enough personality can at least become an Adjuchas, though admittedly that's where you hit your ceiling.

>>43739201
And by not much, I mean 'at most casually lean against a tree' while still being in view.

>>43739140
Voting over, writing!

>>43739177
>>43739201
>>43739289
>>43739371
You decide not to overdo it; she's a fellow Shinigami, so outright stalking her might be inappropriate. Instead of making an active effort to hide, you simply stay where you are, next to one of the oaks scattered around the plain.

Hanae raises her sword, but before swinging it at the dummy, takes a wary glance around. For a moment, you thought she'd overlook you, but her blue eyes eventually manage to stop in your direction.

She doesn't seem pleased at finding someone else here. The girl removes one hand from the hilt of her sword and plants it on her hip, her eyebrows lowering in suspicion.

"Can I help you?" Her stern tone does little to make her pleasant voice unappealing, and yet carries her displeasure and distrust perfectly across. The sword remains in one hand, pointing at the ground below.

It seems that, at the moment, she has no idea who you are. Unless you tell her now, it's likely to remain that way until the match.

...

>Be honest. "I am Tsukuda Ryouta. We are to fight in the tournament."
>"I was looking for a place to train. May I train with you?"
>Try to change the subject. "What are you doing here? The Academy has its own training grounds, does it not?"
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43739684
>"I was looking for a place to train. May I train with you?"

I like this one, it's an excellent way to get her measure before the tourniment

>>43739684
>Be honest. "I am Tsukuda Ryouta. We are to fight in the tournament."
"I'm trying to figure out how bad this whole tournament idea is."

>>43739684
>"I was looking for a place to train. May I train with you?"

>>43739684
>"I was looking for a place to train. May I train with you?"

>>43739252
Is there really no way to increase it from D to C? is it a secret?

>>43739855
Shinigami who have exceeded their potential aren't unheard of! The means they use to get there vary, and can range from really hard work to quicker but much less humane methods.

Near death experiences tend to be the reason for most people, but without training to maintain that level, it will eventually crawl down to the potential.

>>43739684
Voting over, writing!

>>43739893
Anons just wants to up their power-level!

>>43740046
Our current fate is "be killed by middling hollow" with a small chance of surviving until "die beneath the jackboots of the Vandenreich", which I guess is fine.

>>43739711
>>43739820
>>43739824
"I was looking for a place to train. May I train with you?" You offer.

Hanae seems to ease down a little after having heard that, suspicion slowly wavering, but at the same time, she doesn't appear too thrilled by the suggestion.

"Please do not take this the wrong way, but I prefer to train alone." She's much gentler with her words, but she's still trying to turn you away. Does she suspect something?

"But training with a partner might point out flaws that a trainee wouldn't notice on their own." You say, unwilling to give up so easily. You were taught that at the Academy, considering Hanae's accelerated course, she has most likely heard as much.

But, well, in practice, full-fledged Shinigami don't require partners at all; they already have them in the forms of their swords.

The girl nods. "That is true, but even so, I'd rather do it alone."

You suppress the urge to question her about it; it might be rude to do so. She hasn't given you the reason herself, so it's probably not something she's willing to share.

"Did you happen upon this place by accident? If that is so, could you keep this field a secret? It would be difficult to find another area like this, so open and close to the Academy while staying comfortably out of its reach."

Hanae is talking as though expecting you to leave. You're trying to think of something that could change her mind. She breaks up the silence first, growing more suspicious by the minute. "...Or is there some other reason?"

Only a few days are left until the scheduled match. This is most likely going to be her last training session until then, at least if she intends to come to the fight fully rested.

...

>"I heard that you are very skilled."
>"I wish to train alone, but as you said, there is no better area nearby than here. I don't mind if it's just you here."
>"I have no reason. I apologize for disturbing you. I'll take my leave."
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43740101
>Our current fate is "be killed by middling hollow" with a small chance of surviving
As long as you do it by the Shinigami book, it'll be fine!

>>43740312
>>"I heard that you are very skilled."

>>43740312
>"I wish to train alone, but as you said, there is no better area nearby than here. I don't mind if it's just you here."

If you don't mind I will run through my forms across the field

>>43740312
"Because I heard you're the best."

>>43740312
Voting over, writing!

>>43740337
>>43740420
"I heard that you are very skilled. I was hoping to learn from you if I can." You say.

Hanae seems dejected by what she hears, frowning and directing her blue eyes downwards. "You are mistaken. I am not skilled." She shakes her head and looks back up. "The instructors back at the Academy are much more capable, even if they may be a little hard to reach when the classes are over. I would really rather you receive their more experienced tutorship."

After a short while spent in quiet contemplation accompanied by your unwillingness to just leave, she speaks up again. "...But if it puts you at ease, I suppose I don't mind helping you." She finally yields. The girl takes a step back and lifts her sword a bit higher. "While training, I prefer to set a goal. Which area would you like to improve? I will do my best to assist you with it. But... do keep in mind that I would like to better myself as well. I hope we will be able to keep up with one another."

It's a request coated in a warning. Hanae seems to be even less confident in your skills than she is in her own.

But either way, it worked. Stealth might have yielded easier results, but as Hanae isn't a Hollow, using tactics meant against them on a fellow Shinigami is most likely rude.

"And before we begin, what is your name? I am Takenaka Hanae. Nice to meet you." She performs a brief, respectful bow.

Telling your real name now might change her disposition. She may not agree to training if she finds out who you are.

...

>Introduce yourself using your real name.
>Give a fake name.

>>43741002
>Introduce yourself using your real name.
"I figured I'd give you the opportunity to make the match a bit more interesting, by giving yourself a handicap."

>>43741002
>Introduce yourself using your real name.

It is good to meet you in a neutral area.

>>43741002
>>Introduce yourself using your real name.

>>43741002
Ha ha, she's bound by the Japanese laws of etiquette, which we don't know except in the vaguest of terms, and thus can't be bound by it.

>>43741002
Voting over, writing!

>>43741181
Truly a momentous advantage for us.

>>43741026
>>43741080
>>43741082
You decide to provide her with your name. Hearing it seems to ring a bell, and a moment later, the girl's eyes widen.

"Is that so? You really should have named yourself right away. It does explain why you are here." Her glare has grown sharp, returning its coldness. The contrast between her attempts at politeness just now and her current attitude is jarring. Could you have really blown your chance just now?

Hanae continues, this time with accusations. "Did you intend to spy on me, or did you mean to sabotage me before the match? I hold no qualms against you, as I have never seen or heard of you before, but your behavior is very easy to see as suspicious, Tsukuda Ryouta."

You shake your head. You don't mean ill will, even though your purpose here really was to gather some sort of intelligence on her, some advantage to arm yourself with in the uphill battle to come. But she's questioning your intentions, probably because you weren't particularly straightforward with her until now. It seems to have irked her. Is she just temperamental, or is it normal for her to be like this after that?

The fight hasn't even started yet, and you're already having difficulties dealing with this girl. Well, there might still be a chance to salvage this situation in some way.

...

>"I was wondering what you thought about the tournament."
>"I was thinking that if you were to lose, it might show that Class #2 deserves to be treated as equals, which might end the conflict."
>"I just wanted to know what sort of opponent I was going up against."
>"I just wanted to meet you before the match started."
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43741603
>"I just wanted to meet you before the match started."

>>43741603
>"It's quite obvious who will win our match. Can you truly begrudge me a chance to make my defeat less embarrassing?"

>>43741603
>"I was wondering what you thought about the tournament."

>>43741603
>"I just wanted to meet you before the match started."

>>43741664
Pretty much this, in all honesty.

>>43741603
>>43741664
This. Perfect honesty.

>>43741603
>Other. (Write-in).
"I figured I was already in trouble, based on what the other students were saying. I just wanted to know how bad it was."

"Not really sold enough on the idea of this 'tournament' to try anything really underhanded, anyway."

>>43741603
Voting over, writing!

>>43741664
>>43741688
>>43741758
"It's quite obvious who's going to win the match. I thought that I should at least prepare as well as I can."

Her expression has quickly changed to something resembling pity, a frown clearly expressing her disagreement. Did you say something she didn't like again? "It isn't obvious at all! You must not be so pessimistic. If you truly give it your best, you might win. You can't claim to know the result before it is revealed, Tsukuda Ryouta."

"Well... the general opinion around the Academy, with both students and instructors, is that you are-"

She cuts you off. "Do not listen to them. People are often prone to jumping to the wrong conclusions. Even if I were to win our match, it wouldn't make me 'skilled'. There are so many circumstances revolving around battle... Real combat simply isn't a reliable judge of personal ability."

Hanae is right, in a way. Even someone stronger or more skilled can lose a fight against someone inferior to them. That's what you were counting on by coming here. It's not that you would be superior to this girl if you won, you would have simply won a battle. But, well...

Couldn't the ability to win battles be referred to as 'skill'? At the end of the day, especially for Shinigami, the result may be all that matters. And is the opinion of the public really merely exaggerated, as Hanae believes?

"When the time comes, let us fight. But until then, we must ready ourselves as well as we may. Please allow me to do so in privacy, Tsukuda Ryouta. I don't think we can train together until all of this is behind us. It won't do our progress any good if we practice with our heads elsewhere." She seems fairly adamant about it now.

It seems that you'll have to go into the battle empty-handed.

...

>Leave and wait until the match.
>Talk to Hanae about something. (Write-in).
>Ask Ryuu, a fellow trainee, for advice.
>Ask Hikari, a Shinigami and instructor-in-training, for advice.
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43742471
>Leave and wait until the match.
Maybe try practicing a little bit, but not enough to mean we'd be tired.

>>43742471
>Ask Hikari, a Shinigami and instructor-in-training, for advice.
>Other. (Write-in).

Thank her for the talk before we leave to see Hikari.

>>43742471
>Ask Ryuu, a fellow trainee, for advice.

>>43742471
"Thank you, Takenaka Hanae. You've probably helped me more than what watching you would have gotten me."
Mindset is as an important factor as ability, ESPECIALLY for shinigami.

>>43742583

Plus she did give us a nice talking to.

>>43742617
That's what I mean, her actually encouraging the person she's gonna fight later is the kind of thing to make sure we don't defeat ourselves in our head already.

>>43742471
>Other. (Write-in).
"If the others in your class thought that way, there'd be no cause for us to fight. But since that time seems to have passed, I'll try and make sure your practice doesn't go to waste."

>Ask Hikari, a Shinigami and instructor-in-training, for advice.

>>43742583

Yeah seconding this

>>43742471
Voting over, writing!

>>43742471
>I look forwards to the end of the tournament, then. Surely training with someone as considerate as you can only be a boon.

So in terms of sparring strategy, I was thinking we could try and force situations of tsuba-zeriai, or a close locking of blades near the crossguard. That's a point where, assuming we're larger and somewhat stronger in terms of raw muscle strength, we could force Hanae to try and separate. Under those rules, a strike to her wrist as she disengages should be practically guaranteed to be called in our favor.

Basically it's the only way I can think of to steal a match win from an opponent who by all accounts should have greater technical skill than we do.

>>43743064
The laws of physics can be a bit iffy when applied to Shinigami but we could bring that up.

>>43743107
Depending on how it's judged, we'd just need to not be overpowered outright and stand our ground until Hanae decided to try something different. The way kendo is usually judged, being stuck while withdrawing practically hands away priority to the attacker.

Basically, create an opening and take advantage of the fact that this isn't a real fight.

>>43742524
>>43742583
>>43742652
...It's a little hard to say that you're going empty-handed, after all.

"Thank you, Takenaka Hanae. I feel like this conversation... helped. Probably more so than what I was attempting."

"Don't mention it. It's the least I can do." Hanae nods with a subtle hint of a smile. "The reason we shall be fighting might be petty, but I think it's important we make the best of it nevertheless."

"I'm looking forward to it." You nod in agreement as well. After that, she turns away, towards the training dummy, and raises her sword. As she gets ready to begin, you take your leave.

...

The next day, Hikari pays you a visit. It's very convenient, considering you don't have any means of contacting her aside from these visits. You don't even know her address. You thought it'd be rude to ask, so you didn't.

"My friend finished her mission in the Human World, so, uh... I'm afraid I won't be giving you any more newspapers." She seems apologetic, smiling awkwardly. You shake your head; it's really not a big deal. Instead, you ask her for advice. The match is coming up, and, well... you could use some help.

You describe Hikari your situation; she places a finger on her chin and thinks, eyes rolling towards the ceiling. "So Hanae-san is your opponent? That's unlucky. Uh, no, no, don't feel discouraged, I think you can win! It's just that it'll be... really hard..."

As she thinks it over, you make some tea.

"You should probably look at it like you would look at a fight with a Hollow. Uh, I know that the way you look at that is 'not fight them directly', but... well, sometimes mistakes happen and it happens anyway. In that case, the best thing to do is get away until it... forgets about you..." The girl's lips contort into a nervous smile. "That doesn't really work here, huh?.."

(1/2)

>>43743498
"But, uh... well, why not? It could probably work. I believe anything goes in that tournament, including even Kido. If you hid, snuck around and attacked from a blind spot, it could work... right?"

You nod. Theoretically, it should work. Why wouldn't it work if it went according to that plan? Your agreement seems to encourage Hikari to continue with slightly more vigor.

"But I guess actually getting out of her sight could be a problem! And, um, there's no guarantee she won't find you even after you do hide..." She manages to quickly sap away her surge of confidence. "...There will be plenty of places to hide, though! There's something like a small forest to the, uh... was it east or west?"

"East."

"Yeah!.. Plenty of cover..." The Shinigami sips her tea and goes quiet for a while. "...Was that any help, Ryouta-kun?"

You nod. "It was. Thank you." The girl seems to relax a little bit.

It's somewhat worrying that Hikari places absolutely no faith in your winning fair. Well, 'fair' really isn't how you fight Hollows, so she's probably correct to do so if you look at it from that viewpoint.

"Do you know Takenaka-san, Hikari?"

"Oh, yeah, I do. Well, I try to keep on good terms with... a lot of students..." She chuckles a bit. "Please don't tell anyone, but she kind of scares me sometimes..." Hikari pauses a bit. "Um, that's probably not the right word. I don't really understand her. She is really talented, but it's like she hates to admit it. And I don't mean that she's humble. It's something different. Whenever you praise her, she seems to take it as an insult. I-I complimented her Kido once, and she seemed... almost upset about it..."

...

>As ready as can be; wait for the battle.
>Talk to Hikari about something. (Write-in).
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43743532
>As ready as can be; wait for the battle.

>>43743532
>As ready as can be; wait for the battle.

>>43743532
Perhaps prepare a trap in the forest?

>>43743532
>As ready as can be; wait for the battle.

>>43743532
>Other. (Write-in).
I don't see why we have to sit around doing nothing. We have a few days right? Why dont we work on Stamina or something

>>43743532
>Talk to Hikari about something. (Write-in).
Ask if she could possibly help us in learning Bakudo #21 Sekienton or tell us someone who could help.

It seems like it should be a relatively easy kido to learn. Plus it would give us a smokescreen to obscure Hanae's vision.

>>43743649
>>43743669
There's not enough time to improve in a notable way!

>>43743669
We don't know what that is.

>>43743610
Nah we're winning through luck and skill or not at all.

>>43743649
Recovery time is an issue, plus it's unlikely we'll make any real progress in a day, since we're not Ichigo.

>>43743532
Voting over, writing!

>>43743580
>>43743587
>>43743630
The tournament pits two teams against each other, so it doesn't use the traditional rules. Each victory grants the respective class a single point, and allows the winner to continue fighting while eliminating opposition. Of course, people from the same teams can't fight each other. The tournament ends when one side has been eliminated entirely.

It's quite possible that the tournament might end with the first set of matches if one of the teams manages to win all of their fights, but at the same time, even a lone fighter from a single team might also drag their team to victory by defeating everyone.

Of course, such a thing is highly unlikely.

The fights are difficult to observe. They take place one by one in a wide field partially concealed by trees and hills; the area is strictly marked, and observers are not allowed to enter those bounds, and the participants are not allowed to leave them.

The fights have hardly any rules to speak of; anything goes, including Kido, but wooden swords are used to prevent fatalities. Shinigami are hard to kill, and the wooden swords serve to make it even harder.

These weapons have a considerable weight to them; they're not just for practice. These can probably break bones if used correctly. Thankfully, the 4th Division is in the vicinity, ready to patch up the injured if needed.

There are three losing conditions: surrendering, being knocked unconscious, or the judging instructor stopping the fight. The latter is meant to happen in case one of the participants has clearly lost but is too stubborn to give up, despite the threat of injury, or for special circumstances. Other than that, the judges will do their best to stay out of sight until it's time to interfere, a right which they will reserve until truly necessary.

This tournament isn't just about swordsmanship; it's about being a Shinigami.

(1/2)

>>43744508
Your fight, just like everybody else's, will be starting at a relatively clear patch of land. From here, the woods are to the east, and the hills are to the west. Behind the golden haired girl, in the corner of your vision, you see a pond.

It felt like she wanted to say something before the fight had really begun. But she kept quiet, looking at you with uncertainty.

The judge tells you to get ready. As soon as he does, all hints of familiarity fade from Hanae's eyes.

Her blue eyes glare with the coldness and hostility as if facing a sworn enemy. The wooden sword is firmly gripped in her frail hands.

The strong flow of her spiritual power cools the air with its pressure.

She is determined to win.

>Hanae's REIA Attribute: D (C)

When the judge signals the start, you act first.

...

>Rush to the east, where the woods lie.
>Run to the west; try to take upper ground at the hills.
>Charge at her and attack.
>Get ready to defend yourself.
>Use Kido. (Write-in).
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43744546
>>Rush to the east, where the woods lie.

>>43744546
>Rush to the east, where the woods lie.

>>43744546
>>Rush to the east, where the woods lie

>>43744546
>Get ready to defend yourself.

>>43744546
>Other. (Write-in).
Loop around through the woods, but work our way back to the pond. The trees give cover, the pond ensures an open approach from a fairly wide arc and can be vaporized with Hado #31 to alter the pace of battle.

The high ground may look tempting, but it doesn't work as well when you're being actively pursued. High ground is best used in conjunction with a prepared position, so that the opponents will be tired: as things stand, we'll suffer the same effects trying to take it initially as our pursuer would to take it from us.

File: DETERMINATION.png (10 KB, 387x447)

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>>43744508
>even a lone fighter from a single team might also drag their team to victory by defeating everyone.
>Of course, such a thing is highly unlikely.

>>43744546
>Rush to the east, where the woods lie.

>>43744546
>>43744624
This sounds good to me!

>>43744546
Voting over, writing!

>>43744580
>>43744598
>>43744640
You step forward, making Hanae raise her sword, but then lunge to the side and sprint towards the trees. You can hear the girl giving chase almost immediately, though she doesn't seem quick enough to be shortening the distance at a pace that could render terrain changing impossible.

And even so, it isn't a good idea to keep your back turned to her for long; and you can't keep this pace up forever, either. When her footsteps will near, you'll have little choice but to turn and face her, even if only for as long as it takes Hanae to make an attack.

You've changed the terrain just as you planned. There are trees in nearly every direction that can be reached at a moment's notice. They're suitable as cover or hiding spots, though actually utilizing them for such purposes in the heat of combat might be tricky at best. And of course, Hanae can also use this new terrain as well.

That means you'll need to utilize it to its fullest extent before she does it in your stead.

You hear her approaching. Soon, you'll be within the reach of her wooden sword. You turn behind a tree, just to provide yourself a brief window during which you are out of sight, as you can't simply turn around as is and expect to not get struck down, and get ready to defend yourself.

Hanae ferociously lunges right after you, eyes glaring, sword already in motion. Your feint must have worked, as her sideways slash doesn't account for the placement of a tree to your left; this blur of a blow will be much easier to avoid.

And when she is finished, you'll know exactly what you're dealing with.

...

>Parry.
>Use the cover of the trees to dodge.
>Use Shunpo (E Rank) to supplement your dodge.
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43745543
>>Use the cover of the trees to dodge.

>>43745543
>Use the cover of the trees to dodge.

>>43745543
>Use Shunpo (E Rank) to supplement your dodge.
Fuck, we gotta make sure it's a dodge.

>>43745543
>>Use Shunpo (E Rank) to supplement your dodge.

>>43745543
>Use Shunpo (E Rank) to supplement your dodge.
Ideally, use it while there's a tree between us and her and aim for a tree behind her. Try and take her back with the Scooby-Doo maneuver.

>>43745543
>Use Shunpo (E Rank) to supplement your dodge.

>>43745543
Voting over, writing!

>>43745611
>>43745626
>>43745634
>>43745717
The strike's path is cut short due to clever positioning. The sword loudly collides with the bark of a tree, chipping both the weapon and the obstacle with its might. It could have snapped your arm like a twig, but you leapt to safety using the very basics of Shunpo, working in accordance with the terrain to reduce the chance of a successful blow to a minimum.

>Hanae's STR Attribute: D
>Hanae's AGI Attribute: E

It's a good thing you did that, as getting hit is most certainly not an option. The combination of her raw strength and spiritual power would have ruined you. Her blows are quick; you can't dodge them with unrefined speed alone. You need an advantage to pull it off, and you're not sure if Hanae will let her blows get caught by that level of trickery again. Ducking behind a tree might not work anymore, and your would-be Shunpo take up valuable amounts of your unimpressive spiritual pool.

Essentially, you can't keep dodging forever. Even if you try to, just surviving for a while won't accomplish anything if you lose in the end.

Your opponent has reassumed her proper posture almost immediately, sword ready for another blow. Her blue eyes still refuse to show any emotions save for slight wariness. Just as you've suspected, she must be suspicious of any feints now. Maybe Hanae's realized that there is nothing quite as unpredictable as desperation.

The current circumstances can bring you only to defeat. Something needs to change as soon as possible.

...

>Keep running. Try to lose her in the woods.
>Attack her with your wooden sword.
>Get ready to defend yourself.
>Use Kido. (Write-in).
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43746168
>Get ready to defend yourself.

>>43746168
Make an attack so slow, obvious, and open it looks like a feint, then speed it up into a real attack mid-swing.

>>43746168
>Use Kido.
Hado #4

>>43746168
> Use shunpo to jump to a high branch then jump down attacking

>>43746168
>Other. (Write-in).
Work our way back towards the pond. Fighting among the trees makes for brief, sporadic meetings while an open area would let us use kido.

If that doesn't work we can try something else, but as things stand we're getting outclassed.

>>43746168
Bakudo #1 Sai then move in for an attack

>>43746265
Are we advanced enough to direct shunpo upwards?

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>>43746168
I'm sorry to cut the thread at such a point, but it's very late here and I can't go on for much longer!

Next thread is up for tomorrow, and while nothing unexpected should happen, keep an eye out on twitter:
https://twitter.com/Mushroomgami

If you have any feedback or questions, send them in, I'm always happy to respond! Though I'll probably do that tomorrow if the thread is still up by that point, or on twitter if it's not.

Thanks for reading!

I'll keep the voting open for about 20 minutes longer, but if no consensus is still reached, well, I'll think of something!

>>43746459
On a scale of 1-10, how fucked are we here?

Also, how have the other second-string class members been faring?

>>43746509
>On a scale of 1-10, how fucked are we here?
Fighting Hollows head-on is going to be a pretty consistent 8 for a while! So I'd say a 5, because there's no risk of death here.

First class has been winning about 60% of the matches, but the second class is faring much better than most people expected.

>>43746459
Thanks for running.

>>43746582
Did anyone expect Ryouta to last even as long as he has?

>>43746648
Not really! But nobody expected anyone in the tournament to just run away, either.

>>43746459
Can we use shunpo to jump good?

>>43746689
What season is it currently? Like are there leaves or cherry blossoms we could knock loose with our level 1 kido?

>>43746168
Can we use byakurai to any joint to fuck up some attribute for the remainder of the battle? Like byakurai to the knee to screw up her agi or byakurai to one elbow to fuck up her str?

>>43746748
Not yet! But you can still jump pretty good even without it.

>>43746794
It's summer! Plenty of leaves around! But Kido still takes an incantation to perform.

>>43749942
It's possible.

>>43752448
Nice, maybe we can debuff her enough that we can compete somehow, another question would be, in the time we're chanting the incantation can she put up any defence? Like is there any feasible way that she can prepare to evade the byakurai giving herself some enhanced response making us fumble our byakurai? Or would we be straight up competing against her like we would normally do?

>>43752506
She can beat you up while you're chanting the incantation! That's probably the biggest concern right now.

And when you do fire it, she still gets a chance to defend herself. Whether Hanae spends her action to improve her chances or not (and spends it towards beating you up instead) is up to her.

>>43752535
Gotcha, but there is a possibility she would have an action to improve her chances of evading the byakurai right?

I know that we could get cut into pieces but as I see it we're basically a sitting duck if we dont try any sort of counter-offence. I just wanted to know if it be worth using sai or not before using byakurai. If she can enhance her evade in her action I'd use sai if not I'd straight up go byakurai to the knee.

>>43752557
>Gotcha, but there is a possibility she would have an action to improve her chances of evading the byakurai right?
Byakurai is a pretty weak spell. If she doesn't think it's worth the hassle to be careful with it, she'll just go straight for a counter.

Using Kido is often worth it, because side-effects aside, they straight up do more damage than physical attacks of the same rank (varying with SPI), but their wind-up times are going to be a real hassle for a while.

>>43752594
side effects? wind up times?

>>43752658
Side effects as in effects besides raw damage, like #31's burn effect! And by wind-up times I meant the incantations. Sorry for being unclear!

>>43752667
Ah alright. Just not too familiar with bleach lore

>>43752667
Also another thing, I've seen ranks on each spell, is it an overall rank of the spell (like saying this is an e-class spell) or does it mean that we can up the rank upgrading the spell? If it's the second what benefit does it give to focus on one kido instead of going for a more general approach like improving SPI?

>>43752703
I haven't actually thought about increasing the ranks of specific spells yet, but it'll be possible to decrease them later on in return for increased casting speed.

>>43752720
Also as for the shikai/bankai, do you already know what it's gonna be or are you gonna let us choose or how is it gonna go? I'm pretty excited about it.

>>43752815
I'd like to keep it a secret until the time comes!

>>43752827
I hope we dont fuck us over with the specs.

inb4 we specialize in a direction opposite of our shikai

>>43752880
You really shouldn't worry about that!

Before the match had started, Hikari told you that you'd be better off not fighting your opponent at all; hiding and waiting for a chance to end it in one hit, just like when encountering a Hollow, might be your only chance at coming out on top. She's probably right. The hard part here is changing the circumstances to make such a thing possible. Hanae is determined to keep you from getting away from her for even an instance, and she's fast enough to do so reliably.

She's too quick to outrun. She's too strong to fight. She's too sharp to lose you even in these dim woods. She no doubt has more to offer than just that.

Your victory conditions seem vague and farfetched, with seemingly no reliable ways of achieving them. A single taken strike could mean defeat.

So this is what fighting a Hollow is like. It's no wonder the instructors spend hours drilling that thought into everyone's heads.

To change this situation you'll need to do something rash and unexpected. Something that even Hanae, who's keeping an eye out for surprises, won't be able to predict. ...Or something that she will see coming and won't be able to stop, regardless. If only you had more means to change the flow of battle...

Sunlight is having a hard time getting through the thick green leaves above. Shadows cover the ground, but it's not nearly dark enough to escape from those pale blue eyes. And still, this patch of forest is the only place you could hope to hide yourself from her. It's not that Hikari's idea hasn't worked yet or is impossible; it's just that you didn't yet receive the chance to actually attempt it.

But how could you get her eyes off of you?

...

>Attack her with your wooden sword.
>Change the terrain. (To pond or hills).
>Prepare to defend yourself.
>Use Kido. (Write-in).
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43755056
Swing in a big, obvious, almost obnoxious sort of way that is obviously a very, very poorly disguised feint, then increase it into a proper strike mid-swing when she steps into it to call your bluff.

>>43755056
Character sheet:
http://pastebin.com/V0UZzkwL

Though it hasn't changed from last time!

>>43755056
>>Use Kido. (Write-in).
Could we uh, get a list please

>>43755157
Read the character sheet you nerd.

>>43755157
Bakudo #1

>>43755056
>Use Kido. (Write-in).

Most blasting types will do, we can keep moving while we chant. Either at her or into someplace that'll give us cover. e.g. that lake we ran away from (if we run back) or into a tree to topple it/blow up branches ontop of her.

>>43755157
It's in the character sheet. We know three spells, fireball, lightning bolt, and Force Hold.

Lightning can't be deflected, fireball lights what it hits on fire, and right now force hold just slows our opponent down for one turn.

>>43755056
Is there a way we can make lighting the woods on fire work to our advantage?

>>43755236
Not in the timeframe with which we have.

>>43755201
Seconding. Let's tie her up and fuck her shit up.

>>43755298
Her reiatsu is greater than ours, it'll only briefly slow her.

Question: can we use the hold person kido on just a body part instead of the entire person?
e.g. trapping a leg, to try concentrate the power.

Or is that not possible?

>>43755341
Enough to blast her kneecap with a byakurai or slash her a couple times.

>>43755353
I'm afraid that's impossible! The spell already does the best it can to inhibit the movements of the limbs, and at the moment, it's not possible to make it more powerful!

Does byakurai work like electricity with regards to water? Do we know how electricity works?

>>43755056
These seem to be the more popular ideas right now! Please keep in mind that Kido requires time to perform because of incantations!

...

>Aim Hado #31 - Shakkaho at the trees to create a distraction.
>Use Bakudo #1 - Sai on Hanae to slow her down.
>Try to retreat towards the pond.
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43755502
Let's try bakudo 1.

>>43755502
>Use Bakudo #1 - Sai on Hanae to slow her down.
Sure

>>43755502
>Use Bakudo #1
Why do we only know like 3 spells?

>>43755502
>Use Bakudo #1 - Sai on Hanae to slow her down.

>>43755502
>Use Bakudo #1 - Sai on Hanae to slow her down.

>>43755566
Still a student, we are scrub teir.

>>43755502
>>Use Bakudo #1 - Sai on Hanae to slow her down.

>>43755608
It just seems weird to me that they would teach us destruction spells 4 and 31 as our first 2 spells.

>>43755608
No, the First class is scrub-tier. Second class is scrub-tier with even shoddier training.

>>43755649
Spells are also about proficiency and spiritual cost to cast, could be our guy is only any good at those 3 to a reliable degree and they are the only ones he knows that fit into his pool of ability.

>>43755502
Voting over, writing!

What does the #number mean? The upgrade of that specific spell?

>>43755773
The number of spell in either the supplemental/binding category or offensive category. Generally speaking the higher the number the more difficult the spell.

#99 in each category is the most difficult to use or defend against, but at that point in the offensive category you have to start sacrificing limbs to use them and in the support/binding category it has to be cast in three parts.

>>43755773
There's 99 Hado (destruction) spells and 99 Bakudo (binding/support) spells. #1 is the easiest and does the least, #99 does the most and more than most Shinigami won't ever be able to cast it

>>43755539
>>43755534
>>43755566
You dash away from her, beginning the chant of the first binding spell. Hanae relentlessly gives chase, not content with letting you act freely. As you are occupied with the preparation for the first Bakudo, your opponent swings her wooden sword. You try to dodge, but the flight of her sword is faster than your backwards leap. Just as you finish the incantation, it connects.

The strike contributes to your jump, throwing you further back. For a brief instant, your sword-wielding arm goes numb only to then spike up with staggering pain. If she used a real sword, you'd have most certainly lost that limb. But even though she hasn't, it still seems that your arm is done for the fight.

Even so, your skill allowed you to keep hold on the magic in spite of injury. You point at the girl with two of your fingers, calling out the spell's name. Hanae's body tenses against the surge of invisible spiritual energy, her frail hands tightening their grasp around the weapon, and her arms straining themselves to remain in place.

The bind won't last for long. The girl's features distort into a scowl, the flow of her own power already pushing against the limits of your demon magic.

Your weapon clumsily fell down onto the ground, but it's within your grasp. You have one arm at your disposal, but there's still a chance to make it count.

...

>Pick up your sword and attack.
>Try to get away from Hanae; hide.
>Use Kido. (Write-in).
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43756135
>>Pick up your sword and attack.

>>43756135
>Pick up your sword and attack.

>>43756173
Or alternatively, we use the fire kiddo. It should fry her up nicely and she's unable to retaliate. It's very difficult to dodge too.

>>43756135
>Pick up your sword and attack.

Strike a leg, be prepared to start running again immediately afterwards.

>>43756135
>Use Kido. (Write-in).
Hado #4

>>43756135
>Pick up your sword and attack.

>>43756220
What's the advantage of 4 over 31?

>>43756135
>Use Kido. (Write-in).
>Byakurai at either her arm, leg, or sword seem good.

>>43756288
#4 takes less spiritual energy to perform and has a rather situational effect to it, but that's about it!

>>43756324
I think a flame cone would drastically move things in our advantage. Lightning, not so much.

>>43756135
Voting over, writing!

>>43756302
Seconding

>>43756173
>>43756184
>>43756194
You roll up to your feet, grasping the wooden sword on your way, ignoring the awful pain in your broken arm as you press on. You run at the golden haired girl, your uninjured arm high up in the air. With a grunt, you bring it down in an irresponsibly wide swing, putting behind it the entirety of what your lone limb can muster.

Even under the effects of the spell, Hanae raises her own weapon in time to keep her head safe. The blunt edges briefly collide, but your sword isn't stopped; you let it slide along and downwards, another strike already prepared. You then swing at the side of her knee, this time truly with everything you have.

The wooden sword loudly smacks against her leg as though it were one of the many trees around this field rather than the flesh of a person. She grunts, but her knee hardly even bends, both feet still stood too firmly on the ground to allow the girl to fall.

>Hanae's END Attribute: D

You try to draw back, seeing a dire lack of opportunity to recover your stance and make another attack. Hanae must have noticed it as well, her body turning, but your spell still binds her. And yet still, she lunges after you, the sword thrust forward like a spear, blurring through the air and biting into your gut.

The impact reverberates through your body, forcing air out of your lungs and turning your footwork into a clumsy dance. As you fall, the broken arm mutely shrieks out with pain, dimming your vision. You try to stand regardless, but something at your stomach keeps you pinned. There's no real weight behind that obstacle, but it's still too difficult to push back against it.

"It's over, Tsukuda Ryouta." Hanae declares, the tip of her sword pointed at your brow. It must be her foot that's so easily locked your movements.

...

>Surrender.
>"You're just too good for me, after all."
>Rest for a bit under the pretense of dealing with pain, then try to get up and fight.
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43756736
>Surrender.
Then ask her if she has any advice for what we should have done?

Because even though the odds were against us, we probably could have somehow.

File: DETERMINED.png (355 KB, 814x1244)

355 KB PNG

>>43756736
>Other. (Write-in).

Keep fighting.

>>43756774
Your image is a terrible example. Genocide Frisk/Chara is NOT someone you should admire.

>>43756799

I never played Undertale, I just love the image.

>>43756736
>Rest for a bit under the pretense of dealing with pain, then try to get up and fight.
Are we really this pathetically weak? Lame.

>>43756736
Wtf, even binded she still has enough agi to hit us? Jesus christ we suck dick.

>Surrender, pack your things, lead life as a farmer.

>>43756736
>Surrender.
Continuing would just be pointless - she had the kill right here if this was a real fight and not a duel after all.

>>43756736
>Surrender.
"How did you get so strong? Honestly I'm surprised you didn't hit me so hard you broke your sword."

>>43756736
>>Rest for a bit under the pretense of dealing with pain, then try to get up and fight.

>>43756772
We shouldnt have pitted ourselves against someone who is better than us basically.

Aka: we suck dick everywhere and there's nothing we could've done really.

>>43756921
Wasn't exactly our choice now, was it?

>>43756937
I think it indirectly was, before our match was announced.

>>43756937
Yeah you're right... I'm just bitter that we are ass at everything I guess.

>>43756921
I'm not even sure how we qualified for shinigami training with these stats

>>43756962
Well it was too indirectly to actually predict it. So he's right in a sense.

>>43756921
>>43756965

Don't be so fucking defeatist. We made good progress earlier and can continue to make the most of what we have. And even beyond that, being strong isn't everything.

>>43756975
We make for good meatshield?
>Endurance: E

Nevermind. I guess they thought it would be funny.

>>43756736
Voting over, writing!

>>43756988
I know man. I just thought we'd at least put up a fight. I didnt expect us to be these levels of ass.

>>43756975
Considering our age and training, our stats are fine. Hell, we're already faster than Hanae for now.

And D rank is what an average shinigami's power is, and can be increased if we stay alive and strong.

>>43756975

You have some. You are just some scrub Shinigami that dies after a few dozen missions.

They go through lots of them over time, just the series you only ever see LT strength people and captains.

>>43757013
We did put up a fight. We managed to dodge her a lot, bind her, and land a blow on her.

>>43757017
>We're faster than Hanae

Eh... Nope. Her REIA is making her faster I believe. She got us while in bind so that makes me think REIA > actual stats.

>>43757049
>>43757017
Hanae's REIA makes her as fast as Ryouta!

>>43757036
Usually you would have at least one area you're naturally good at to qualify for training though right?

I don't mind losing a fight, but I hate going into a fight with a gimped character that cannot win from the start. I understand starting off weak, and I understand there will always be tougher opponents stat wise, but it still sucks when this type of beat down happens.

Chill the fuck out, we knew we would probably lose this match.

The key part is we didnt just roll the fuck over with a single strike.

>>43757047
You call that a fight? We run away like a bitch, we got our arm broken, we bitchslapped her with the incredible force of gust and the next blow made us roll over and "die" and she is weaker than a hollow. Next hollow we become a meal bruh.

>>43757017
Our max possible reiatsu rating is D. We're always gonna be pathetic. Unless I'm misinterpreting the character sheet.

>>43757105
Scrub teir character at the start of their career.

Dont expect to go killing hollows in droves right off the bat when we are not even a fully fledged shinigami yet. Seriously. Its called progression.

>>43757083
Yeah, we withstood 2. I bet everyone is really impressed by now :^)

>>43757127
I'm not talking beating hollows, I'm talking putting enough of a fight to survive. We're below ass at this point and I dont know how much training we can get in before the next problem but I'm betting is not enough. We start behind and we're lagging behind even further man.

>>43757078

Nope, just need some REIA ability that allows you better then all those without any.

Just that the MC here has almost nothing, and will take continual training and pushing to get anywhere.

Mushroom said that near death or continual training can get a higher REIA then cap.

>>43757080
Don't think it was set in stone. I think we could have won.

>>43757118
Reiatsu is a multiplyer, if you up other stats by working out and putting effort in then you can take on opponents with better rating.

We also do not know what effects activating our actual sword will achieve, right now we have a stand in blade and this may be limiting our character to D potential.

>>43757154
Dude we were bonned in 2 blows and she's equal to speed taking into account her REIA and that she was gimped with sai.

>>43757080
We probably -could- have won if we had the right plan, and maybe good luck.

>>43757105
I honestly don't know what you were expecting?

>>43757154
Entering melee range was pretty dumb. I voted for hado #4 which probably would have gone a little better.

>>43757174
The lake would have probably been a better look in.

Dash over, steam cover, then kido hold and make her pass out under water.

>>43757174
I dont know man, something resembling a fight not a beatdown. I guess you're right I should've expected getting deded in like 2 turns taking into account she's a genius and whatnot.

>>43757192
Lol she would have definitely overpowered us in that situation

>>43757128
Considering the character is basic level for his class, vs what is essentialy the top student?
He probably did better than most who would have just charged straight in.

>>43757176
I voted for that too but meh, endurance D+ her REIA tells me it wouldnt have been much to begin with.

>>43757169
Yeah, that's why we couldn't have won in a face-to-face match. Even though we slowed her down, we didn't have enough strength in our arm to hurt her, especially just with one arm.

>>43757196
She explicetly told us that she wasn't a genius, and indeed she mostly just relied on brute force. We could have outsmarted her, we just didn't know the right course of action due to inexperience.

>>43757209
>He probably did better

I doubt it. I bet any other student would've withstood more than 2 blows. We have endurance E and REIA E, that's like bottom of the barrell man.

>>43757244
That's the average level.

Well maybe Ryouta will be just as pissed as we are about his ridiculous weakness and we can become obsessed with training for a while

>>43757237
>She told us that she wasnt a genius.

I thought it was one of those shitty "I'M NOT A GENIUS I EARNED MY POWER WAAAAAH" kind of dialogues.

>>43757255
Wasnt average D?

>>43757265
Average -trained- shinigami. We're still in the academy.

>>43757260
Inb4 they kick us out of the academy for poor performance and even rukongai citizens kick our ass and we become neetgamis.

>>43757289
Oh gotchu, I thought D was average for students at the academy. Then I'm not as mad at ourselves.

>>43757176
Yeah should have stuck with spells

>>43757260
I say we up our fucking REIA after this. That would be like double stats across the board.

>>43757382
Yeah that's what we trained for this fight. Idk why you guys didn't vote to use them more.

>>43757260
It's either we get super-depressed and we stand doing nothing in a room pitying ourselves or we channel it to pure rage at our inability to do anything and focus on training.

But somehow I dont see Ryouta having such strong emotions, so far he has been more of a passive guy. Maybe it's just me.

>>43757490
I just wanted to burn her

>>43757496
Its thread 2, people have little to no characterization.

From what i get of the guy, hes someone who seems to think fast and react in the supposed propper manner. The fact he keeps seeing that shinigami would be instructor means hes at least freindly and likable.

I get the feeling hes rather easy going but does want to improve and get stronger.

>>43757496
I wouldn't mind playing a easily depressed/angry character but /tg/ can't deal with imperfect MC personalities

>>43756772
>>43756844
>>43756864
You nod, admitting your defeat. Hanae sets aside her sword, a hand in its place. You take it, and the girl helps you up to your feet.

"You fought well, Tsukuda Ryouta. As I've said before, don't let a lone loss misplace your faith in your skills."

It's a little hard to accept her encouragement. You nod anyway, wondering if there was anything you could have done better.

"I'm not sure." She replies. "If you are capable in Kido, perhaps you should have used a stronger spell. The first Bakudo... I barely even felt it, truth be told."

Hanae still talks as though you could have won. It's a little jarring. Her Reiatsu isn't something that a student can handle. Her lack of experience is probably the only reason she isn't fully prepared for duty, but even as is, her chances at living through an encounter with a Hollow are far better than yours.

This loss feels a little discouraging, even though you knew to expect it. It really was awfully reminiscent of fighting a Hollow; she hardly used anything more than brute force and still managed to overwhelm you very decisively. You didn't have enough tools at hand to meaningfully affect the course of this battle.

But your training isn't over yet. Perhaps by the end of it, you'll have the tools you need. You'll have them ready for when it really counts.

...

>>43757536
Idk the way I've read him it's like somehow this awkward puppet-like person that seems to react in a quasi-robotic way. And I dont think it's mushroom's writing because the other characters seemed fine.

>>43757597
I would've love to have a self-deprecating guy, always thinking he's fucking trash and the world corroborating his statements everytime bringing him further down into despair. Maybe something inside himself breaks and he becomes a maniac or something interesting.

>>43757618
With that, you were eliminated from the tournament. The medics from the Fourth Division took care of your arm, enough so that it won't get in the way of your studies. It still hurts, but it's bearable. Every time it stings, you can't help but think back to the fight, think about what you could have done to come out victorious.

A few days have passed since then. Ryuu won his first match, but then lost his second one. It, too, was against Hanae. You watched him fight; unlike you, he went straight at her, and went down after a single clean strike.

Ryuu was pretty miffed about it for the rest of the day. "Really should have learned from your fight instead of getting lazy and just going for it. Yeah, 'lazy', not brave or anything. No point in prettying it, I know that. Hell, I felt it. Right when she shoved her sword into the side of my neck. Hindsight is the most useless thing in the world, damn it."

Instead of looking at one of the fights, the two of you decided to drink some sake over it in the dorms. "To getting destroyed by a little girl! ...Man, I want to die after saying that." You're a little hesitant, which makes your fellow trainee smirk.

"What? Can't hold your liquor?"

You shake your head. You probably can.

"So what's up?"

...

>"I'm not sure how old I am. I never kept track. Maybe it's not okay for me to drink."
>Don't say that, Ryuu might find it strange. Just drink and do your best to feel bummed out, just like he is right now.
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43757624
>Maybe something inside himself breaks and he becomes a maniac or something interesting.
You're taking it a little too far there anon.

>>43757635
>Other

"We have women as captains, i would not feel bad about being beaten by a girl, just by being beaten, we need to work on ourselves"

>>43757635
Is drinking against the rules for trainees?

>>43757624
>I would've love to have a self-deprecating guy, always thinking he's fucking trash and the world corroborating his statements everytime bringing him further down into despair. Maybe something inside himself breaks and he becomes a maniac or something interesting.
That kind of reminds me of someone!

>>43757635
>Don't say that, Ryuu might find it strange. Just drink and do your best to feel bummed out, just like he is right now.
At this rate a hollow will kill me for sure. We need to start training way harder.

>>43757635
>>"I'm not sure how old I am. I never kept track. Maybe it's not okay for me to drink."

>>43757667
It isn't, as long as they're of age!

>>43757624
Really? I'd rather be someone who legitimately doesn't keep bitching about not being the best, because maybe that would reflect on the players doing the same. Because if this match was any indication, that shit will get real old, real fast.

>>43757635
>Don't say that, Ryuu might find it strange. Just drink and do your best to feel bummed out, just like he is right now.
I don't know if I'm really strong enough to become a shinigami.

>>43757635
>"I'm not sure how old I am. I never kept track. Maybe it's not okay for me to drink."
>Other

Keep drinking anyway.

>>43757692
Well if we don't know how old we are, they definitely don't, so we're in the clear!

>>43757712
>>43757671
Because we didn't beat the top shinigami?

>>43757635
"I kind of lost track of time before the academy, still, I can't think of any proof that I'm NOT old enough."

>>43757712
Seconding.

>>43757746
Anybody would have some doubts after being beaten so easily

>>43757705
It's not bitching about being the best. It's simply thinking we're not cut to this sort of job. Showing some human emotion instead of being your run of the mill shonen protagonist with your HABEEB IT XD kind of plotline where he doesnt give a shit about things like normal humans do.

It might suck to be weak but at least we're not an overpowered super special snowflake MC like a certain other shinigami quest

>>43757852
It does not suck. It can be exasperating and annoying at times but it gives for some delicious plot where we can have some sort of character that might actually fail instead of your usual "lol i'm hurt, now I scream, powerlvl and everything is fine".

>>43757635
Voting over, writing!

>>43757899
Bruh that's exactly how bleach works though

>>43757806
Even though pretty much anyone else would have met the same fate?

>>43757821
Obsessing about strength and having a breakdown whenever we lose is a lot more common than you seem to think. Hell, it's more common than friendship, since it effects both good and evil QMCs.

File: deal with it.gif (1.71 MB, 384x282)

1.71 MB GIF

>>43757852

>>43757952
I keep seeing this get posted and I'm never sure what it's supposed to imply

>>43757935
I didnt say we had to obsess about strength really. I just said we could try to be a little bit more human than most protagonists. Doubting, having fear, feeling down etc.

>>43757999
Angst is also more common than you seem to assume.

Like this quest's predecessor had the protagonist spend the whole Quest depressed and hating herself, and she had a good reason unlike our guide.

>>43758036
I had no idea, I tend to avoid yuri quests

>>43758036
Well most quests I have read the protagonist is a goofball carefree guy that doesnt give a fuck if anything happens, even if any other normal human being would have his pride hurt or something on the lines of that.

>>43758078
You read shit quests then?
Its not exactly like every one of them is good at writting every aspect of individuals etc.

>>43758102
It's not shit, it's just an option. You pick a flavour and it either sits well or it doesnt. It's not a sin to have a character like that.

Also how is it shit when you're proposing our MC here doing exactly that? Like arent you trying to say that our MC shouldnt give a fuck about losing or something like that? Or did I misunderstand you?

>>43758078
I don't know what quests you read, because I've almost never seem /tg/ take defeat well.

>>43758133
Disappointment is fine, I just feel like this is more a reminder of our current position and need to improve. Giving serious thought to quitting because we didn't beat the head of our class is just sour grapes.

>>43758133
One anon wants angst (next to pointles levels of such)
Another anon wants us to get better

And you seem to think we are going for happy go lucky because MC didnt immediatly take a razor blade to his wrists over being weak, while sat next to a guy who did worse than him.


Its the second thread and the character has very little characterization. Everyone needs to stop fucking defining everything now and let the MC develop as the QM writes the bastard.

Stick to what we are doing, and leave everything else to mature instead of putting the carriage before the horses.

>>43757662
>>43757671
>>43757712
You shake your head again and raise the cup. It's true, you haven't kept track of your age, but, well, if you managed to actually forget it, you're probably old enough for a bit of a drink. Ryuu nods, and with a self-deprecating smile, takes a swing.

You used to live alone with your adoptive mother for some years before you joined the Academy. As someone with spiritual powers, it seemed like the right thing to do. Your life is taking a big turn. It's probably appropriate enough to start counting your years from now on.

"We should train harder." It's you who says that. Ryuu lifts a brow, though you can't tell if he's surprised because of what you said or because it was you who spoke.

"I guess. We still have a bunch of years left before we have to risk anything. And even then, it's not like you'll get sent on a mission right away. I heard that Divisions usually have you go through some more training before you're allowed out into the Human World."

He pours another couple of shots for you and for himself. "You got any plans for the future, Ryouta? I heard that girl Hanae's got invites out the ass, but second-raters like us are gonna need to apply ourselves to get some work."

You shake your head. You don't really have any plans or invites pending, no. It's probably still too early for the two of you, anyway. "What about you?"

"I'll try to join the Eleventh. Yeah, the fighting crew." He empties his cup. "What? Don't look at me like that." You're not really looking at him like anything. "I bet you're thinkin' something like, 'doesn't this guy ever learn', huh? Well, I don't care about that. I hate weaseling my way in or out of things. It pisses me off. And besides, they accept anyone, s'long as you can swing your damn sword. Might be my only career choice anyway, so, well, who cares. I welcome it."

...

>"Do you think I should join that Division, too?"
>"I don't think I'm fit for that kind of thing."
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43758248
>Other
"Dont really know where ill end up, guess ill just try as hard as i can and see where it leads"

>>43758248
>"Do you think I should join that Division, too?"

>>43758290
Seconding

>>43758248
Seconding
>>43758290

>>43758225
>Take a razor blade to his wrist.

I just said he should have doubts clouding his mind not fucking become suicidal and listening to linkin park. Anyways who cares we'll just vote as we go along and the MC will become whatever the fuck everyone wants, no point arguing over stuff like that.

>>43758248
>>43758290
Sounds good to me.

>>43758290
Pretty much this.

Maybe with some "I'd like to see what I can do first" added in

>>43758248
>Other. (Write-in).
Division 4 might be pretty cool. We're good with kido, and can learn to heal well

>>43758248
Voting over, writing!

>>43758290
>>43758349
>>43758350
"I'll work as hard as I can and see where that brings me, I suppose."

Ryuu, who has grown a little unruly, seems a bit more calm after hearing that. "Guess that's the way to do it. I expected you to say something like that, Ryouta. Wish I had your cool." He pours himself another drink and lifts the cup up to his lips; it stays there. He doesn't drink it. "Though I guess I'm just cranky about losing to that girl."

"Women aren't really any worse as warriors than men. I read that it's a questionable statement when it comes to the Human World, but for spirits..."

"I didn't mean it that way, sheesh. Come on, Ryouta, give me a break. That's... like, childish." Childish probably isn't the word you would have used to describe that. "I'm an old man nearing his fifties; I haven't held anything against girls for like forty years." And he looks about thirty years younger than he claims. It's entirely normal in this world of spirits.

"Is it Takenaka-san specifically, then?"

He stays quiet for a bit, twirling the cup in his hand. "...Maybe it is. Or maybe I'm just the sorta guy who hates losing." Ryuu coyly smirks at that and chugs his drink down.

The evening goes on. There's no reason to hold back on the drinks, or so your red-haired fellow trainee says - classes won't continue until the tournament is over.

You don't really understand the point of drinking. All you ended up getting from it is a hangover.

...

>>43758788
The tournament concluded with eventual victory for Class #1. But on the bright side, not that many of them remained. Class #2 put up a good enough fight to be taken seriously.

With time, the conflicts between the classes seem to die down. Your only real source on the goings-on of the Academy is Ryuu, who seems to get involved a lot with the community. And if he says that things are getting better, then that's probably the truth.

Time went on uneventfully for a while. During it, you...

Academy Training Results:
>Shunpo skill went up to D Rank.
>Spell learned: Hado #33 - Soukatsui, D Rank. A sphere of blue flames with a wide AoE. On hit, deals its damage twice.
>Spell learned: Bakudo #9 - Geki, E Rank. Fully binds the target, preventing all actions for the duration of the spell.

>[OOC]: Bakudo mechanics updated.
>Note: Skills take more than one session of training to go past D rank.

...

>You spent most of your time with Ryuu. (+AGI, 0/3 Shunpo+)
>You spent most of your time with Hikari. (+SPI, 0/3 Demon Magic+)
>You spent most of your time with Hanae, even though she disliked training with company. (+END)
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43758835
>You spent most of your time with Hanae, even though she disliked training with company. (+END)

>>43758835
>>You spent most of your time with Hikari. (+SPI, 0/3 Demon Magic+)

More spells

>>43758835
>You spent most of your time with Hikari. (+SPI, 0/3 Dem

>>43758835
>You spent most of your time with Hanae, even though she disliked training with company. (+END)

I like the idea of Ryouta being more or less average, but he keeps surviving through serious shit.

>>43758835
>You spent most of your time with Hikari. (+SPI, 0/3 Demon Magic+)

>>43758835
>>You spent most of your time with Ryuu. (+AGI, 0/3 Shunpo+)

>>43758835
>You spent most of your time with Ryuu. (+AGI, 0/3 Shunpo+)

>>43758835
>>You spent most of your time with Hikari. (+SPI, 0/3 Demon Magic+)

>>43758835
Voting over, writing!

Updated sheet inbound! Also, when do threads autosage?

>>43759160
310 is the new limit I think.

>>43759160
310, we probably won't need a new thread

>>43759160
http://pastebin.com/znLqXPgA

Retweaked Bakudo #1 and Bakudo in general!

Also, I forgot to mention that the Sixth Sense and Presence Concealment skills have also been improved in rank!

>>43759178
>>43759202
Thanks!

>>43759263

Not those anons, but no problem.

>>43758861
>>43758864
>>43758903
You've been seeing Hikari around the Academy fairly often lately, talking with the instructors or the students about one thing or another. You can't really tell, but it seems that things are going well for her plans of becoming an instructor here.

Whenever you ask for help with training, she is always happy to oblige. Sometimes, you don't even need to ask - she just tells you that you're doing something wrong and could use some help with it, and, well, you're probably not in a position to argue with her.

Hanae, on the contrary, you don't see often. It seems that she still trains alone, though you never manage to catch her at her usual training spot.

About two years have passed since your battle with her. Class #1 has graduated by now, and you've heard that Hanae has joined the First Division. It seems fitting if that is true.

Your training will be over soon, too, but you still have nowhere to go after that.

One day, a man, a Shinigami, comes to one of the classes. He wears the traditional accessory of the Captains - a white coat with the insignia of their Division covering their black uniform. The thistle flower insignia, you recall, belongs to the 12th, a Division of scholars and scientists. The man's blond hair is messy and unkempt, and his posture relaxed and even lazy.

"Good day, everyone." He begins, smiling a little bit, though he's giving off the impression of being out of place. Like he's still not sure if he's speaking to the right people. "I am Urahara Kisuke, captain of the Twelfth Division. And, well, the thing is, the Division could use some more young Shinigami in its ranks. There seems to be a pretty large misunderstanding going on about us. A bunch of rumors that... no longer hold true."

(1/2)

>>43760219
"I won't take up too much of your lecture time and beat around the bush. By now, it's a well-known truth - Kurotsuchi Mayuri, the Division's previous Captain, had committed many abominations during his brief reign, which culminated about three decades ago in one of his unlawful experiments, resulting in the deaths of many innocents and his permanent exile. But those times are long past, and such incidents will never occur again.

Today, the Shinigami Research and Development Institute performs only beneficial and humane research dedicated towards improving the living conditions within Soul Society and allowing the Shinigami to perform their duties in a safer and more efficient manner. I can guarantee that our research places a strong emphasis on ethics, and that our ranks are devoid of mad scientists."

Urahara pauses, probably to gauge the reaction of the students. They don't seem impressed, as far as you can tell. Realizing that, the man smiles.

"There are many vacant officer positions, so at the moment, filling them is our top priority. If you don't yet have a future secured anywhere else, please consider us. Anyone with a clever head on their shoulders may apply. We'll be holding a special test soon, a written one, to determine how well you qualify, and what privileges you may expect. I hope at least some of you here decide to take it."

The promises of better pay and a more prestigious status seem to have gotten through to some of the students. In most other divisions, if they apply on their own uninvited, most people can expect to remain an unseated officer for at least some decades. But here, they're being offered the position on the spot.

You're among those average people. There's no real reason for you not to take the test, so you most likely will, when the time comes.

...

>Ask the Captain a question. (Write-in).
>Stay quiet.
>Other. (Write-in).

>>43760219
Honestly does the 1st Division even like... do anything?

>>43760259
Supposedly they are elite guard/first response but no they don't actually have any real special tasks

>>43760259
It's like a shelf for the strongest guys!

But they actually do the same stuff most of the other Divisions do, like killing Hollows in the Human World.

>>43760248
>>Ask the Captain a question. (Write-in).
>This change of policy is due to the appointment of a new captain, namely, you. What would happen if someone was to take over your position at some point? Would we see a return to certain questionable old ways?

>>43760248
>Ask the Captain a question
What does that actually mean the officer would be doing?

Might as well get some more information.

>>43760282
>Also what are the perks for being a member of the 12th division, in terms of personal improvement

>>43760248
What kind of things are you researching right now?

>>43760282
How is that at all something to ask? Like what's the relevance?

>>43760248
>Stay quiet.

>>43760248
>Stay quiet.

>>43760330
Your future well being and health insurance

Damn. Not much improvement for two years of training

>>43760380
It's retarded though, captains are expected to serve for at least a century.

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>>43760414
Things can happen

>>43760396
I wouldnt worry about stats, our potential REIA is pretty low so we will probably get fucked no matter what unless by some miracle we manage to overcome it. Better think about strats with our kido, that's like our only choice by now.

>>43760248
>Stay quiet

>>43760248
>>Ask the Captain a question. (Write-in).
Do you discover new Kido techniques in Division 12?

>>43760469
Again, D rank is an average shinigami, and can be raised through near death experiences or unsavory science.

>>43760469
Maybe our zanpakuto will help out too

Nice to see folks didnt balls it up while i was out having a pint.

Shame we didn't spend more time with miss progidey though, she seemed like the type needing a freind.

>>43760507
Which is why I said miracle. Bear in mind that every single level of REIA above us means they multiply, so it's a big gap to overcome.

>>43760535
Yeah we could focus on getting our shikai out, that could be useful. Then again it's mystery box we dont really what kind of shikai we have.

I haven't watched Bleach in a while but I swear that there's only 3 divisions that actually do anything/have a speciality.
Div. 11 - Fighting
Div. 4 - Healing
Div 12 - Science

Why don't we just work on our reitsu?

>>43760579
We can up it to D but then we're skill-capped unless event happens like said above, near-death experience, science and whatnot.

>>43760248
Voting over, writing!

>>43760597

I think Mushroom said it can also be pushed by near constant training too, just very very slowly.

So slowly, very few shinigami live long enough to do so.

And even fewer do the training needed.

>>43760248
>Ask the Captain a question. (Write-in).
"Special in what sense?"

>>43760617
Well I dont know what very very slowly means, but by that point I wonder if just working in our general kido/spirit isnt more time-efficient than just trying to up reiatsu with training.

>>43760617
Also as anon pointed we might as well try to release our shikai, see what it brings to the plate and choose based on that. I think is not such a bad idea.

>>43760663
Tis why you do combination trainning and try to raise everything at the same time by exauhsting yourself.

Seriously, who ever thinks trainning raised only one atribute at a time was a twit or a gamer/ developer.

Also, Mushroom stated it will naturally return to the natural level unless training is kept up to keep it there.

Who knows what unlocking the Shikai might do too.

>>43760568
Div 11 is just the strongest out of the 13 divisions. I believe one of the divisions is associated with the stealth corp as well.

>>43761011
2nd.

>>43760282
>>43760289
A few questions are asked around class, some of them things you were interested in as well.

The 12th Division doesn't research Kido, that's the domain of the Kido Corps, but it has plenty of Demon Magic related material at hand; indeed, if a breakthrough is made, the 12th will be the first to know about it. To add on to that, the Division has a vast store of lore and knowledge about both Soul Society and the Human World.

The main duties of the S.R.D.I. is, of course, research. The development of technology to assist the Shinigami in their duties, monitor Hollow activities, and improve the general quality of life in and out of the Seireitei. However, this does not mean that the Division members never leave their barracks - occasionally, equipment needs to be tested in the Human World, unknown spiritual phenomena need to be investigated, and sometimes other Divisions require assistance on missions that only they can provide.

"As for the test itself, it's nothing that you should study for specifically. The questions won't be testing your knowledge, but rather, your insight and intelligence. Does that make sense?" Urahara Kisuke chuckles a little bit. "Even someone who's never read a book before can easily pass it. But at the same time, even someone who spent their whole life reading might fail it all the same. Please come around and give it a try if you're curious. You won't lose anything with just a try!"

Before you've decided to become a Shinigami, you've done almost nothing but read books. That mystery test is curious. Some people will come just to take a look, probably.

The students have turned it into a debate loud enough to force the instructor to quiet them down. Seeing that his job here is done, Urahara Kisuke takes his leave.

But the debate wasn't just the trainees praising the offered benefits. Most of them are afraid that history might repeat.

That the 12th Division might still be committing atrocities in secret.

...

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>>43761309
I'd like to end the thread for tonight, it's getting really late and we're autosaging!

Next thread will be announced on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Mushroomgami

If you have any feedback or questions, feel free to shoot them my way!

Thanks for reading!

>>43761341
Thanks for running

>>43761341
Thanks for running, was a fun read.

Think youll hook up to the quest runner general on twitter?

>>43761341
Thanks for running dude, seems pretty good so far.

>>43761361
I think I'm already in there! I'm not sure, actually, maybe I got dropped out for some reason?

>>43761382
Ah you are. brillaint.

any estimates for the next thread?