>>2226114
Hi Queen.
>Push through to the wall, giving you something to keep your back to.

>>2226114
Hello Queen
>Use this as an opportunity to escape, or to at least find a more suitable place to fight.

>I'll give it until 10:30 for people to trickle in, seeing as I've just come off hiatus

>>2226114
>Use this as an opportunity to escape, or to at least find a more suitable place to fight.

>3d10, DC 19, Crit 23
>best of 3

Rolled 1, 4, 7 = 12 (3d10)

>>2226163
This is gonna end badly.

Rolled 8, 2, 2 = 12 (3d10)

>>2226163

Rolled 7, 6, 5 = 18 (3d10)

>>2226163

>>2226170
>>2226169
>>2226167
we are so rusty...

Rolled 10, 9, 5 = 24 (3d10)

>>2226163
I missed this roll, but lets see if I would have succeed.

>>2226181
/qst/ dice at it's finest

>>2226183
Indeed.

>>2226184
They really know how to kick you when you're down.
>update in a moment

>>2226211
“Roar, Zabimaru!” you shout with a single step of shunpo. Then you extend your saw-like blade, forcing yourself even faster through the air. You manage to reach the wall halfway up in what feels like an instant, then run straight up with Zabimaru trailing behind.

Only to find yourself surrounded. “How are they here?”

You grind to a halt. “What gave you the impression that statues were going to be slow?”

Shao Gow goes on the offensive, three terracotta bodies rushing you. Zabimaru smashes two, but the third plants its foot in your gut with crushing power and weight. You're sent crashing back to the ground, only to find the statues all around you once more.

“Shit!” you curse, reaching out your arm. “Hadō...”

You don't have time to even finish the spell as you're hit from behind, though you manage to smash through your attacker.

“These statues move quickly!” you tell Sado once you manage to work your way back to him.

“I noticed,” he retorts, putting his fist through a clay head.

“We still had a good plan,” you realize. “Let's head for the wall!”

“Right!”

“Do you really think that cutting off your retreat will serve you?” Shao Gow jeers as you and Sado cut your way through the ranks of lifeless dolls to reach your goal. Once the wall is behind you, it becomes a matter of cooperation: wide, sweeping strokes from Zabimaru's blade wreak havoc among the pawns, while blasts from Sado's fists keep them from advancing on you through the gaps in your attack pattern.

>Continue fighting like this until the terracotta army runs out of pawns to throw at you.
>Move along the wall, try and get to one of the openings at the ends of the arena
>Back out and up the wall, if you move slower this time you may make more progress
>Other?

>>2226221
>>Move along the wall, try and get to one of the openings at the ends of the arena

>>2226221
>>Move along the wall, try and get to one of the openings at the ends of the arena

>>2226221
>other: Use Zabimaru's sword as a improvised Grappling hook, it's teeth should be sharp enough to bite into the wall and when fully extended; have enough range to scale up the arena wall. Make sure you bring the Mexican up with you and hope Zabimaru doesn't mind being used like a utility tool. Cooperate with Chad to punch some foothold holes into the arena wall as you scale up the arena.
>Back out and up the wall, if you move slower this time you may make more progress

>>2226221
>Move along the wall, try and get to one of the openings at the ends of the arena

>>2226221
>>Back out and up the wall, if you move slower this time you may make more progress
This one >>2226231

I'm also thinking that (at some point) maybe we should just collapse the wall on top of the army's bulk.

>>2226236
We could probably do that, but I don't think Renji being strong enough to do it fast enough.

>>2226231
>Move along the wall, try and get to one of the openings at the ends of the arena

Seconding this.

>>2226239
which option are you talking about? the arena wall collapse or the scaling?

>>2226242
Arena wall collapse, I should have mentioned that.

>>2226221
>>2226231
Sounds cool, supporting

>3d10, DC 18, Crit 22
>best of three

Rolled 10, 5, 3 = 18 (3d10)

>>2226248
If I don't make this roll, I don't deserve rolling.

Rolled 1, 10, 6 = 17 (3d10)

>>2226248

Rolled 2, 4, 6 = 12 (3d10)

>>2226248

>>2226257
>>2226252
>>2226251
dear god, dice gods have no mercy on these two whom are known to be jobbers. They really had to work for it.

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>>2226248
>>2226251
You know really this is a teachable moment here about the importance of being well-rounded, which I'm sure he will completely ignore and use bankai

>>2226274
not when we're behind the wheel of the Renji-bot. We're gonna drill in the mantra of "What would Riku do?" into his head.

>>2226274
doesn't Chad also need a couple of love taps by an arrancar to completely awaken his right and left arm?

>>2226248
“We need to move!” you bark.

“Right!” Sado replies, picking up a statue and breaking it over his knee.

You begin sweeping your blade to the right, allowing Sado to follow shortly after you. The goal is to work your way towards the way you came into this mess of an arena, to escape that way through the natural choke point it creates. You're sure one of the Captains could do it much quicker and with greater effect, though with none of them present the thirty seconds or so of frenzied activity it takes you to even make it half way there seems acceptable.

But it's when you make it half way that the pace of the battle changes. The path all but clears, the statues giving you far more room.

It gives you a bad feeling.

You can practically see Shao Gow's grinning face. “Cero.”

From practically all directions the unmistakable red streaks of incoming ceros light up everything around you, only for you to find yourself in a deep shadow.

“Yasutora!?”

The detonation rattles your teeth inside your skull, but still the young man stands firm. When the dust clears he gives you a confident thumbs-up gesture.

“How did you...” you begin, only for the quiet giant to give you an immediate explanation.

“This arm's power was meant for defense,” he tells you.

“That's the defensive arm?” you repeat in shock.

“Yeah,” he insists, flexing his left arm and showing off the broad, shield-like form of his right. “It even looks like a shield when it's like this.”

“Then what does the left one do?”

He shakes his head. “No clue.”

Gee, that's a lot of help.

You quickly find yourself surrounded again.

>You may suck at kidō, but your Shakkahō might be capable of bringing the house down around Shao Gow
>If you can clear out enough pawns you might be able to lure Shao Gow himself out.
>Your plan was working, keep moving towards the exit as quickly as you can.
>Other?

>>2226317
>If you can clear out enough pawns you might be able to lure Shao Gow himself out.

>>2226317
>>You may suck at kidō, but your Shakkahō might be capable of bringing the house down around Shao Gow

>>2226317
>>If you can clear out enough pawns you might be able to lure Shao Gow himself out.

>>2226317

>force Shao Gow to come out of hiding by threatening to bring the house down. And make good on his threat by start bringing the house down and charging up that spell. But get to the exit first before you do all of that.

>3d10 to bring the house down
>dc 16, crit 23 to do it without hurting or exhausting yourself
>best of four since Chad's helping

>>2226317
>>If you can clear out enough pawns you might be able to lure Shao Gow himself out.
Try to taunt Shao Gow same time, it might work.

Rolled 10, 8, 7 = 25 (3d10)

>>2226344
>inb4 we accidentally too good.

Rolled 2, 6, 9 = 17 (3d10)

>>2226344

Rolled 5, 4, 5 = 14 (3d10)

>>2226344

Rolled 3, 7, 3 = 13 (3d10)

>>2226344

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>>2226352
Good job at not jobbing Renji!

>>2226344
“Right, time to clear out your little toys,” you grumble. “Sorry, Zabimaru... please bear with it one last time.”

“Bankai! Hihiō Zabimaru!”

You're sorry to call out this ability, to call them by the wrong name deliberately... it feels dirty. But this is precisely the power you need from them right now, and you can only hope that they understand that as well as you do.

What you'd call 'pride' has nothing to do with the decision.

With a roar you smash through the nearest wall with Zabimaru's bulk. “Sado, give me a hand!”

“Right!” the boy calls back, firing another of those blasts at the far ends of the plaza's boundary walls, causing them to start collapsing.

“Hikotsu Taihō!” you shout, building up a massive amount of reiatsu and blasting it at the opposite wall from the one you've been following.

“What do you think you're doing?” Shao Gow asks calmly.

You hate that calmness, the smug sort of confidence of a man who's not taking you seriously even now. “Bringing down these walls onto your precious little army!”

Your rampage continues until nothing is left but rubble and clouds of dust.

Sado pushes a larger chunk of wall off himself with a cough.

“I see you made it,” you grin as Zabimaru coils around you in rest.

“Somehow,” Sado agrees. “Think we got him?”

“You should never ask that question,” Shao Gow's voice chides you both, and your eyes widen in horror. “It only serves to tempt the fates.”

The terracottta army is slowly reassembling itself, rising out of the rubble... not from underneath it, you realize, but literally from it.

“That's how they move so damn fast!” you scowl. “You sculpt 'em out of the ground with your reiatsu!”

“Correct, but that is only half of it,” Shao Gow admits. “My reiatsu gives these statues animation, but they also serve to contain my spirit while my zanpakuto is released.”

Damn it... how are you going to beat a guy whose power is literally to grow himself new bodies out of the ground?

>You'll just have to keep breaking the bodies. Eventually he'll run out of reiatsu from exhaustion.
>If you freeze those bodies, they'd be incapable of moving... can you even use Hyōga Seiran like this?
>They're his shells, huh? So what if you messed with his building materials... that sounds great, but how?
>Escape is your best option now, this is an opponent you're not suited to fight.
>Other?

>>2226399
>>They're his shells, huh? So what if you messed with his building materials... that sounds great, but how?

>>2226399
>>They're his shells, huh? So what if you messed with his building materials... that sounds great, but how?
>other: REMEMBER YOUR KIDO RENJI. THERE'S PROBABLY A SPELL THAT PROVIDES WHAT YOU NEED.

>>2226399
>If you freeze those bodies, they'd be incapable of moving... can you even use Hyōga Seiran like this?

>>2226408
Supporting this.

>>2226399
>They're his shells, huh? So what if you messed with his building materials... that sounds great, but how?

>>2226399
>>They're his shells, huh? So what if you messed with his building materials... that sounds great, but how?
I reckon even Ganju probably has better odds in dealing with this via Seppa. Renji just needs an inspiration.

>3d10, DC 18, crit 22
I have an idea for something Renji might consider that might ACTUALLY work, let's see if Renji's two functional brain cells can kick it into overdrive.

Rolled 4, 6, 3 = 13 (3d10)

>>2226446

Rolled 6, 2, 5 = 13 (3d10)

>>2226446
GOD DAMMIT

Rolled 4, 10, 9 = 23 (3d10)

>>2226446
Maybe a sudden temperature change by chaining Hyoga Seiran and Shakkaho (or vice versa) would provide sufficient disruption? Liquefaction even, when combined with Sado's ground shattering punch?

Dunno, I'm just spit balling at this point.

Rolled 10, 4, 1 = 15 (3d10)

>>2226446

>>2226456
You're on the right track, but IC Renji has reason to suspect that even that would be something Shao could recover from. Thus "messing with the material" in this context means adding an extra ingredient.
>writing
>also getting a late dinner, so I may be delayed somewhat

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>>2226456
AYYY OUR CLASSIC CLUTCH IS BACK! RENJI DOES COME UP WITH A RARE MOMENT OF BRILLIANCE

>>2226462
If Shao primarily controls his clay dolls with reiatsu infused earth, then adding bits of Zabimaru's sword or something that Renji can control with his kido would disrupt that control. Because Shao literally says that he controls the damn things with his reiatsu. Disrupt his control and the terracotta falls apart instantly.

>>2226462
>means adding an extra ingredient
Oh lordy. This had me wondering if Rangiku's skill set may have sprung a eureka moment for Renji.

Incidentally, she's also a great candidate for steam rolling this scenario.

>>2226473
but then Renji wouldn't learn a damn thing if best daughter interrupts and steals the show.

>>2226462
He's forming these dolls more slowly this time... it costs him reiatsu to do it at such a large scale so quickly? Then clearly you can tire him out, but can you do it before he tires you out first?

The fact that he's still reforming gives you an idea.

“Sado, I need you to start attacking indiscriminately,” you announce.

“How will I know when to...” the boy begins, but you've already committed by then. You charge out towards the center of the plaza, getting as far as you can before the dolls are perilously close to reforming.

“Try this then!” you shout, concentrating an intense mass of reiatsu in the palm of your hand.

“Kidō!?” Shao shouts. “What do you intend to...”

Then, with an almost painfully flatulent sound, the mass of reiatsu breaks like a foul wind that washes over the emerging army.

Sado begins firing his reiatsu blasts as you requested, but only manages to slow the regrowth of the terracotta soldiers. Finally, the red dust settles amidst peals of laughter.

“What a farce!” Shao crows. “I almost feel sorry... I almost... I feel... what is this trickery!?”

“You underestimated me,” you grin, tears stinging in your eyes and a rasp in your throat. “I may be shit at kidō, but what I lack in skill I can easily make up for in scale... how does it feel to have your entire body laced with chili pepper?”

Shao however is in no position to retort, instead all of his bodies are screaming at once, writhing in pain.

“I figured you must be able to see and hear through those dolls, so maybe you might be able to feel, too,” you walk through your reasoning. “Looks like I was right, eh Sado?”

“Yup,” Sado nods in agreement... does this stuff really not bother him, or did he just not get hit?

“I'd hate to see what someone actually skilled with kido, like Momo or Miyako, could do with a trick like that,” you admit. “It's almost pitiful.”

“Don't you fuck with me!” Shao screams in agony. “And don't you dare take pity on me! I'll kill you worthless worms! I'll kill you all for daring to mock Shao Gow of the Imperial House!”

The dolls begin to fire ceros almost at random... only really posing a threat to each other unless one of them gets lucky. But in his mad rage, it seems he doesn't realize that.

And THAT is truly pitiful.

>Let's go. He's done.
>Linger until you're sure he's killed himself.
>Blast this place into ruins on your way out.
>Other?

>>2226543
>>Linger until you're sure he's killed himself.

>>2226543
>Linger until you're sure he's killed himself.

>>2226543
>Linger until you're sure he's killed himself.
>other: cast Kyokko over both you and Chad just to make sure he doesn't sense you lest he lands a lucky cero in his moment of clarity and hide behind some rubble just in case a stray cero beam does point in your direction.

>>2226543
Was that the red smoke kido that Omaeda likes to use? If so, then wow.

>>Linger until you're sure he's killed himself.
But back it up to a distance where one of the dolls doesn't have a chance to get lucky.

>>2226543
>>Linger until you're sure he's killed himself.

>3d10, DC 18, no crit
>best of three

Rolled 1, 5, 5 = 11 (3d10)

>>2226585

Rolled 9, 4, 1 = 14 (3d10)

>>2226585

Rolled 6, 3, 9 = 18 (3d10)

>>2226585

Rolled 1, 2, 5 = 8 (3d10)

>>2226585

>>2226606
dear god. what a clutch.

>>2226606
Thank you!

>>2226585
“Let's go,” you insist, swiftly sealing your sword and leaving the arena for a nearby rooftop you haven't managed to destroy yet. It takes Sado a while to catch up, but he eventually does. Meanwhile, the blasts of Shao Gow's frantic Ceros rumble in the distance.

“Are you sure about this?” he asks.

“He's lost it,” you shake your head. “No sense sticking around waiting for him to get lucky.”

“I guess...” Sado begins before a much larger and more powerful blast interrupts him.

“Was that...”

“No,” you reply. “That one felt different... and it was much stronger. Be on your guard, Sado.”

“Fine advice,” a new voice, deep and rumbling, agrees.

You only just manage to sidestep a powerful overhand blow from a massive kanabō, wielded by an equally massive arrancar. Bald, with no chin and horn-like porcelain mask fragments that frame his temples a bit like laurels, and at least half again as tall as you are.

He instantly sweeps his weapon to the side, missing you but wheeling around to smash into Sado instead and sending him careening through a building.

“How troublesome,” the newcomer rumbles aloud. “You forced me to kill my only subordinate, and so now I will have you pay with your lives.”

“How the hell is that our fault!?” you demand angrily.

“I gave him simple orders, to take your heads,” the arrancar explains in a matter-of-fact tone. “And I cannot be seen to have a fraccion who disobeys my orders.”

“You're a monster,” you spit, enraged by his proclamation.

“I am aware,” he retorts, hefting his oversized weapon. “My name is Salao, and I am one of the ten who carry the name Espada.”
>1/2

>>2226669
>“I am aware,” he retorts, hefting his oversized weapon. “My name is Salao, and I am one of the ten who carry the name Espada.”
oh dear. Which number does he have tattooed on his person?

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>>2226669
You are Kuchiki Rukia, currently facing down an arrancar by the name of Ebern in... well, you're not actually all that sure where you are. All you really know is that it's down to you and Arisawa now, facing this man.

“Hey, Arisawa,” you mutter, catching her attention.

“What is it!?” the arrancar who calls himself Pesche basically shouts in your ear.

“Keep it down you idiot!” you shout back at him angrily. “I was attempting to be discrete!”

“Sorry, sorry, my bad!” the arrancar insists. “Jeeze, you shinigami are too intense sometimes. Give a guy a break.”

Your opponent doesn't make a move to take advantage of your disarray, so you continue to speak with Arisawa. “How do you want to deal with this one from here now that we have separated?”

“I don't know,” Tatsuki admits, “I was kinda hoping you'd have a plan. All I know is we need to get to that tower... that's where Ichigo and the others will be.”

Right. That's the plan. The solvable is how to actually do that...

>If you continue using ice and kidō in tandem you can beat him, though it may take a while.
>Arisawa can do more with her power, you know that. If you bind Ebern, she can finish him.
>Now that you think about it, nobody would expect it if Pesche were to do something useful...
>Other?

>>2226725
>>Arisawa can do more with her power, you know that. If you bind Ebern, she can finish him.

>>2226725
>Now that you think about it, nobody would expect it if Pesche were to do something useful...
Comic relief getting weaponized is something no one expects.

>>2226725
>>Now that you think about it, nobody would expect it if Pesche were to do something useful...

>>2226725
>>Arisawa can do more with her power, you know that. If you bind Ebern, she can finish him.

>>2226725
>Now that you think about it, nobody would expect it if Pesche were to do something useful...

>>2226725
>3d10, DC 18, Crit 22
>best of three: Tatsuki's help and Pesche's offset

Rolled 5, 9, 1 = 15 (3d10)

>>2226790

Rolled 3, 2, 4 = 9 (3d10)

>>2226790

Rolled 2, 9, 10 = 21 (3d10)

>>2226790

>>2226797
I have some absolutely awful rolling after the first one.

>>2226808
Nearly a crit.

>back from a shower, writing

>>2226863
“Hey, Pesche,” you mutter. “Why don't you lead with a surprise attack?”

“Like a decoy?” he asks.

“Sure, we'll go with that,” Arisawa mutters. “Think you can do it?”

“Am I gonna die?”

“We'll have your back,” Arisawa assures him. “Isn't that right, Rukia?”

You glance at her, and she gives you an encouraging gesture.

“Fine,” you sigh, “yes. We will ensure your survival, you can count on it.”

“Aright then, ladies!” the arrancar cries, flexing his... well, present muscles. “Here I go, my signature attack!”

“Oh?” Ebern smirks, adjusting his massive cannons. “I'm not expecting much.”

“Then don't come crying to me!” Pesche shouts, vaulting high into the air and falling on a ballistic trajectory towards your shared enemy. You raise your sword in anticipation of any opening...

Only to watch Pesche hack what looks like a watermelon-sized glob of spittle at Ebern, who blinks once in disbelief before sidestepping out of the way. Pesche's roar of fury becomes a cry of panic as he overshoots Ebern's position and crashes into a courtyard behind him.

Ebern stares over his shoulder. “And yet somehow I'm still disappointed... was that your plan, bug-boy? To disappoint me just as much as you...”

He's forced to sidestep again as you cast a hadō at him.

“Byakurai!”

Yours is slower than your dear brother's of course, which left your target a moment to dodge... you would be better served getting in closer with such attacks, as Ebern's speed in spite of his massive weapon is rather remarkable.

>Try and bind Ebern for Tatsuki.
>Try and blast Ebern at close range, taking advantage of Tatsuki's evasive abilities.
>That spit... Pesche's an idiot, but that CAN'T be all there was to it.
>Other?

>>2226901
>Try and blast Ebern at close range, taking advantage of Tatsuki's evasive abilities.

>>2226901
>That spit... Pesche's an idiot, but that CAN'T be all there was to it.

>>2226901
>>Try and bind Ebern for Tatsuki.

>>2226901
>>That spit... Pesche's an idiot, but that CAN'T be all there was to it.
>Get Pesche to apply a liberal coating of spit on Ebern and on the ground surrounding Ebern. You can then cast kido to either set the spit on fire, electrify the spit, or freeze the spit to throw off Ebern's footing.
>Tatsuki should shift ALL of her body friction down to her feet for MAXIMUM TRACTION to navigate through the field of spit.

>>2226901
>>Try and blast Ebern at close range, taking advantage of Tatsuki's evasive abilities.
>>That spit... Pesche's an idiot, but that CAN'T be all there was to it.

>>2226901
>>Try and bind Ebern for Tatsuki.

>3d10, DC 17, crit 21

Rolled 4, 2, 3 = 9 (3d10)

>>2227003

Rolled 3, 7, 8 = 18 (3d10)

>>2227003
Let's do it!

Rolled 6, 9, 1 = 16 (3d10)

>>2227003

Rolled 10, 4, 8 = 22 (3d10)

>>2227003

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>>2227036
So close yet no cigar

>>2227003
You attack without warning, using your shunpo to get in close and make it harder for Ebern to bring his weapon to bear on you. Tatsuki is quick to join you, and the two of you carefully maneuver around the arrancar. Each strike, each swing, each step pushes your target closer and closer to where you want him to be.

You're still not sure what the hell your distraction's spit attack was supposed to accomplish, but you're gonna find out.

With a cry you put all the force you can muster behind a kick that connects with Ebern's cannons, and you manage to push him onto the spit.

“What's this!?” Ebern cries as he loses his footing. “It's impossibly slick!”

Arisawa cocks her fist back and charges down after Ebern. “Gotcha!”

Her hand passes cleanly through Ebern's torso, before rematerializing in a spray of blood as whatever was in its way is explosively displaced. So she resorted to that...

Panting heavily, Arisawa watches Ebern slip off the rooftop and collapse in a heap below. His cannons melt away like haze in the morning sun, taking the form of a trench knife. He staggers to his feet, bleeding profusely from a hole cleanly through the side of his body, but coughs up blood as he falls to his knees.

“Shit,” he curses, his grip on the knife growing weak. “To think I was tricked by a puddle of frigging spit...”

>You could spare his life. He's no threat anymore and killing him would just take up time.
>Clean sweep, no option for mercy when you can't expect any for yourself.
>Toss him down the hole and into Hueco Mundo. If he dies that way he'd understand it.
>Other?

>>2227162
>Toss him down the hole and into Hueco Mundo. If he dies that way he'd understand it.

>>2227162
>>Toss him down the hole and into Hueco Mundo. If he dies that way he'd understand it.

>>2227162
>>Toss him down the hole and into Hueco Mundo. If he dies that way he'd understand it.

>>2227162
>>Toss him down the hole and into Hueco Mundo. If he dies that way he'd understand it.
Congratulate Pesche for being credit to team.

>>2227162
>Toss him down the hole and into Hueco Mundo. If he dies that way he'd understand it.

>3d10, best of three

Rolled 10, 9, 2 = 21 (3d10)

>>2227230

Rolled 3, 7, 2 = 12 (3d10)

>>2227230

Rolled 4, 4, 3 = 11 (3d10)

>>2227230

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41 KB JPG

>>2227230
“Wow, go team,” Arisawa comments wryly as Pesche flashes a thumbs-up from a pile of rubble.

“I think I know what to do next,” you nod calmly. “Pesche?”

“Y-yes?”

“Throw him in the hole,” you order.

“What?” Arisawa demands, sounding almost insulted at the idea.

“We cannot leave him where he is, and I will not have him executed,” you explain. “If he survives down in Hueco Mundo that would be to his credit, but if he were to die... he knows how the realm of hollows works.”

“But that's... hey, what are you...”

Pesche swiftly does as you suggested, then shrugs. “Hey, when she's right she's right. I don't want that guy coming after us later even more pissed than he usually is.”

“Well, what's done is done,” Tatsuki admits.

Then you hear it... it's faint, but it's clearly the sound of air being displaced by a human-sized body. Your zanpakuto clashes against something hard, and you're nearly knocked off your feet by an amazing amount of force.

“An appropriate measure,” a voice commends your decisionmaking, “as well as a swift parry. I can appreciate both of those things.”

“Who are you?” you glare over your shoulder at the tall man in his white cloak.

“Sternritter 'I',” he replies calmly, eyes meeting yours without a trace of concern to be found in them. “Cang Du, the 'Iron'.”

A Sternritter? Like that Mask freak you fought before? No... no, this isn't good.

“Sorry, Ichigo,” you apologize. “Don't wait up..."
>1/2

>>2227328
You are Kurosaki Ichigo, and you sort of knew that being in the world of the Hollows would mean fighting about a metric assload of hollows. But even knowing that much you can't help but be amazed at how many you've had to fight so far today. Big ones, ugly ones, and even some that were they anything else might be considered kinda pretty: like a butterfly hollow.

You even ran across an arrancar woman who shot spikes at you and told you to fuck off before running in the opposite direction.

“This has been a strange day,” you sigh, knocking another regular hollow clear across the flat sandy plains of Hueco Mundo.

“One for the record books, even if no single noteworthy thing happened along the way,” Ishida grumbles.

“Hey, you thought that woman was pretty cute,” you taunt as you pass through what looks like a primitive village assembled from rough-hewn boulders. “Don't lie.”

“I thought we agreed never to talk about that...”

“Oh?” a voice interrupts. “How fascinating to find the two of you here.”

“Who..” you begin, only to have your question immediately answered.

“We are Lord Aizen's executioners,” an arrancar with a mask like the complete skull of a wild animal on his head. “I am Rudbornn Chelute.”

“So, you're here to try and execute us?” you grin. “Is that it? Cause if it is you should've brought more guys.”

“No,” Rudbornn announces. “I am merely here as a scout.”

“For who?” Ishida inquires.

“For me.”
>2/3

>>2227476
>You even ran across an arrancar woman who shot spikes at you and told you to fuck off before running in the opposite direction.
>"Hey, you thought that woman was pretty cute,” you taunt as you pass through what looks like a primitive village assembled from rough-hewn boulders. “Don't lie.”
Jagerbombs pls.

>>2227476
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FQgsYF0uR8&t=5s

Out of the shadows of one of the buildings you spot a somewhat small figure emerging, presumably from where he's been hiding.

“When did he...” Ishida mutters.

And then the wave of reiatsu hits you. It's tremendous... completely unlike anything you've felt from anyone but a Captain, and he hasn't even released his zanpakuto.

“Ulquiorra Schiffer,” the arrancar introduces himself, turning his almost blank gaze on you. “I have come here for you.”

“What, under Aizen's orders?” you scoff. “Why doesn't he come down here himself if he wants us dead so badly?”

“I am not here simply to murder the two of you,” Ulquiorra replies calmly. “I am here to give you your chance for revenge.”

“And why should we want to fight you?” Ishida demands. “What's keeping us from just running away?”

“I am the one who abducted your mother, quincy,” the arrancar explains in that same deadpan tone. “In fact the whole mission was my idea.”

“So you're atoning with your life, is that it?” you demand, feeling your hands shake slightly with barely-contained rage.

“Hardly,” Ulquiorra counters. “Even with both your powers combined you are not strong enough to defeat me, and you would hardly even interest Lord Aizen. However I am told that refusing you the chance to fight me fairly would be rude... so I sought you out.”

“Come, Kurosaki Ichigo, Ishida Uryū. Allow me to demonstrate just how powerless you truly are.”

>>2227501
Next time:
Renji and Chad vs Salao, Espada #4
Rukia and Tatsuki vs Cang Du, "the Iron"
Ichigo and Uryu vs Ulquiorra, Espada #3

Thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoyed, and I look forward to seeing you back next time! Keep an eye on twitter for updates, or alternately why not try out the discord? Invite link is: discord.gg/uSXdYpQ

>>2227520
give me a proper discord link invite. this one ain't working.

Question: To Riku, Aizen, and those who saw that Arrancar woman with (you know exactly who I'm talking about)- why is she still around?

>>2227550
That should still work, but here's a new one anyway.
https://discord.gg/uSXdYpQ

>>2227615
it works. thanks senpai.

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>>2227520
Thanks for running!
What goes on in the discord?

>>2227645
typical discord shenanigans, /pol/ talks, fluff talks for Queen's other quests, and some QAs. The usual.

>>2227659
Honestly surprised the SSQ channel doesn't have much going on regarding that Bleach game which pops up in these threads on occasion.

>>2227520
>Renji and Chad vs Salao, Espada #4
>Rukia and Tatsuki vs Cang Du, "the Iron"
>Ichigo and Uryu vs Ulquiorra, Espada #3
Welp, seems like a recipe for being really deep in shit. And I thought Renji and Chad would have it easier in comparison.

>>2227675
keep in mind that instead of going on a raid like they did without any training in Canon Bleach, they got top-tier teachers to help them level grind.
To wit:
>Ishida went through the wringer of Bambietta's wisdom of a War-era Sternritter along with his dad's old-era quincy notes.

>Ichigo got a kit rework that sync's up more with his "hollow side" courtesy of Riku and Oetsu, So he actually uses "Zangetsu" in "proper" fashion. But I don't know how "that" would happen now that Instinct!Zangetsu is a sword instead of a hollow mask. since he's facing off against Ulquiorra like in canon bleach.

>Rukia and Tatsuki got stronger from practice sparring together along with getting their asses beat by Riku for battle experience; with the former having regained much of her own power, while the latter's power got streamlined with Riku's soul surgery.

>Renji got Riku's commando crash course training and is FINALLY starting to understand the perks of being an all-rounder, with additional help in kido training.

>Chad... well shit. I really don't know what kind of training he went under, but it seems he did manage to power-grind his way to unlocking both his giant's arm and his devil's arm. I just wish there was more to it rather than just two supernatural appendages that connects his powers to his Spanish heritage.

>>2227814
"that" will probably be a technique for him now, or some other bullshittery. Its ichigo, the dudes basically a ball of plot armor.

Renji is using his head more, which is the best we can hope for. Chad will probably pull something out when push comes to shove, dudes another plot armor character just on a smaller scale.

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>Omake: Crossover
“So who are you supposed to be?” Carya Marseille asks the unusual apparition that had surprised her in her own quarters. It's like something out of a costume drama, black hakama and a white haori complete with two swords sitting at her waist. If this was supposed to be the image of an old woman she had aged with all the grace of a goddess, with thick full hair of a luxuriant white and not a wrinkle or blemish to be seen.

“Ah, you can see me after all,” the woman replies warmly. “I was beginning to wonder after all these years whether humans had simply lost the ability to do so.”

“That didn't answer my question,” Carya insists sternly, reaching for her sidearm. “Please.”

“I am Captain Kusajishi Riku, a shinigami,” the woman clarifies, “and I must admit my frustration with you and your organization despite my admiration of you personally.”

“Oh?” Carya muses, her hand easing away from the grip of her pistol. “And if you are some kind of “death god” then why do you care about me and my comrades?”

“We were just beginning to get a better handle on the fact that humanity had colonized space when the One Year War broke out,” the apparition explains, taking a seat at the foot of the living Captain's bed. “So much death made our task of protecting the living that much harder... nearly impossible actually, even for me and my wife.”

“Okay, so... run that by us again?” Carrina ask, their eye having subtly shifted colors.

“Ooh, I love it when you do that!” Riku purrs in delight. “Welcome, Catrina Marseille, to the conversation. Two souls in one living body... that never gets old.”

“You were about to explain?” Carrina insist again.

The self-proclaimed shinigami puts one fingertip to her forehead in a display of concentration.

“Think of 'hollows' as an unanticipated and unwelcome spoke within the wheel of reincarnation,” Riku explains, lowering her hand to unfasten her zanpakuto and set them carefully at her side. “They are invisible monsters which prey upon human souls. My task and that of my immediate comrades, a motley crew of powerful spiritual beings, are responsible for dealing with hollow presence beyond the confines of Earth's gravity.”

“Same way rats spread with the early explorers in the Pacific,” Carrina nod thoughtfully.

“That is a remarkably apt comparison, aside from a question of size and ferocity,” Riku smiles.
>1/3

>>2234459
“Rossweisse likes to read to us before bedtime,” Carrina joke. “Her choice of material runs towards the dry.”

“Useful though,” Riku shrugs.

“Speaking of things Rossweisse talks about sometimes, there were a lot of reports during the war about shinigami sightings. Were any of those...”

“Legitimate?” Riku asks.

“We always believed they saw something, it was more a question of what exactly they saw,” Carrina clarify.

“Those sightings were all of large hollows, a possibility that exists under extreme stress,” Riku explains carefully. “A war bordering on genocidal would seem perfect for producing such aberrations... the last time such a thing occurred was during the Third World War.”

“How old are you?” Carrina ask with a frown. “We can't tell based on your looks.”

“Well, the Universal Century began in 2053 by the old calendar,” Riku sighs, almost wistfully. “Fifty-two years after... after a certain incident you do not need to know about. By my count I was about one hundred and eighty by then... carry the seven... should be right around three hundred and fifty? But like they say, age is just a number.”

“And so what are you, exactly?” Carrina press. “Some manner of ghost?”

“I am only dead in the sense that I am not alive in the physical sense,” Riku explains carefully. “We exist on a plane of being parallel to that of the living world of Earth.”

“Okay, so... let's say we believe you to that point,” Carrina sigh dramatically, collapsing into her desk chair. “Why are you here?”

“I am sure you can guess the reason if you try,” Riku grins playfully.

Carrina consider the question for a few moments. “This plane of yours doesn't have lift vehicles capable of interstellar travel.”

“Exactly!” Riku cheers. “We rely on you newtypes entirely for our ability to move to and from the outlying star systems.”

“How have we not noticed you?” Carrina demand, seemingly uncomfortable about the news.

“Most of our highest-level fighters are capable of disguising our presence, and those of small units of our weaker fighters. But there have been an uncomfortable number of close calls.”

“So you're here to work out a deal?” Carrina realize immediately. “On what terms?”

“No terms,” Riku shakes her head calmly. “We just continue going about our respective duties... I may drop in on you from time to time to chat.”
>2/3

>>2234504
“Just to chat?”

Riku sighs sadly. “I have been alone on your ship for three weeks with only my swords to talk to.”

“You talk to your swords?” Carrina ask in surprise.

“That is how it is supposed to work,” Riku reassures her fellow Captain. “It is complicated, but our swords are intelligent beings... or rather, some of them are intelligent. My Tenkotsuki and Kobara no Tachi certainly are, but many others are idiots.”

“Then we just have one more question,” Carrina conclude.

“Yes?”

“What happens to us humans after we die? And is it any different for newtypes?”

Riku's expression darkens. “That would be telling, Captain. However... what I will tell you is that you and those closest to you have nothing to fear from death. In fact, I can promise you that much.”

Carrina nod. “We understand. Will we be speaking again soon?”

“I have business on Tau Ceti with my wife,” Riku explains. “But we will meet again.”

“Then we're looking forward to it. Good luck, Captain.”

“Same to you, Captain.”

Long after Kusajishi Riku had disappeared from the sisters' view, they continue to gaze at the floor, deep in thought. Considering the facts of the matter, what they've seen and heard, what it means in the broadest possible scheme of things, and coming to the only possible conclusion.

“You're still here, aren't you.”

“Yeah, sorry. Is there anything fun to do on this ship?”

>>2234459
>If this was supposed to be the image of an old woman she had aged with all the grace of a goddess, with thick full hair of a luxuriant white and not a wrinkle or blemish to be seen.

>Riku
>old
>still looking like she's in her prime except with white hair despite being 350 years old
>white hair
I'm having a hard time trying to imagine that. can someone go on ms paint and drawfag that?

>>2234818
wait. nvm. I can. if only Riku lets her hair down.

>>2234818
King did an edit of a pic here >>2234473

File: white haired Riku.png (333 KB, 1920x1200)

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>>2234824
Ah. thanks. gonna post King's pic on this thread so the others can see.

>>2234839
Yeah, I'd wanted to post the MC of each Quest in the other, but I forgot that I've never used that image of Riku with white hair before.

>>2235433
How come Riku’s hair turned white? The only person whose hair turned white because of age that I can recall is Yamamoto, and he shows his years.

>>2235523
It's what kitsune do. The sacred ones either have gold or white fur, so it says less about her age and more about her standing.

>>2235539
I thought that sacred kitsune could also have black fur?

>>2235608
Those are a good omen, but the ones associated with Inari are always portrayed as white.

>>2235710
Black Kitsune are/can be Nogitsune, which are Demon/Youkai foxes

File: Nick Cage.gif (1.04 MB, 220x190)

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>that feel when you get a 5* off a ticket

>planning to continue on Saturday, no real opening to write until then

>>2238832
Was it a TYBW one?

>>2239611
No, Isshin. I'm not gonna complain about a free 125 orbs though.

I wish he was a TYBW character though. I'm so fucking salty about all the dupes I got on the step up summons without getting MurderMILF.

>>2239631
I assume if it was Isshin it wasn't a TYBW special ticket? Or is one of the versions of him a filler and I just forgot?

>>2239934
Oh, he was asking what ticket? It was a Brave Ticket. Sorry.

>>2240264
I get more 5 stars from brave tickets than gold ones, as in 0 for gold.

>>2240300
I've only gotten two off of tickets. The other one was from a premium ticket.

>about 3.5 hours

>>2244929
You are Abarai Renji, the Lieutenant of Sixth Division, and things are looking like they'll only get more complicated and difficult from this point on. This last arrancar had an inconvenient ability, but thankfully wasn't powerful enough to take advantage of his capabilities, which allowed you and Yasutora Sado to deal with him more easily.

The newcomer, calling himself “Salao”, is a different story.

It's easy to tell that the arrancar is stronger than the last, but by how much? That's more difficult to gauge. He called himself an “Espada”, which you've heard is the title taken by the ten strongest arrancar working for Aizen. So if the difference between that little brat arrancar Starrk hangs around with and Starrk himself is any indication of the range possible...

“This could be trouble,” you decide. “Yasutora, we've gotta stick together.”

“How strong is this guy?” Sado asks you in response, sparing you a glance.

His answer comes in the form of a heavy blow to the gut, Salao having closed the distance in an instant to punish the young man's momentary lapse in concentration.

“Strong enough,” the arrancar insists as Sado staggers back a step. “Though I must admit, your toughness is impressive... for a human.”

“Flattered,” Sado grunts.

Salao backpedals as you slash in his direction with Zabimaru's fangs, retracting his hand to keep you from landing a blow on his wrist. Is that because he was actually concerned, or was it purely instinctive? It's impossible to say for certain.

>Get in close and test Salao's sealed form, try and estimate his likely power based on that.
>Coordinate with Sado, try and force Salao to use his release to heal the damage you do.
>Now isn't the time to fool around, use your true Bankai and hope you can finish quickly.
>Other?

>>2245214
>>Coordinate with Sado, try and force Salao to use his release to heal the damage you do.

>>2245214
>>Get in close and test Salao's sealed form, try and estimate his likely power based on that.

>>2245214
>>Coordinate with Sado, try and force Salao to use his release to heal the damage you do.

>>2245214
>>Get in close and test Salao's sealed form, try and estimate his likely power based on that.
>>Coordinate with Sado, try and force Salao to use his release to heal the damage you do.
>Other?

Coordinate with Sado and try to push Salao slowly into releasing while trying to estimate his powers through that.

>3d10 to try and force Salao to release
DC is 21
Critical is 27

Rolled 1, 5, 9 = 15 (3d10)

>>2245255
Those DCs! Here we go!

Rolled 1, 9, 2 = 12 (3d10)

>>2245255

>>2245260
>>2245261
Fucking hell, not a way to start this evening...

Rolled 1, 3, 6 = 10 (3d10)

>>2245255
A secretive one, this guy eh?

Rolled 4, 4, 8 = 16 (3d10)

>>2245255

>>2245255
“Yasutora, let's hit this guy as hard as we can!” you shout, lashing out with Zabimaru.

“Right!”

The young human throws a powerful punch, which Salao simply catches in his outstretched palm. The spiritual energy gathering at Sado's shoulder tells you what he's planning.

“El Directo!”

The blast leaks between Salao's fingers and envelops him with light. But instead of seeing some sort of injury on the arrancar's body all you see is Sado being thrown from the resulting cloud of dust, where he bounces once before slamming into a wall.

“Roar, Zabimaru!” you shout, your zanpakuto's blade biting into the stone tiles where you sense Salao is still standing.

Then you feel a fist in your gut this time, as Salao uses his immense speed and cover to counterattack. Your back and the back of your head slam into something hard, and you're momentarily dazed by the force of the impact.

“How terribly boring,” Salao bemoans. “To think that damn Shao lost to two weak fighters like you... it's embarrassing to me as his superior.”

“Heh,” you chuckle grimly, wiping a bit of blood out of your eyes. “Looks like we really might be in trouble here, Zabimaru.”

“I'm going to finish this,” Salao declares, producing a small trench knife from his sleeve. “Stay still, shinigami, and die for me.”

>If you can flank him, you and Sado can still make the original plan work.
>You may kind of suck at bakudō, but Zabimaru can be used to bind Salao...
>Go ahead and try some kidō, maybe chip away at Salao's fighting ability.
>Use Bankai.
>Other?

>>2245302
>You may kind of suck at bakudō, but Zabimaru can be used to bind Salao...

>>2245302
>>You may kind of suck at bakudō, but Zabimaru can be used to bind Salao...

>>2245302
>Go ahead and try some kidō, maybe chip away at Salao's fighting ability.

>>2245302
>>Use Bankai.

Rolled 10, 7, 9 = 26 (3d10)

>Using Zabimaru as a trap
3d10, best of 3, DC 19, critical 25

Rolled 6, 4, 10 = 20 (3d10)

>>2245346

Rolled 3, 6, 2 = 11 (3d10)

>>2245346
Either Chad got gud, or we in trouble.

Rolled 6, 5, 7 = 18 (3d10)

dice plz

Rolled 8, 4, 8 = 20 (3d10)

>>2245346
UM.

Well. Interesting times ahead I see.

>>2245346
“Zabimaru!” you repeat, lashing out once more towards your foe.

“This attack again?” Salao taunts, easily batting the blade away. “Is this the only technique you know, shinigami?”

You can't help but grin as Zabimaru's tip anchors itself into the ground behind Salao, and you dash towards him with a shunpo. He's apparently caught off guard by your reckless move, which is why he gives you just enough of an opening to draw Zabimaru back in around the two of you.

“And what do you intend to do like this?” Salao asks, still unshaken despite having been trapped.

“Nothing!” you smirk as you see Chad taking the opportunity you gave him.

“El Directo!” Chad roars, unleashing a powerful blast straight into the back of Salao's head.

Again, when the dust settles it's Salao who seems most dissatisfied with the results.

“You are turning me into a broken record,” he grumbles. “Is that the only technique you know, human!?”

“Cero!”

The arrancar fires a powerful blast of hardened reiatsu, straight from his mouth to your face, which separates the two of you in a massive explosion. By the time you gather your wits and stagger to your feet Salao has used the moment of disorientation to stab Yasutora under his right arm, before kicking him through a small building. Or at least that's what you'd guess based on the trail of blood on the stone tiles, you didn't actually see it happen.

“Pathetic,” Salao taunts you both. “Did you truly think to challenge Lord Aizen's power with such pathetic skills? Or are you holding out on me?”

“If it is the latter, I suggest you use your true power before I kill you.”

“Sado, you alive over there!?” you cough, wiping a bit off blood from your face. The young human surprises both you and his foe, emerging from the building with a little rivulet of blood trickling down his forehead but otherwise unharmed.

He offers you his now-trademark, at least in your mind, thumbs-up.

Great, but you're not doing fine...
>1/2

>>2245380
… in fact, you're not sure what Sado's doing.

He seems to have taken up a dramatic stance and is making a menacing noise with his mouth, like some kind of ominous Buddhist ohm/i] or like a kiai. But his reiatsu is building, and you can see his left arm starting to shift its shape and color. Since Salao's ignoring him he doesn't see it, and since he's never really spoken with Sado he doesn't know what he's told you: that his right arm is for defense.

So that would mean that his left arm...

“I see,” you nod. “That makes it easier on me.”

With a shout you raise your sword and charge again, winding Zabimaru in wide arcs through the air as Salao watches in amusement.

“You really wish to try this again?” he muses as you entrap him one more time in Zabimaru's coils. “You must be insane.”

“Things aren't gonna go the same way again!” you smirk.

“Brazo Izquierda del Diablo.”

The blow is powerful enough to send you and Salao reeling... you can't imagine how badly it must have hurt to take such an attack directly. But Sado's hardly finished: charging reiatsu at his fingertips then grasping it tightly in his fist, he follows through with an even more powerful punch that hammers down on Salao without mercy.

“La Muerte!”

The blow crushes the self-proclaimed Espada into the stone tiles, then shatters the tiles below him in a wide pattern. It takes you a moment to realize it, but the shape of the cracks and rends in the earth left by Sado's fist form a skull.

Salao lies still.

“Get back!” you shout, only for Sado to take a bala straight to the chest that sends him flying into a wall.

In an instant Salao is on his feet, blood dripping from his crushed chest as he glares daggers at you.

>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pompfNvUTSc
“Drown, Abad de las Mareas!”
>2/3

>>2245403
>Salao = salty
>Drown, Abad de las Mareas
Oh? A sea/ocean related resurreccion?

>>2245403
Your enemy's body seems to heal immediately as his form changes. Shadows wrap around him, erasing all his features save for his shoulders and arms, elevating the level of his head until he towers some twenty feet over you, an inky creature of blackness and overwhelming reiatsu.

Your eyes widen in shock at the scale of his increase in power... this must mean that rather than something like the brat you're dealing with a being more on the order of Starrk or Halibel in terms of raw power. Something that may be able to stand equal with a Captain, if it isn't stronger than some Captains.

Finally, one side of Salao's head is slowly encased with porcelain, forming what looks like the face of an angry old man from a kabuki theater.

Sado is just as taken aback by the increase in size and power as Salao laughs madly.

This is what you wanted, but it's not what you expected...

>Run. Just run.
>Bankai.
>Tell Sado to run.
>Other?

>>2245415
>>Bankai.

>>2245415
>Bankai

>>2245415
>>Bankai.

>3d10, DC 20, Crit 26

Rolled 8, 9, 10 = 27 (3d10)

>>2245433

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>>2245436
Ayyy good on you anon

Rolled 1, 3, 10 = 14 (3d10)

>>2245433
>>2245436
Damn son

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>>2245436

It's so beautiful...

Rolled 10, 2, 3 = 15 (3d10)

>>2245433

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>>2245436
Just Lok'tar.

No Ogar

File: 1507912867417.png (207 KB, 345x620)

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>>2245436

>>2245436
“Bankai!” you roar immediately, wasting no time thinking about it. “Sōō Zabimaru!”

Your true Bankai is far more powerful than the false one you once used, Monkey and Snake's gifts to you wrapping around your body as the reiatsu you're producing skyrockets. The familiar cowl, the oversized snake vertebrae, and the large blade in your hand all feel so much more natural even than your old, false Bankai ever did.

“Hihiō!” you shout, willing the cowl to extend and grow into a skeletal hand that grapples with Salao's increased size. Then, having maneuvered your opponent into a position where he's overextended, you follow up with your next technique.

The blade in your hand extends, growing deep, fang-like serrations to dig into Salao's limb. “Orochiō!”

With a single strike you separate Salao from his arm, prompting an inhuman howl of pain. But then something happens that horrifies you.

Salao's body sinks into the ground, disappearing with nothing but a ripple that spreads across the broken tiles.

“Where did he...” Sado grunts, forcing himself back to his feet.

“Shame.”

The voice seems to echo from beneath you, booming and deep as a vast ocean. “Such shame.”

“Come out and face us, coward!” you taunt, only to hear a laugh.

“No, shinigami. You have forced me to use this technique, and now that I have I am bound by my sense of honor to finish you using it.”

“How do you intend to beat me by running away?” you demand.

“I'm not running,” Salao insists. “I've simply returned to my natural element.”

>If he refuses to fight you, then you can leave. No shame in that.
>Blast away at the ground, see if you can reach wherever Salao is hiding.
>Wait patiently for Salao to reemerge. See what his strategy is now.
>Other?

>>2245413
I think you are on to something. He is now the fish who treats the floor as his sea.

>>2245494
>If he refuses to fight you, then you can leave. No shame in that.

Bait him to get out of the floor by running away, make him to act through that.

>>2245494
With Renji rocking that snake motif (partly) and fighting an ocean creature inspired (?) arrancar, it kinda reminds me of Perseus and the Kraken now.

>>If he refuses to fight you, then you can leave. No shame in that.
Combat where the enemy has advantageous terrain? I think not.

>>2245503
You've met him before, actually.

>>2245494
>If he refuses to fight you, then you can leave. No shame in that.

>3d10
>Best of three
DC is 22
Critical is 28

Rolled 10, 2, 3 = 15 (3d10)

>>2245547
I got this.

Rolled 8, 8, 7 = 23 (3d10)

>>2245547
Those DCs yet again!

>>2245556
Nailed it.

Rolled 1, 1, 7 = 9 (3d10)

>>2245547

Rolled 1, 1, 9 = 11 (3d10)

>QM rolling

>>2245612
>that dice
I'm scared if this is for Chad.

>>2245612
Poor Chad

>>2245612
Well, if your opponent is just going to hide underground instead of fighting, there's no shame in leaving.

“Sado, we're leaving,” you declare, taking a single decisive step away from the battlefield and towards the tower that's been your goal this whole time.

But instead of getting clear of the battle you notice something disturbing beneath you, like a dark shadow flickering across the stones below... but more like it's moving through the ground, as if something is peering out at you through solid rock.

Then Salao confirms it, swinging his arm out through the ground and slamming his fist into your whole body. The hammer-blow crashes you into the stone like a tsunami, and all around you the stone itself seems to ripple and shift like whitecaps on a stormy sea.

You stare in confusion as the waves subside.

“What the hell did you do?” you demand.

“Let me tell you a story,” Salao addresses you calmly, like a parent talking down to a child. “About a certain hollow. This story takes place nearly one hundred years ago, when there was a war.”

Salao's fist slams into you again, though you manage to burst it with a powerful swing of Sōō Zabimaru's blade. Again, the remnants of the limb seem to meld into the ground with a series of mad ripples.

“This hollow lived its life in the oceans, and grew powerful there. In the midst of a great battle, between castles of steel that belched smoke and struck with thunder and fire, the hollow began to feed on the unbelievable amount of hollows that were attracted to the scene.”

A massive explosion, probably a cero, erupts from the ground. You barely manage to dodge it, rolling to a stop and evading yet another powerful swing of Salao's remaining fist.

“Then the shinigami came,” Salao spits. “Attacking relentlessly into the sea, never crossing the plane between air and ocean, like a fleet of destroyers hunting down a lone submarine. The hollow had no way to fight back, and he cursed his own powerless and the shinigami who had tried to exterminate him. And he sank into the depths, and waited.”

“Until along came a Captain, whose hatred of shinigami was a match for the hollows, who gave him power.”

A hand emerges from the ground and grasps Sado in a powerful vice, then pulls him into the ground where his disappearance leaves a ripple.

“The power to drag others down with him, and to drown them in his hatred.”

>Attack at the ground, excavate down to wherever Salao is hiding.
>Wait for Salao to drag you down. That's how you'll best be able to fight back.
>Other?

>>2245625
OH! Now I remember!

>Attack at the ground, excavate down to wherever Salao is hiding.
>Other?

I don't remember the kido well, but wouldn't there be something that could help us? WWRD?

>>2245625
Oh shit. so Salao was that hollow Riku fought during world war 1 during that naval battle.

>>2245625
>Wait for Salao to drag you down. That's how you'll best be able to fight back.
>start channeling a spell and hold it. Something that'll either freeze an ocean or boil it away. Freezing might be more effective if you remember the WWI reports published by Riku.

>>2245625
>>Wait for Salao to drag you down. That's how you'll best be able to fight back.
Preserve strength, max out senses.

>Other?
Anchor the snake tail in this plane.

>>2245625
>Wait for Salao to drag you down. That's how you'll best be able to fight back.

You can't escape now!

since an anon had a good idea
>3d10, DC 19, best of three

Rolled 9, 7, 7 = 23 (3d10)

>>2245662

Rolled 6, 10, 8 = 24 (3d10)

>>2245662

Rolled 10, 10, 5 = 25 (3d10)

>>2245662

>>2245667
>>2245673
Wow, dem good ideas getting us the passes.

>>2245667
>>2245673
>>2245675
What does this mean!?

>>2245667

Oh!
>>2245673

OH!

>>2245675

OHHHHHHH!


Seriously, Renji is kicking way the fuck above his weight class.

>>2245675
There's no question in your mind: you're going after Sado. And there's only one way you can think of to do that.

So you use Sōō Zabimaru's long spine as an anchor, sinking it deep into a nearby wall, and take a deep breath.

You don't have to wait long.

>taking a (hopefully) short break for some irl stuff, then will be back as soon as possible

>>2245686
Back, writing.

Okay lads, time to anticipate and speculate.

Given Salao's initial speed and toughness pre-resurreccion, I reckon he'll be even tougher and faster here. This guy's idea >>2245641 with freezing or boiling might even up the odds on that front.

Hyoga Seiran might be something to consider, though it seems to be high level. I'm giving Byakurai some thought, but there are risks for it too.

Pulling the latter off might impress Byakuya. Pulling the former off would be something that'll get Renji a thumbs up from Riku.

>>2245735
>Pulling the latter off might impress Byakuya. Pulling the former off would be something that'll get Renji a thumbs up from Riku.
If only they were there to witness it.

>>2245735
Then there is the fact that Sado can keep punching the ground, the force from it maybe could move underground and at least annoy Salao. Bit like shoddy depth charging.

>>2245742
Well if you hit water hard and fast enough it acts basically like concrete. I'm sure if we hit this liquid stone shit going on hard enough Salao will feel it.

>>2245738
Admittedly getting way ahead of myself here, but I'm talking post battle reports. Definitely would be more impressive if it was witnessed personally.

>>2245748
Problem is that water is hard to create a visible shockwave when you're talking force to surface area ratio. Then again... Salao is basically using concrete as his medium. Shockwaves travel faster in solid objects.

>>2245754
Yeah, that was my idea. He might feel something and get some Jutland PTSD flashbacks.

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1009 KB GIF

>>2245733
You are Kuchiki Rukia, and your new opponent has given his own name as Cang Du. He's also identified himself as a Sternritter with the epithet “the Iron”.

“I've just gotten word that all five of your comrades have been engaged,” Cang Du tells you, his expression inscrutable. “Don't worry though. You all came here together, and I feel it's appropriate that you all die here together. No lone survivor to feel guilty over it.”

“Ah, so you're a compassionate asshole,” Arisawa muses. “Do us all a favor, man, and shut your damn mouth already. You're making me queasy.”

“For a human with such low spiritual power you sure talk a good game,” Cang Du replies, his slightly narrowed eyes the only thing that betray any emotion.

You quickly find yourself surrounded, no less than forty quincy with a mix of rifles and smaller machine pistols taking up positions around the Sternritter and along the rooftops on either side of the long alleyway Cang Du has cornered you in. Several more shooters bar the way behind you as well.

Then he releases his reiatsu.

The crushing weight of it confirms what you already expected: in terms of raw power you and Tatsuki are no match for him. Nowhere close. However you don't lose hope: with your technical skills, you may be able to stand against him anyway. It all depends on his skills as a fighter, and whether his skills live up to his epithet.

Just like every other fight, this will be a gamble with your life.

>Close range. You're a shinigami, you don't shy away from close range fighting.
>Keep your distance. You need time to initiate most of your more powerful techniques.
>Try to hinder him as much as possible, Tatsuki is the close-ranged fighter.
>Other?

>>2245764
>>Try to hinder him as much as possible, Tatsuki is the close-ranged fighter.

>>2245764
>other: Create some cover. Lots of cover. enough cover to force the quincy troops to use close range combat instead of taking cheap pot-shots.

>PoV switch
AHHH. Such a tease.

>>2245764
The problem is being surrounded. The mooks seem to have set fire lanes on us.
>>Try to hinder him as much as possible, Tatsuki is the close-ranged fighter.
>>Other?
Keep Cang Du in a close situation where the mooks attempting to use their firing zones would also risk hitting him.

Or this >>2245786

>>2245794
>Keep Cang Du in a close situation where the mooks attempting to use their firing zones would also risk hitting him.
Bruh. Cang Du is "The Iron". The troops are probably not afraid of accidentally hitting Cang.

>>2245764
>>Keep your distance. You need time to initiate most of your more powerful techniques.

>>2245799
I'll favor cover in that case then.

>3d10
DC 24
Any success here is, by definition, "critical"

>>2245808
link it so Queen can keep official count.

Rolled 10, 10, 9 = 29 (3d10)

>>2245817

Yeah, "The Iron" sounds quite strong and resilient.

Rolled 2, 2, 5 = 9 (3d10)

>>2245817

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84 KB PNG

>>2245825

Rolled 3, 1, 1 = 5 (3d10)

>>2245817
Rollin'. Liking the cover idea here >>2245786 and lending support for it btw King.

>>2245818
Done.

Rolled 6, 1, 5 = 12 (3d10)

>>2245817


>>2245825
>>2245829
GOOD JOB

File: SAFE.webm (2.73 MB, 528x460)

2.73 MB WEBM

>>2245825
>>2245829

File: 76365276754.gif (2.97 MB, 506x285)

2.97 MB GIF

>>2245825

>>2245817
“Hakuren!” you shout out, slinging ice and cleanly missing the Sternritter.

“You missed,” he observes wryly.

“Tsukishiro!” you shout, continuing undeterred. Cang Du may be named for something tough, but he's also impossibly fast. It's just not fair.

But you keep raising the ice all around the battlefield, slowly breaking up any straight line of sight anyone might have on you or Tatsuki.

“I see,” you hear Cang's voice echoing off the many icy structures. “Pointless though. My soldiers know better than to interfere, and against someone who can sense reiatsu such measures are laughable.”

“See?” he asks as he shatters the pillar nearest you and throws a punch that you barely manage to evade.

You're forced on the defensive, weaving between the obstacles that Cang Du merely swats aside with no effort, and slinging ice behind you to try and slow the Sternritter down... until you turn to fight.

“Gotcha!” Tatsuki crows, dashing closer and throwing a powerful haymaker. Cang Du swiftly summons a set of steel claws, a classical Chinese weapon that he intends to shred Tatsuki's arm apart with. But he doesn't count on Tōōkenju's ability... which allows her fist to slide clean through Cang Du's arm without harm and connect with his jawline.

You watch as the side of the Sternritter's face turns metallic in an instant, and you can hear Tatsuki's knuckles crack. But the impact also knocks Cang Du right into position, as his feet slide straight back into the spot where you anticipated him ending up.

He's cornered. Even with his speed there's nowhere to run.

“Tsukishiro!”

The Sternritter is frozen solid in a tall column of ice, a frown still etched on his face.

“Are you okay?” you ask as Tatsuki cradles her right hand.

“I broke it,” Tatsuki informs you with a wince. “All of it, I think.”

>3d10, DC 24

Rolled 3, 3, 3 = 9 (3d10)

>>2245895

Rolled 5, 4, 6 = 15 (3d10)

>>2245895
oh god no.

Rolled 1, 2, 9 = 12 (3d10)

>>2245895
I'm thinking it might be time to leg it. Vaporize the ice, blanket the area in fog.

Rolled 3, 6, 9 = 18 (3d10)

>>2245895

Rolled 9, 7, 10 = 26 (3d10)

>>2245895
This is going to end badly

Rolled 10, 9, 8 = 27 (3d10)

>>2245895
Missed the dice, but let's try it still

>>2245899
>>2245900
>>2245903
It really does feel like I'm watching Bleach right now with how it goes back and forth.

>>2245910
>>2245912
Damn really?

>>2245895
>QM needs to roll

Rolled 7, 10, 4 = 21 (3d10)

>>2245918
>qm rolling because qm is an idiot

>>2245922
21 is quite okay roll. I bet Cang Du might be bloodied or winded a bit, but the fight is not over. Let's see if his iron will and expression starts to disappear.

>>2245922
Your eyes widen as the ice simply shatters.

Cang Du is still alive. Hurt, yes, his skin is red and peeling from exposure to the cold. But alive.

And angry.

In an instant his blade is buried deep in Tatsuki's left leg, shattering her femur and savaging the muscles of her thigh. A kick cracks her ribs, sending her crashing into a wall where she slumps to the ground.

He moved so fast...

“Now then,” Cang Du muses, cracking his neck calmly. “That girl's power could have gotten inconvenient. Too bad for her she can't use it with her whole body at once.”

“You bastard!” you hiss, readying Sode no Shirayuki.

Did you just didn't get the temperature low enough?

“Do not worry,” Cang Du tells you, sparing Tatsuki a glance. “I do not intend to take the life of a human. Unlike you shinigami I have certain standards... though I have no doubt some hollow animal will do the task for me.”

“Then you might as well have killed her with your own two hands,” you contend. “Which still makes you a monster, just a monster in denial.”

“Maybe so, but there's one other key detail,” Cang Du replies. “If I am a monster then I'll at least be a living monster. In a few moments, you'll be a dead monster.”

>Try and grab Tatsuki and run. That's your only hope to survive.
>Hold the line here for as long as you can. Maybe an opportunity will present itself.
>You're going to die here, but it'll be by your own hand and he's coming with you (note: Rukia will most likely die).
>Other?

>>2245951
>Hold the line here for as long as you can. Maybe an opportunity will present itself.

>>2245951
>>Try and grab Tatsuki and run. That's your only hope to survive.

>>2245951
>>Try and grab Tatsuki and run. That's your only hope to survive.

>>2245951
>Try and grab Tatsuki and run. That's your only hope to survive.

>>2245951
>>Try and grab Tatsuki and run. That's your only hope to survive.

>>2245951
>Try and grab Tatsuki and run. That's your only hope to survive.
>Other? Maybe an opportunity will present itself.

He is very fast to just run away and now he is angry which is double bad. Sode no Shirayukis First Dance could be used if Cang Du is too eager to attack and you are lucky and in position.

>3d10, DC 20, Crit 27

Rolled 3, 6, 10 = 19 (3d10)

>>2246010

>>2245951
>Other?
He's affected by temperature extremes, and we're surrounded by ice. Do we know anything really hot?

Rolled 4, 4, 1 = 9 (3d10)

>>2246010