>>3156963
>>Try to see if anything remains of Kyōka Suigetsu

>>3156963
>Try your luck with the Hōgyoku

>>3156963
>>Try to see if anything remains of Kyōka Suigetsu

>>3156963
>Try your luck with the Hōgyoku
>"He will abandon you, little stone. Just as he abandoned the seireitei, and his arrancar. You are nothing but a tool to him. Submit to me and i will guarantee your survival, just as i have for all of my allies."

>>3156963
>>Try to see if anything remains of Kyōka Suigetsu

>>3156963
>Try to see if anything remains of Kyōka Suigetsu

>>3156963
>>Try to see if anything remains of Kyōka Suigetsu

>>3156963
>Try to see if anything remains of Kyōka Suigetsu

>>3156963
>>Try to see if anything remains of Kyōka Suigetsu

>>3156963
>Try to see if anything remains of Kyōka Suigetsu

>>3156963
>Try to see if anything remains of Kyōka Suigetsu

>>3156963
>3d10, DC 19, Crit 24
>best of four

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

>>3160584

>>3160584

Rolled 4, 1, 8 = 13 (3d10)

>>3160584

Rolled 10, 3, 7 = 20 (3d10)

>>3160584

Rolled 8, 3, 4 = 15 (3d10)

>>3160584

>>3160589
I mean its more of a formality at this point

>>3160584
Even as your blade crosses with Aizen's again, and you're struggling to gain even a slight advantage, you also push with your mind and spirit. Were you not familiar with the way that this process is supposed to feel you would have no idea whether you were doing it correctly, and in fact you still have no real idea how it is that you can make this happen. You suppose it's because you're an unusual individual, but also that Kyōka Suigetsu must want for this to happen as well. Otherwise you doubt that you could force this to happen.

You're going to get to see Aizen's inner world.

“What a dump,” you muse, staring around at your surroundings. It looks like a small building, like an old single-family dwelling, Not a large one, but finely crafted with thick mortar between the roof tiles and a small garden outside. “Though I suppose the house itself is nice enough, I was under the impression that inner world should tend to be more...”

“More what?” a feminine voice asks you from the patio facing the little garden.

“More elaborate, perhaps,” you offer. “Definitely larger.”

“The simple fact that you have multiple examples is unusual enough on its own,” the woman admits. “So I suppose you would know better than I what constitutes normal.”

“Only my own, my wife's, and that of another shinigami of the Kuchiki family,” you explain. “So just three, and one I only know of second-hand.”

“That is two more inner worlds than I know of,” the woman points out. Her face is plain and her dress is simple but clean, and her hair is carefully arranged. She sits with a cup of tea, gazing out over her little garden. “I suppose you can guess who I am?”

“Kyōka Suigetsu,” you nod quietly, taking a seat on the veranda next to her. “I suppose I also expected some water someplace.”

“That dried up about the same time Aizen Sōsuke decided that I was a nuisance,” Kyōka Suigetsu explains sadly. “So I have taken to sitting here, alone. It has been a while since Aizen chose to perform jinzen and speak with me, years likely. But for the last few months I have felt that our connection has been truly severed.”

She turns to you, setting a cup of tea between you. “Why are you here?”

>I need information about what weaknesses Aizen might have. For many decades you were his power.
>I need to know everything you know about the Hōgyoku, so that I can destroy or remove it.
>I need your help. I know that Zabimaru wanted me to wield them, do you think you could do the same?
>Other?

>>3160691
>I need your help. I know that Zabimaru wanted me to wield them, do you think you could do the same?

"I am trying to spare your wielder of the fate he is trying to achieve for himself. He may not deserve It, but In a way I am trying to save him from himself and the Hogyoku."

>>3160691
>"I am trying to spare your wielder of the fate he is trying to achieve for himself. He may not deserve It, but In a way I am trying to save him from himself and the Hogyoku."

>>3160691
>>"I am trying to spare your wielder of the fate he is trying to achieve for himself. He may not deserve It, but In a way I am trying to save him from himself and the Hogyoku."

>>3160691
>I need to know everything you know about the Hōgyoku, so that I can destroy or remove it.

>>3160691
>other: To free you. And him, from the Hogyoku.

>>3160807
>>3161155
>>3160691
Thirding

>>3160691
“I am trying to break up this unholy union between Aizen Sōsuke and the Hōgyoku,” you explain. “By whatever means are most likely to accomplish that goal.”

“And you're here to figure out what the best way of doing that is,” Kyōka Suigetsu guesses. “You reasoned that I would know more about the Hōgyoku than you do.”

“I was hoping you knew something that would compliment what I know,” you clarify.

“And what is it that you know?”

You carefully consider that question. “I know that it is of divine origin. How he came by the raw materials for that remains uncertain. I also know that it is self-aware, though I cannot say whether it would qualify as 'intelligent' or not.”

“I can't answer the former question,” the zanpakuto replies quietly, sipping at her own tea with a gloomy expression. “But the Hōgyoku is in fact intelligent, I can say that for sure. It has a way of whispering things to you, things that are arguably never false but always open to interpretation.”

“Do you believe that it has its own agenda?” you ask.

“If it does it would be alien to me,” Kyōka Suigetsu admits. “The Hōgyoku is rarely direct enough to discern such things, and if as you say it is of divine origin who can guess the mind of such a being?”

“Perhaps if I could hear it I could do so,” you shrug. “Some further explanation of its activities will have to suffice.”

“I see, so it wasn't just a trick of the mind.”

You rise to your feet, taking a few steps out into the garden. “I, as you see me, am the union of a deific spirit and her mortal shintai. So I have some experience with the minds of gods.”

Kyōka Suigetsu rises as well, steeping forward to face you. “Before we continue, I must know what you hope for me to do. Because any further and I am liable to validate my wielder's fears of my betrayal... I would like to know as much as possible before committing to helping you in any fashion.”

>My inner world would be a safer place to continue this conversation.
>All I need from you is information and time, as much as you can give me.
>I could use your skillset in the actual fighting... trust me here, this can work.
>Other?

>>3162867
>>All I need from you is information and time, as much as you can give me.

>>3162867
>>All I need from you is information and time, as much as you can give me.

>>3162867
>All I need from you is information and time, as much as you can give me.

>>3162867
>All I need from you is information and time, as much as you can give me.
>And for the record, i'm sorry things ended up this way. I know you only ever meant well for him.

>>3162867
>>All I need from you is information and time, as much as you can give me.

And also >>3163013
>>And for the record, i'm sorry things ended up this way. I know you only ever meant well for him.

>>3163013
>>3162867
Supporting

>>3162867
>>3163013
Supporting this. I really feel bad for Suigetsu. Poor girl deserved better.

>>3162867
>other: If worst comes to worst, do you want me to rescue you from his clutches? Sword and Soul?

>>3162867
>My inner world would be a safer place to continue this conversation.

>>3162867
>>3163013
Supporting this. Really like the write-in. Zanpakotou spirits can get seriously tragic at times.

>>3162867
>3d10, best of four

Rolled 2, 7, 10 = 19 (3d10)

>>3164553
Rollin the bones

Rolled 6, 6, 10 = 22 (3d10)

>>3164553
Here's hoping.

Rolled 5, 9, 8 = 22 (3d10)

>>3164553

Rolled 6, 8, 9 = 23 (3d10)

>>3164553

>>3164553
“I am sorry, for what little it is worth,” you bow politely to Kyōka Suigetsu. “You seem to be the best part of Aizen that remains, and you do not deserve what has happened to him. But I fear I must ask something unreasonable of you.”

“I am listening,” Kyōka Suigetsu nods attentively.

“What I need from you is time,” you explain. “Time, and as much information as you can share to make the most of that time.”

Aizen Sōsuke's zanpakuto sighs. “You are right, that is unreasonable. You ask for nothing less than the betrayal of my wielder, of whom I am a part.”

“It was Aizen who has betrayed himself,” you point out, offering your own perspective. “In relying on the Hōgyoku for excessive power.”

“Then I have an equally unreasonable request in exchange,” Kyōka Suigetsu replies, considering her words carefully. “If you deny my request, then I will share what little information I can and ask that you leave me in peace.”

“I will of course entertain your request,” you nod in agreement. “It would only be fair and right to do so.”

“Wield me,” she insists, staring you dead in the eye.

“You are right,” you repeat her words. “That is certainly just as unreasonable a request as my own.”

“You aren't wielding your zanpakuto right now,” Kyōka Suigetsu explains. “Instead you have fused your being with them. The blade you wield is a copy, one full of heart and soul but still just a copy, which you have projected. It is not Tenkotsuki. It is not the hollow-blade you forged for yourself.”

“Inarguably true,” you admit.

“Then I ask that you wield me in the stead of your own cherished blades,” Kyōka Suigetsu repeats her request. “While I still have the strength to manifest myself I wish to be wielded by one who respects their zanpakuto. I wish to be reminded of what that feels like.”

“Please.”

The weight of her words dawns on you slowly. “You do not intend to survive either way.”

She shakes her head. “I don't see that as being particularly possible.”

>I agree.
>I disagree.

>>3164640
>>I agree.
Man Aizen really did not deserve Kyoka Suigetsu.

>>3164640
>I agree.

>>3164640
>>I agree.

>>3164640
>>I agree.


>>3164643
and we should tell him so.

>>3164640
>I agree.
>other: "One last dance? With the aspect Aizen that I respect, against the whole Aizen that I hate. Fitting don't you think?" give her a bitter but wry smile.

>>3164640
>>I agree.

>>3164640
>I agree.

>>3164666
Indeed.

>>3164640
> I agree
What's this come to...three? Four zanpakuto who have allowed Riku to use them and their full power over their own shinigami?

Oh, and yes, if Aizen wasn't foaming at the mouth before...

>>3164640
>>I agree.

>>3164640
>I agree.

File: 1425441998227.jpg (1.24 MB, 1440x900)

1.24 MB JPG

>>3164640
After considering her proposal, you nod to Kyōka Suigetsu. “In that case, I agree.”

Kyōka Suigetsu bows her head. “I expected you to have doubts. But please, hear me out...”

“I said I agree,” you repeat.

The zanpakuto takes a moment to stare at you in surprise. “So you did.”

“I will leave the way I came,” you carefully explain your intentions. “You will follow me, and once we have left then I will give you further instruction. It is very important that you do as I say, and do nothing more than I say.”

“Is that clear?”

Kyōka Suigetsu glances around her familiar surroundings, the modest home and garden that represent Aizen's inner world, before nodding and placing her hand on your shoulder.

“Yank me.”

For an instant you're crossing blades with Aizen again, and you push off with a careful pivot to turn and slash at his exposed ribs. By the time he has parried, you're already gone. At least, for a fraction of an instant, your attention is suddenly elsewhere.

“So, welcome to my own inner world,” you greet Kyōka Suigetsu as she stares at her new surroundings. “Glad to see that you made it.”

“Was there doubt?” she demands.

You shrug. “Always. It is difficult to even explain how I know all of the things I do about how such matters work in practice. Perhaps it is because I am not, strictly speaking, the 'owner' of all my thoughts and memories in this form.”

“That makes sense to me,” Kyōka Suigetsu agrees, eyeing the otherworldly sight of the cherry tree which to you is familiar.

“That makes one of us,” you sigh. “Anyway, as I said this is my inner world. Welcome... I would give you a tour, but we have little time.”

“Yes, you have yet to explain how you intend for this to work,” Kyōka Suigetsu tells you, seemingly concerned about the next step in your plan. “So by all means, please.”

“All you need to do is manifest yourself as a blade,” you tell her, working it out in your head. “I can deal with the details.”

“Are you sure of this?” Kyōka Suigetsu asks.

You shrug. “You keep asking questions like that.”
>1/2

>>3166889
“You're not sure, are you?” Kyōka Suigetsu sighs dramatically.

“Never,” you admit. “At least never completely. But I know that so long as you will it I can access your abilities. Trust me, and I will do the same.”

A few moments of contemplation later, she nods. “Okay then. I'll put my trust in you... though what should I call you?”

“Inari Riku,” you clarify. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“And I yours.”

The next instant you level your left palm at Aizen's face. “Haien!”

The blast momentarily blinds Aizen...
>3d10, best of three

Rolled 5, 4, 2 = 11 (3d10)

>>3166922
it's a sin to tell a dice

Rolled 7, 1, 9 = 17 (3d10)

>>3166922
Oh man.

Rolled 9, 1, 8 = 18 (3d10)

>>3166922

>>3166922
>will continue tomorrow

>>3167065
And in that instant where Aizen is unable to see you, you will Kyōka Suigetsu to manifest in your left hand and unmanifest the blade in your right hand. Then, you wait.

A moment later you lunge at Aizen from the side, surprising him after having switched the hand your blade is held in. Having seen Kyōka Suigetsu, even for an instant, he becomes vulnerable to her powers of illusion. That illusion is simple, for no other reason than to test your success: you disguise Kyōka Suigetsu as Tenkotsuki and Kobara no Tachi's hybridized form.

Yoruichi's eyes widen in utter shock, and she needs to take a moment to hide that expression so that Aizen will not be tipped off. She's still completely taken aback. Even Ichibē seems floored at what he's seeing, because naturally the only one who needs to see the familiar image of your own sword is Aizen.

“Using such dirty tricks at this phase of our battle,” Aizen chides you, apparently oblivious to the deception. “Though I do not particularly claim to be surprised. If nothing else you have always been charmingly prone to such acts.”

“I see,” you nod, uncertain whether that amounts to a compliment or not. “So that is all the more you think of me.”

>Try out Kyōka Suigetsu's abilities, use her to explain the situation to Yoruichi and Ichibē.
>Try to slip Aizen into another little illusion, this time make him spar with 'you'.
>Keep Kyōka Suigetsu's presence in your hands as a secret, for the time being.
>Other?

>>3168810
>>Keep Kyōka Suigetsu's presence in your hands as a secret, for the time being.

>>3168810
>Try out Kyōka Suigetsu's abilities, use her to explain the situation to Yoruichi and Ichibē.

We should use her powers to get aizen off guard for a moment, just long enough for us, yoruichi and monk to pull a three-way dogpile attack out of our asses

because i really don't know how we're going to remove the hogyoku from aizen

>>3168810
>Keep Kyōka Suigetsu's presence in your hands as a secret, for the time being.

Really don't want to take any chances, at this stage in the game.

>>3168810
>>Keep Kyōka Suigetsu's presence in your hands as a secret, for the time being.

>>3168810
>keep it a secret.
>use a barrage of kido spells and illusion spells before you start putting Kyoka Suitetsu’s abilities into the mix.

>>3168810
> Keep Kyōka Suigetsu's presence in your hands as a secret, for the time being.
> Talk to Aizen about the difference between how he treated his zanpakuto and how we treat ours.

>>3168810
>Keep Kyōka Suigetsu's presence in your hands as a secret, for the time being.

>>3168810
>>Try out Kyōka Suigetsu's abilities, use her to explain the situation to Yoruichi and Ichibē.

>>3168884
>i really don't know how we're going to remove the hogyoku from aizen
By using his bankai, of course.

>>3170274
It didn't work on us, why would it work on aizen or the hogyoku?

>>3170367
Maybe removing the bond between them can work?

>>3170376
trying to remove what is probably an abstract concept like that might work, but it'd definitely require a roll which we'd almost certainly fail.

>>3170381
>>3170376
I dont think just splitting then apart has nearly as many problems and removing one from reality will.

>>3168810
>3d10, best of three
DC 19, Critical 24

Rolled 5, 6, 10 = 21 (3d10)

>>3171117

Rolled 6, 8, 7 = 21 (3d10)

>>3171117

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

>>3171117
welp let's see if I can best 21

Rolled 10, 2, 1 = 13 (3d10)

>>3171117

>>3171117
It's strange, feeling a different sword in your hand than you're used to. At very least Kyōka Suigetsu has materialized in the form of a kodachi as you are thoroughly used to, though the balance is different. Her curvature is a little too slight, her handle just a little too short, and there's not quite as much of a 'waist' to her as there is on Tenkotsuki's handle. Her hexagonal guard is a little jarring as well, though functionally speaking that would make no difference.

“How strange,” you hear her voice muse. “I feel so much more aware than normal.”

Do you mind keeping it down in there? Your wielder is trying to kill me, you know.

Kyōka Suigetsu seems shocked. “You can hear me?”

You lean back to evade a flat sweep of Aizen's sword without having to commit your own blade to a parry, and swing upwards at his wrist. Unfortunately you miss, but at very least Aizen has had no more luck.

Of course I can hear you, and before you ask no I do not find that unusual. In fact, I find it more unusual that a shinigami could find such an arrangement off-putting.

“I mean that I am not even your own zanpakuto,” Kyōka Suigetsu clarifies.

Why should that matter?[i/] you ask her, a little surprised at her surprise as you parry Aizen's blade and kick at his knee to try and get his leg to collapse. After all you are my guest.

“So you're not going to use my abilities?”

Not just yet. I do not wish for Aizen to suspect that you are helping me until I can use one of your illusions in a decisive manner.

“So what sort of opportunity are you waiting for?” she asks you. “Normally this is the opposite of Aizen's strategy. He tends to use illusions as early as possible, subtly affect the flow of battle and ultimately create an opportunity.”

I want to wait for him to try using what would once have been your Bankai ability, you tell her.

“And what would that help you achieve?”

>Like I said, I need time. Ultimately I believe the best plan would be to use your Bankai.
>I want to see what his plan is. That will let me lock him into a single, long-lasting illusion.
>I want to encourage my wife to begin preparations for a sealing spell. The illusion will cover her actions.
>Other?

>>3171316
>>I want to see what his plan is. That will let me lock him into a single, long-lasting illusion.
compound it with other tools

>>3171316
>>I want to see what his plan is. That will let me lock him into a single, long-lasting illusion.
RIP formatting

>>3171316
>I want to see what his plan is. That will let me lock him into a single, long-lasting illusion.

>>3171316
>other: "I find it often that the best illusion is the one your enemy craft themselves. It's something that my son Gin is rather fond of."
>I want to see what his plan is. That will let me lock him into a single, long-lasting illusion.

>>3171316
>>I want to see what his plan is. That will let me lock him into a single, long-lasting illusion.
This seems pretty good. Get off one amazing illusion for the most benefit. Now that's some serious bang for your buck.

>>3171316
>I want to see what his plan is. That will let me lock him into a single, long-lasting illusion.

>>3171316
>>Like I said, I need time. Ultimately I believe the best plan would be to use your Bankai.

>>3171316
>I want to see what his plan is. That will let me lock him into a single, long-lasting illusion.

>>3171316
I want to figure out how this plan of his is meant to end, you explain silently. That way I can come up with a single illusion to trap him.

“I see,” Kyōka Suigetsu muses as you use a well-timed Haien to give yourself a little space. “Your approach is far more conservative than that of my wielder. That is... unexpected.”

It should come as no surprise, my style is mainly about discerning which tool that is available to me will be most effective then using that tool.

“And how do you intend to figure out what Aizen's plan is?”

You do not know?

“I do not.”

Your blade clashes against Aizen's, and you use a momentary advantage in power to elbow him in the face. That does not help. I had hoped you would have some idea.

“Sorry to disappoint,” Kyōka Suigetsu apologizes. “But Aizen never particularly trusted me, especially once the Hōgyoku became involved.”

Then the best idea is to give him the impression that he has won, you suggest.

>Allow Aizen to hit you bad enough that it could conceivably appear to be a victory.
>Use Kyōka Suigetsu to show Aizen what you presume he wants to see.
>Other?

>>3176083
>>Use Kyōka Suigetsu to show Aizen what you presume he wants to see.

>>3176083
>Use Kyōka Suigetsu to show Aizen what you presume he wants to see.

>>3176083
>Allow Aizen to hit you bad enough that it could conceivably appear to be a victory.
The wounded Gazelle gambit is better when it works.

>>3176083
>allow aizen to hit you

If we show our hand to early we loose that advantage and it works on less assumptions

>>3176083
>Use Kyōka Suigetsu to show Aizen what you presume he wants to see.
If he does not adapt to it.
>>3176134
Too risky, besides, Aizen probably overstimates our vitality and durability just as much as we do with him.
Erasing us didn't stick, he's probably on guard on that regard.
Buying time to evolve a contermeasure perhaps?

>>3176083
>let him hit you.
more convincing to get him under the trap

>>3176083
>>Allow Aizen to hit you bad enough that it could conceivably appear to be a victory.

>>3176083
>Allow Aizen to hit you bad enough that it could conceivably appear to be a victory.

>>3176083
>Allow Aizen to hit you bad enough that it could conceivably appear to be a victory.

>>3176083
>>Allow Aizen to hit you bad enough that it could conceivably appear to be a victory.
This should be good. *rubs hands together in excitement*

>>3176083
>Use Kyōka Suigetsu to show Aizen what you presume he wants to see.
I don't know, this while strategy seems pretty reckless, and I feel like >>3176159
Has a point in Aizen being really thorough in making sure we're dead. Like maybe if it was more taking an injury that could conceivably make us off balance, and then making an illusion for him to capitalize on the perceived weakness, but just eating a plausible deathblow sounds insane.

>>3176083
So here's a practical update, before I get started writing. I'm aiming to finish my dissertation by the end of February, because I deeply hate my current living/work situation and I need to move the fuck on already for my own well-being.

That doesn't mean no questing, since I can tuck that into unproductive times in the evening anyway while I'm relaxing. But it does mean that the weekends aren't free anymore. So that constrains when I can actually run a session, and for how long I can do it. What I've decided is to run ~3 hour sessions of Shinigami Savant on Saturdays at 10am PST and similar length threads starting around 10-11am PST on Sundays for Claymore. To offset that, you can expect more daily updates during the week some time around 10am-noon PST for each thread.

That's what the schedule has to look like from now until March 1 assuming there are no unexpected changes. From that point, what needs to happen depends on whether I get hired into a position starting in Spring or not.

>>3176083
>3d10, best of three

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

>>3178915

Rolled 4, 4, 7 = 15 (3d10)

>>3178915

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

>>3178915

>>3178928
Ouch, that is still gonna hurt badly

>>3178928
You have a choice here:
>Use Kyouka Suigetsu to roll an extra d10 to add to this result
>Do not use Kyouka Suigetsu and accept the 19

>>3178936
use it. illusions are supplementary, acting is key

>>3178936
use it

>>3178936
>>Use Kyouka Suigetsu to roll an extra d10 to add to this result
Sure, get ready for a 1

>>3178936
>add
Still best of 3?

>>3178947
I'm going to say second roll only, at least for this use. This is the first time Riku has ever used an ability like this.

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>3178951
I'm gonna do the first, someone with good rolls better do this

>>3178966
.... kill me now ...

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>3178951
roll now?

>>3178966
>>3178970
That... wasn't actually a call for a roll, but I guess I'll take it despite having jumped the gun. Didn't seem to be super contentious.

>>3178951
Your plan is a daring one: you intend to allow Aizen to actually hit you, just badly enough to make him think that you're vulnerable to a killing blow, and then use Kyōka Suigetsu to make him believe that he mortally wounded you when in reality you'll have slipped him into an illusion. The fact that he'll be seeing what he wants to see combined with the complete surprise of your ability to use his zanpakuto against him should blind him to the possibility that you have in fact gotten the best of him.

So you trade blows with Aizen once more, this time more furiously. The pace might even be called frenetic.

“Raikōhō!” you shout, launching a powerful blast of lightning at Aizen before taking a flash step to slash at his back when he dodges. The edge of Kyōka Suigetsu's blade shatters a thin hexagonal barrier there, but instead of backpedaling to avoid his retaliatory swing you duck low.

“Haien!”

Your second hadō is countered just as quickly. “Tenran.”

The spell blows a vortex of slashing wind through your Haien, fanning the purple flames and blowing them back at the spot where you were standing an instant before.

“Ōkasen!”

Your response dissipates against a barrier that Aizen raises between you, but the barrier shatters as well an instant before you dash through the glittering void where the two spells met, blade leading the way in a powerful, swift flat thrust. But just as swiftly, because you allowed it, Aizen sidesteps into the blind spot left by Kyōka Suigetsu's spine and slashes you across your chest.

You manage to take a subtle step away, ensuring that Aizen's counterattack is too shallow to do any real, lasting harm. And at that moment you entreat Kyōka Suigetsu to join in your duplicity by leaving an illusory copy of yourself for Aizen to stab through the back, while you use a nearly instantaneous flash step.

I guess it makes sense that I would be able to see it too, you muse silently. I never gave too much thought to the more practical points.

Your copy collapses to its knees, blood collecting below it as it remains apparently stunned.

With a cry of rage Yoruichi charges Aizen, slashing wildly with her paired swords and leaving streaks of lightning in their wake. At first she makes some headway, completely overwhelming her foe. But then it seems like Aizen finds an opening.

>Allow Yoruichi to be hit, but pull her away and let her in on your illusion.
>Don't let Yoruichi get hit. Tackle her out of the way and give Aizen another illusion.
>Strike Aizen from behind before he can strike Yoruichi.
>Other?

>>3179075
>>3179075
>Allow Yoruichi to be hit, but pull her away and let her in on your illusion.
>other: shroud yourself and Yoruichi with that modded Kyokko (the one that makes people subconsciously look away). And make sure you don't drop any blood. you don't want a stray bloodstain to let Aizen notice the black cat in the matrix (I'm sure Riku and Yoruichi know the matrix reference)

>>3179075
>don't let yoruichi get hit

If we don't remember what and why we fight, we will loose something important

(I hope my other post got deleted)

>>3179075
>>Don't let Yoruichi get hit. Tackle her out of the way and give Aizen another illusion.

>>3179075
>Allow Yoruichi to be hit, but pull her away and let her in on your illusion.

We're deep In It now boys. If we don't make It convincing this whole set up Is for NOTHING.

>>3179094
This has good points too.

>>3179075
>Don't let Yoruichi get hit. Tackle her out of the way and give Aizen another illusion.

>>3179075
>>3179121
>>3179652
>>3179590

if we rescue her then aizen will get suspicious of the ruse we’re trying to set up.
besides, what kind of illusion will we substitute for our tackling of Yoruichi? Illusion riku trying to save Yoruichi but failing and end up impaled on Aizen’s sword?
.....
actually that’s not a bad illusion to cover our asses, but that’s mighty suspicious if the ruse fails.
>don’t let her get hit
>other: communicate to her via morse code when you tackle her. message: “it is Ruse, act sad”
>other:if possible, use the illusion powers to make Yoruichi’s acting skills on being tragically sad to the point of having a breakdown even more convincing.
>>3179094
I’ll support the modded kyokko spell idea. it can subconsciously convince aizen to ignore the spot where the real riku is at and focus on the illusion corpse on his sword. Hopefully this will sell the ruse better if Yoruichi gets in on the acting.

>>3179075
>Don't let Yoruichi get hit. Tackle her out of the way and give Aizen another illusion.

>>3179075
>>Allow Yoruichi to be hit, but pull her away and let her in on your illusion.
I think she'll understand.

>>3179075
You momentarily consider allowing Yoruichi to be hit, or even to use that opportunity to hit Aizen.

No.

That is the way that Aizen would do it, but it is not the way that you will do it.

“So you are as good as your word,” Kyōka Suigetsu muses.

I try to be. That is what differs between myself and Aizen Sōsuke, at least from what I have seen.

In an instant you cross the space between yourself and your wife... perhaps not the best strategy in terms of defeating Aizen, but it is a strategy you realize is born of love. For lack of a better word, it's a strategy too 'human' for Aizen to even consider.

Maybe that's what will help you get away with it.
>4d10, best of three

Rolled 7, 4, 6, 2 = 19 (4d10)

>>3180796

Rolled 3, 4, 5, 9 = 21 (4d10)

>>3180796

Rolled 10, 8, 8, 1 = 27 (4d10)

>>3180796
Here we go

>>3180811
You did It anon!

>>3180796
You swiftly dash towards Aizen, making your illusory doppelganger move just as quickly as she trails false blood. You knock Yoruichi out of the way, leaving a double image of her for your copy to save at the cost of being impaled in her chest. For a moment the real Yoruichi is shocked by the sight, but then she realizes who has tackled her.

“You...” she stares at you in shock as her own copy, face stained with the false Riku's blood as she cried out in anguish as you imagine Yoruichi might in a momentary loss of discipline.

Then the real Yoruichi glances down at your sword. “Is that what I think it is?”

You nod in confirmation. “Say hello to Kyōka Suigetsu. We have worked out an arrangement of sorts.”

“So all that is your doing?” she asks.

“All of it,” you reply calmly. “I apologize for making you think I had been wounded. I am still getting used to this, and really I imagined it would be easier for you to coordinate with me if you could also see the illusions I was using on Aizen.”

You glance at the unfolding drama as your illusory copy strokes Yoruichi's copy across her cheek, before her arm goes limp. It would be tragic, were it real at all.

“Spooky,” the real Yoruichi muses. “So how did you imagine you'd press this advantage?”

“I was considering ways to get him to show his true intentions,” you explain. “What better way to entrap such an arrogant man than to make him believe he has actually gotten his way?”

“And how far do we go with that?” Yoruichi asks.

>First we have to make him believe he has defeated you. I will want your consultation in how to truly sell it.
>I want you to study him carefully with Shōsōtō.
>I want you to contact Kisuke while I play puppet-master here.
>He will not move on until he has defeated the Royal Guard. I intend to make that happen.
>Other?

>>3180837
>>First we have to make him believe he has defeated you. I will want your consultation in how to truly sell it.
>I want you to study him carefully with Shōsōtō.
While yoru fakes death, we go out of illusion in a fit of (fake) rage and attack aizen.
Keeping yoru for a advantageous strike.
Shift the gears for more output in combat.

>>3180837
>First we have to make him believe he has defeated you. I will want your consultation in how to truly sell it.
>I want you to study him carefully with Shōsōtō.

>>3180837
>First we have to make him believe he has defeated you. I will want your consultation in how to truly sell it.

>>3180844
>>3180843
This

>>3180837
>>First we have to make him believe he has defeated you. I will want your consultation in how to truly sell it.

>>3180837
>>I want you to contact Kisuke while I play puppet-master here.

>>3180837
>I'm not sure, I imagine Ichebei probably has a good idea of what Aizen has in mind, but he probably doesn't want to tell me.
>I want you to contact Kisuke while I play puppet-master here.

>>3180837
>4d10, best of three

Rolled 4, 7, 3, 2 = 16 (4d10)

>>3182517

Rolled 4, 9, 8, 1 = 22 (4d10)

>>3182517
Fingers crossed

Rolled 5, 9, 5, 2 = 21 (4d10)

>>3182517
BIG NUMBERS

>>3182517
“I require your advice,” you tell her, as you both watch her doppelganger struggle for its nonexistent life against Aizen. “I want to know how to make your defeat seem as believable as possible. Anything else you wish to do once that has been achieved I would fully support to the extent that I can.”

“Well then,” Yoruichi nods thoughtfully, “let's really sell this then! Just watch me carefully, and make your illusion match my movements.”

When Yoruichi raises her arm as if to parry you instantly force the copy of her to move in an identical parry at the speed of thought. When she draws one foot back you make her copy do the same as well, when she takes a deep breath you make her copy's chest rise by just the same amount.

“You took a fair bit of pleasure in that,” Kyōka Suigetsu observes.

Naturally, you think back at her. Have you ever actually seen [I] my wife? Even if I did not find her attractive I would certainly have to acknowledge the beauty of her form.

Now, let us be silent and return to the task at hand.

Eventually, after displaying a few movements that to you seem an imitation of how she moves after a long full-contact sparring session with you. She makes a few deliberate, dramatic movements that you would consider 'mistakes' were she doing them unintentionally. And finally, she leaves herself wide open and Aizen goes in for what he believes to be the kill.

His blade plunges through the false Yoruichi's back, emerging through the front just above and to the right of the middle of her sternum. A blow you recognize as having penetrated where her lung should be, so bright red and bubbly blood leaps from her mouth. A bit like a bottle of champagne being slowly uncorked, relieving the pressure inside by letting foam stream out but not quite popping it with all the fanfare usually accompanying the act.

“You are still one of the best I have ever fought,” Aizen admits. “Not as well rounded as 'Inari' Riku, or as powerful in terms of shinreiryōku, but still dangerously skilled... more so than she in several regards.”

“Only because I am a hundred years...” you begin as Yoruichi snickers. “Well, I was younger. Now I suppose I am subjectively the same age?”

“I dunno,” Yoruichi admits with a shrug, drawing her zanpakuto as Aizen continues to talk down to her illusory copy. “That whole thing is weird.”

“Too true,” you agree.

Now it is the turn of Ichibē to stand against Aizen.

“I'll be watching,” Yoruichi informs you. “What will you do?”

>I plan to help the old Monk out a little, but subtly.
>I will not help the Monk. For this to work he must fall.
>I will inform the Monk that this is an illusion.
>Other?

>>3182655
>I plan to help the old Monk out a little, but subtly.

>>3182655
>help him subtly

It's the monk, I would be for telling him, but he is to stern to be good at acting

>>3182655
>>I will not help the Monk. For this to work he must fall.
Fuck helping the monk, though Oetsu probably knows whats up.

>>3182655
>I will not help the Monk. For this to work he must fall.
We can revive him by singing Bloody Mary. Also he probably deserved the karma of being a dick. We'll keep him dead. for a little bit.

>>3182655
>>I will not help the Monk. For this to work he must fall.

>>3182655
>>I will not help the Monk. For this to work he must fall.
Unless Aizen has something particularly esoteric, we know Monk will come back once we say his name.

>>3182655
>I will not help the Monk. For this to work he must fall.

He'll be fine. Now, let's get Kisuke In on this and let him add to the keikaku.

>>3182655
>I plan to help the old Monk out a little, but subtly.

>>3182655
>I will not help the Monk. For this to work he must fall.

>>3182655
Gimme a 3d10 roll for the Monk, best of three

>>3184524

Rolled 7, 1, 7 = 15 (3d10)

>>3184524
For the asshole

Rolled 4, 1, 2 = 7 (3d10)

>>3184524

Rolled 2, 9, 3 = 14 (3d10)

>>3184524

>>3184524
“For this to work the Monk must fall,” you declare, breathing deeply. “Aizen must believe he defeated all opposition, and I am not inclined to protect the Monk at this time.”

“You... aren't?” Yoruichi asks, confused.

You shake your head. “The Monk is not the type to silently accept the presence of something he disapproves of, such as myself. At some point I do believe he will attempt to have me killed or sealed, so why would I be in a rush to save his neck?”

“You think he was only pretending to tolerate you?”

“I do,” you nod. “And even if I did not, I suspect that he will be just fine in the long run regardless of what I do, so I would prefer not to involve him in my own plans because of my own doubts regarding his intentions.”

You both watch quietly as Ichibē engages, drawing out massive amounts of ink from his Shinuchi. He offers a short explanation... to the air several feet to the left of Aizen's actual body, where you gather he as an illusion raised. Since he evidently does not believe that you and Yoruichi are still standing he doesn't know to include you in it, an added benefit of sorts that lets you avoid what may have otherwise become a battle of illusions within illusions.

Eventually Aizen reveals his deception, after making Ichibē believe that he had been covered in ink and rendered powerless. A blade thrusts through the Monk's chest.

“There are certain individuals whom I would allow to live at this point,” Aizen admits, leaning in to speak to his victim. “But you are not among them. Your experience, power, and intransigence make you a danger, even to my ambitions... and your involvement in the original sin of the Seireitei demands that you be put to the sword.”

“Regret your evil and repent as you die.”

“You dare say such things to...” Ichibē begins, before Aizen withdraws his blade and with a simple sweep slices Ichibē through his head and out near his waist.

Dark blood seeps heavily into the stones.

“Is that finally it?” Aizen muses. “Is the way finally clear, at long last?”

“Not nearly,” a voice declares.

No...

“You?” Aizen muses, almost playfully.

Nonono...

“Is that...” Kyōka Suigetsu begins as Yoruichi plants her forehead in her palm.

Do not say it you chide the zanpakuto.

“Yeah,” Ichigo declares. “I'm not about to just let you destroy my home and kill all my friends and family.”

... fuck.
>to be continued in the new thread on Saturday

>>3184604
Goddamnit Ichigo, what part of not being the main character anymore do you not get?

>>3184604
Ichigo...
You never saw Kyoka Suigetsu, so you should see that your aunt and her wife are fine.

Wait.

Shit, he could give it away to Aizen.

You know what? I think it would be funny if we gave Ichigo Visual UI illusions that help him see through illusions.

>>3184604
GODDAMN IT. WE HAD THIS UNDER CONTROL.

Quick! Show him Kyoka Suigetsu and immediately bring him into the Illusion. Maybe he's dense enough he'd fall for It and rage on Aizen. Wait a second, would that mean that Aizen would be able to use Kyoka Suigetsu's power on him? He probably wouldn't even try since he can't show anyone the genuine sword anymore, thinking Ichigo immune...

This Is gonna be a clusterfuck.

>>3185897
>Aizen tries to put ichigo into an illusion
>realizes he doesn't have his sword

>>3185900
no he can use the illusion ability, the plot rock addapted the ability he doesn't need his sword

>>3184884
>Ichigo can’t be affected by visual illusions from Aizen if we put a hologram/recording etc in front of him. Just a big old screen, so he’s seeing the image shown, rather than the event itself.

>>3184884
I think it'd be hilarious if we could work with Ichigo to trick Aizen into thinking that he's, well, canon Ichigo. Like either just make illusions of Ichigo no-selling attacks or attaining new ridiculous forms until Aizen mentally accepts defeat.

>>3184604
ya know it occurs to me we know how to really kill the monk

if you remember the one soul rebellion that attacked from the valley of screams if anyone gets collapsed in on and left there they a literally forgotten about

>>3186759