Post by Kusari on Aug 27, 2009 13:14:20 GMT -5
Name: Kenji Kusari
Age: 106 (24 at time of death)
Gender: Male
Personality:
Skill Level: Swordsmanship: Advanced
Skill Level: Shunpou: Intermediate
Skill Level: Hand-to-hand: Beginner
History/Background:
Age: 106 (24 at time of death)
Gender: Male
Personality:
Kenji could be summed up with the phrase “Nice guys finish last”. In his life he has suffered terrible misfortunes and events that have tested his good nature. He has lost many he has cared for, and has sacrificed a hell of a lot over the years. Kenji has lost friends and family, both during his human life and spirit life. He has regularly watched strangers butchered in Rukongai while surviving in the seediest areas Soul Society has to offer. This has tested him sourly but he refused to be changed by his unseemly situation. It would be easy to fall into a malaise of self pity and become cold to the world, instead he remains a good guy who appears enthusiastic about everything he does and takes part in. He desires friendship and remains determined not to be dragged down into seclusion and brooding by his harsh life.Appearance:
Scruffy by nature and untidy, Kenji prefers being in less formal environments and often seems despondent to some due to his relaxed attitude. He has no family ties left and only one real friend he depends on; Eliza a girl he lived with in Rukongai.
Once any kind of trust has been established Kenji is completely loyal, he places absolute faith in others and is extremely protective of both team mates and friends. This is because Kenji adheres to a rather old fashioned sense of duty, once gaining someone’s trust he would never betray and would do anything in his power to protect those he befriends or feels obligated to. This unwavering loyalty has been abused in the past and is a weakness as well as being one of Kenji’s greatest strengths.
He is incredibly stubborn; many a time when reason has demanded him to stop or flee he has instead stood his ground on shaking legs and through sheer perseverance prevailed over overwhelming odds. Also his trait of being stubborn has often landed him in situations where he should have backed down; instead he has in the past gotten himself into tough situations that could have been avoided.
Well learned, he is a fountain of general knowledge using his education and wit to good effect, he has been known to be incredibly persuasive. This is of course complemented by his earnestness and benevolence. He is a problem solver, his intellect flourishing during tense moments or situations of increasing pressure. Able to adapt, innovate and improvise solutions under the most extreme situations. Educated to an extremely high degree in normal fields while alive and tutored by mentors in the shinigami academy about the spirit life Kenji is far from being one of the ignorant masses.
Kenji entered Soul Society 80 years ago and as such has completely changed in that time; he is no longer the person he was at the time of his natural death. On earth he never had to worry about money due to being born into a rich and powerful family. In Soul Society however, for the majority of the time he lived desolate and poor. Due to the massive gap between his “old life” and “new life” he has been able to let go of almost all of his regrets and sorrows while still alive. The only piece of his old life he has kept with him throughout the years however is a personal grudge against his brother.
Zanpakuto Spirit:
Kenji is 6'1" in height and has light hazel eyes which are green with dark brown flecks. His short unkempt deep brown hair is generally a mess. He has a lean figure that holds much defined muscle; he is slim for his height but has a taut strength which belies his gaunt frame. His body, centred on his back and upper arms are a mass of scarring from traumatic past experiences. All of which involved confrontations with other residents and gangs of Rukongai. Kenji can pack a punch but his true power comes through his ability to soak up damage, his figure and strength of will compliment this attribute of fortitude. He doesn’t appear overtly powerful at first glance more just tall and limber, but his athletic muscles have been strengthened by experience and many hard learned lessons.
Apart from the standard dress code for an initiate shinigami Kenji often wears rounded shaded glasses and a red sash around his shoulders. This is a more personal touch born from his experiences in Rukongai and symbolises a shinigami’s red spirit thread. He is often seen smoking cigarettes he makes from a local plant grown in Rukongai which is similar to tobacco. His shihakushou has a collar; something he added to disguise the mess of scarring on the back of his neck.
Fighting Style:
Kenji is effectively a tank, a damage sponge. In battle he forsakes caution and uses his innate toughness to get close to the enemy. He often takes numerous punishing blows using his gift of fortitude to fight up close and personal with an enemy. He has a style of his own when brandishing his Zanpakutou, one of reserved conservative counter strikes. He does not attack wildly, nor does he attempt complicated thrusting hits. Instead Kenji fights using mainly parries and opposing strikes, always making the second move. He doesn’t fight in the hopes that his opponent will make a mistake in their defence, but uses their own attack as an opening for his own counter assaults.
His credo is that one should only fight to protect and to never betray.
Kenji’s forte may be his inherent toughness, but his swordplay is nothing to scoff at either. He is also skilled with using binding kidou’s, and chaining binding kidou’s to crush the life out of opponents. He usually attempts this at the opening of a battle, reasoning that if a conflict can be ended quickly, it is best to do so. If not however, well it is fortunate he is made so tough.
A dark abandoned Prison. A sombre evil place full of shadows and empty cells, all empty save one. This is Kenji's spirit world where his Zanpakuto spirit resides. The prison is cavernous in its size stretching for miles which only accentuates how empty it feels. What little light there is comes from dim hanging light bulbs that flicker on and off with failing power. All the doors remain locked save two. One door leads to a room housing a dread looking electric chair adorned with straps and a gag. The other leads to the 'Shuujin', the Prisoners cell; Kenji's Zanpakuto spirit.Sealed Zanpakuto:
The execution room is smeared with blood, filled with rows of chairs all facing the Electric chair, like a gallery or theatre. The room is far bigger than the Prisoners cell and while less sinister, reverberates with the feeling of power and danger. The Prisoners cell on the other hand is small bordering on the claustrophobic. A small chamber covered in chains, locks, bars and iron bracings. Their can be no escape from the cell. The Prisoner can only be released by one on the outside.
The walls seep black ooze, the bricks look pitted and worn making the place seem ancient. Each footfall echo’s hollowly from wall to wall in each direction. The Prison is a foreboding and ominous place to be. Not easily frightened Kenji never the less despises the place and its oppressive menacing atmosphere.
Shuujin is the shackled man. A person wrapped in chains and manacles. His hair is jet black and hangs limp from a gaunt pale face with deep hollow set eyes that glare a bright burning crimson. Ever restrained, ever alone he howls in inane rage and frustration at his imprisonment inside of Kenji's spirit world. Often his roars of solitude sound more animalistic and feral than anything intelligible and sentient. He is clothed in rags and speaks from behind the bars in the darkness of a dank cell. The only communication he has had so far with Kenji is through nightmares in which Kenji hears constant screaming for freedom as well as threats. He rattles his chains; he smashes into the walls of his cell and repeatedly attacks the bars. Echo’s from the prisoners hoarse cracked voice bounce through the long narrow corridors that make up his prison.
The Prisoner is a terror to look upon, his movements unnatural, and his voice like static through a bad radio transmission. He whispers of power if set free, yet it remains to be seen whether these are false promises. Sometimes sounding desperate for freedom sometimes filled with malice and intimidation; Shuujin will do anything to obtain sovereignty of Kenji’s Inner world. To help Kenji or to enslave him is not known.
Kenji’s Zanpakutou has a twelve inch chain hanging from the hilt, comprised from twelve one inch thick metal links. This is the most unique part of his sword and is the part that mostly stands out simply because of the length of the chain. The rest of the swords attributes are pretty generic; the handle is wrapped in extremely dark grey suede, with the blade edge having the usual sheen of almost quick silver. The guard is comprised of the same hue of grey as the handle-wrap and only exists on the right side of the blade being a half oval. The blade proper is 69 cm (around 27 inches) in length with a thickness of around 1.2 cm, making it thicker than the average but its edge is in no way less sharp. It has an encapsulated kiri type tang, the handle having been moulded around the blade end which is connected to the chain; interestingly making the chain part of the blade proper, not a decorative addition.Shikai Description:
The sheath for the blade is a pitted rusting thing rapped in a dark old and worn chain. Heavy and with a catch that is designed to seal and hold the blade inside, it is as much a representation of Kenji’s Prison inner world as can be manifested in reality.
Fresh out of the academy, not yet obtainedShikai Abilities:
Fresh out of the academy, not yet obtainedBankai Description:
Fresh out of the academy, not yet obtainedBankai Abilities:
Fresh out of the academy, not yet obtainedSkill Level: Kidou: Intermediate
Skill Level: Swordsmanship: Advanced
Skill Level: Shunpou: Intermediate
Skill Level: Hand-to-hand: Beginner
History/Background:
The Prince becomes the PauperRP Sample:
Kenji Kusari was born into a wealthy family as the younger brother to Ken'ichi who was in line to inherit all of their father’s responsibility and power. The family was well known in the community and held many influential contacts and a decent sized estate. Kenji grew up with his brother in a blissful environment encircled by a loving family in picturesque surroundings. Despite living in what equated to be a mansion and the family’s heritage being old and esteemed, there was none of the decadence usually associated with such a life style. Kenji and Ken’ichi’s family were very contemporary in their approach to living and only varied from the norm in their father’s involvement in the criminal underground.
From the very start it was clear Kenji idolised his older brother and copied almost everything he did. The two did everything together despite Ken’ichi being eight years older and as time passed the two joined in the family business, helping their father consolidate his power. They quickly rose through the ranks of their father’s organisation and both matured into capable strong men. During a feud with another family however their father was viciously slain, over come with guilt Kenji nevertheless took on the burden of becoming head of the family due to his fathers dying wishes. It did not last long.
Ken’ichi, upon hearing that the responsibility of leading the family had been passed to Kenji instead of himself flew into a rage. Taking those men loyal to himself and not Kenji he hunted his brother down mercilessly. The family degenerated into somewhat of a civil war, both sides taking losses despite Kenji’s repeated attempts to subdue and reason with his older brother. There was blood in the streets as the Kusari family broke its bonds and each half fought for control. Eventually, terribly a final confrontation resulted in both brothers killing each other in a pitched battle through their deceased father’s mansion.
Kenji spent four months wandering his families estate as an earthbound spirit, chained by his regret too his fathers former holding. All that kept him company was his remorse over not being able to reason with his older brother and make him see sense. He watched as the household was plundered by rival families which only fed his sorrow. His chain of fate was growing short from consumption when a shinigami finally released him and sent him to Soul Society.
The shinigami had promised he would be going to a better place, it was then with much chagrin that within ten minutes of entering Rukongai Kenji found himself being mugged. Beaten and incredibly hungry for some reason he lay in the street realising he had landed at the bottom of the ladder, one of the worst districts in Northern Rukongai; fantastic. Eventually like most loners in the worse areas of Rukongai he found a group of people to live with and survive with. With their help he got a grasp of his new predicament and slowly, though it was not easy, began to carve a life out for himself and his friends.
Kenji would spend the next 80 years simply surviving, looking for his brother and developing enough spirit power to allow him self to escape from Rukongai’s 78th quarter. His time in the quater was grim and full of loss, scraping a living just barely day to day it was a marked difference from his past life of wealth.
Eventually Kenji enrolled into the spirit academy, only to fail on the first attempt at graduating into the Gotei 13. He enrolled again, training himself and studying even harder not making friends this time around just devoting all of his time into his practices. With much relief on his second attempt he passed.
Because of his noted toughness he decided to apply for the 11th division believing in his capabilities to fight in the nicknamed “heavy combat squad” would best serve soul society. Also the selfish reason for wanting to join the 11th division is the fact there would be more opportunity to engage in combat in a heavy combat specialised squad; hence more chance to strengthen him self for preparation of meeting his brother someday.
The courtyards usual solemn silence gave way to the song of swords. The ringing of steel on steel was almost constant, echoing from the smooth walls enclosing the small battle area. The occasional grunt was uttered as both opponents tested the others strength and speed from behind their blades every time their weapons clashed. One was notably better than the other was, the older of the two smiling evilly as he toyed with his younger vassal. Whereas the younger seemed to be struggling, only losing ground and running out of options quickly. It was therefore fortunate for the vassal that this was only a sparring lesson with his swordsmanship mentor.
Kenji could feel sweat running along his scarred back beneath the shihakushou as he lost yet more ground to the elder man. His mentor was faster, stronger, more experienced and quite frankly, meaner. The old man pressed the attack causing Kenji to defend himself clumsily almost losing his footing. Back hitting the wall he realised he had backed off too far leaving no were else to retreat. His mentor smiled again and Kenji had to duck a vicious backhanded swipe that brought forth sparks from the wall behind him. Trying to recover he raised his sword attempting to sense the next blow, but his mentor simply ducked beneath it with a rising knee which crunched against Kenji’s side.
Kenji made himself go limp as he rolled with the blow, going end over end on his hands to land some four meters away. A rather nimble cartwheel like move that allowed him to get out from the punishing vice that was the wall and his mentor. He held his now aching side gingerly while noting to keep it facing away from his mentor for the rest of the session. Kenji remained in a crouch breathing hard and waiting to see how the old man would attack next.
The old mentor’s voice was hoarse, the words sounding old even as he spoke them. “Kenji, Kenji, Kenji… you’ve not struck me even once. It is fortunate that Soul Society needs cooks and cleaners, perhaps you would do better as one of them. Fighting as you are now, you would bring great shame on the 11th Division. I didn’t teach you how to hold a blade so you could simply defend and parry with it.”
Kenji answered as he reset his shades and brushed some of his low hanging fringe from in front of his eyes. “Sorry old man, my minds been elsewhere since my trip into Rukongai. I've got a friend who needs my help…”
“Enough!” His mentor’s eyes were dark as he interrupted loudly. “Though this is only training, if it were a real battle you would die upon my blade thinking of distractions such as your friend. Your mind should be on the roll of my shoulder, the angle of my cut. You should be thinking about my footing and the strength I will place into each thrust. You should be looking into my eyes to read if I am telegraphing my next move and you should be mindful of my sword edge at all times!... Think not on your friend, unless you wish to die with those last thoughts.”
Kenji hung his head, his face grim knowing the truth in his chastisement. “Yeah, sorry. Heads in the game now, promise.” He raised his head smiling, eyes narrow slits behind his shaded glasses. “I believe I'm ready to strike you now master.”
“Good, then we will begin again” The old man uttered while bringing his Zanpakutou up and assuming a ready stance. “Come!”
Kenji smiled grimly to himself while standing upright and brushing down his shihakushou of the floors dust. Holding his Zanpakutou loosely from the chain descending from its hilt, he spun it quickly with a flick of his wrist and caught the handle feeling the half guard press against the top of his forefinger. Taking a deep breath, he also assumed a ready stance while saying a silent mantra of helpful guides.
[Look for the opportunity to die; learn by receiving wounds; timing is the key; he who conquers himself, conquers an enemy. Observe, Defend, and Kill with your heart.]
Kenji dashed forward meeting his mentor head on; he raised his sword like before. This time as his master ducked beneath, Kenji shifted dodging the knee strike and brought his left elbow down hard. Yet Kenji was too slow, his mentor also shifted dodging the elbow as well as the right-handed sword slash that came horizontally opposite the elbow. Grunting Kenji parried a short but strong thrust to his midsection before skipping back nimbly. Again, he plunged towards his master trying to maintain the pressure. He tried a side swing yet his mentor swept aside the blade easily and slammed a hard as rock fist into his chest. Kenji pretended to lose his footing and turned away, changing sword hand with his Zanpakutou hid from view behind his torso.
He brought his now empty right hand up and simulated a downward thrust while bringing his blade now left handed, forward in a long reaching drive. His master was far from fooled, parrying the blade and catching his right wrist he pulled Kenji close and off balance.
“Ha! Such an old fashioned technique… you expect switching sword hand to trick someone whose been teaching from before you lived son?” The mentor barked in amusement only centimetres from Kenji’s face.
“Not really” Kenji answered smugly. “I knew you’d pull me close to gloat though. That'd give me room to do this…”
Quick as lightning Kenji head butted his mentor hard, twice in quick succession hearing a satisfying crunch. It wasn’t pretty, but it got the job done. Quickly freeing his blade and his wrist, he struck. Once, Twice, Four, Six times with his Zanpakutou while the old man stumbled backwards laughing despite his obvious pain. He parried the rest of Kenji’s attacks until he pushed the younger fighter back again with a strong strike which Kenji only barely turned away. Wincing and holding the bridge of his nose he smiled at Kenji, genuinely pleased.
“Okay, you may be fit to fight in the 11th Division; eventually. Thinking tactically is a trait all too rare during most shinigami. It’s always hack slash, parry, hack slash for most of the recruits who come through here. Planning a move several strikes ahead is the mark of great fighters. Don’t misunderstand me though, you are not a great fighter… yet. However, with work you could be son. Your other great asset is your toughness, we’ve been out here for some time now practicing and I’ve dealt you blows that would have knocked down larger more powerful men than yourself. I want you to concentrate on these two areas for growth over the next few days. Become stronger Kenji, make the 11th Division proud.”
Sheathing his sword the old man bowed respectfully, though not as lowly as Kenji’s return bow of course. The honour to train was Kenji’s; his mentor was merely pleased at having a half-capable student.
That is providing I even pass the application phase lol. Anywhoo I think im done and its ready for review and editing where im told its needed. ;D