Apricot [Done]

[Muffin]

Name: Kohaku Anzu
Age: 633
Gender: Female
Personality:

Kohaku is carefree and happy, simply content with life. She’s intelligent, motivated and pacifistic, opting for peaceful solutions rather than combat. However, when she does draw her sword, she is a force to be dealt with, especially when fighting for her family, or things close to her heart. That said, she refuses to kill an enemy, and the only blood that stains her blade are those of Hollows.

As the current head of the Anzu family, Kohaku is also dignified and respectful. She will not hesitate to speak her mind, even though it might go against the rules and regulations. She will sacrifice anything and everything for the good of her family, but will also do what she believes is right. This sometimes causes opposition from family members, but as head, Kohaku does have the final say, and it’s usually for the best.

Kohaku is also an avid writer, and keeps a small journal and pen tucked into the folds of her kimono. She often writes poetry, but also has a collection of short stories and novellas, kept in her personal library. Her works are usually autobiographic, but she has dabbled in comedy and romance. Kohaku also has a tooth for lollipops, and is often seen eating one while off duty.

A long time ago, Kohaku was serious and unsocial, only caring about her family and Shinigami duties. But as the stress piled up, Kohaku experienced what could be described as a ‘mid-life crisis’, which changed her outlook on life, and personality.

Appearance:

Kohaku has brown hair that reaches mid-back, with bangs that fall over her face just over her nose, though it has been known to be much longer. She stands at about 5 feet even, with the body shape of a well brought up woman. Her arms are long and limber, with blisters on her fingers from holding a pen for long periods of times, and typing on her typewriter. Her breasts are good-sized, neither too big, nor too small. When looking into her cold, amber eyes, one might assume that she is a cold, careless person. But one cheerful smile would automatically melt any sort of belief that she is heartless. As the head of the Kohaku family, she always looks presentable and dignified, though sometimes she puts off her duties.

While off duty, Kohaku often wears various coloured Kimono, though sometimes, when she has nothing important to do, she wears her pyjamas, as she is too lazy to change out of them, and lets her hair down. On duty, she wears the standard Shinigami uniform, but with a blue sash instead of the usual belt. She also wears a necklace with an amber-coloured charm, a trinket passed down in her family. She also wears white, fingerless gloves that reach her elbows. Her zanpakuto is tucked into this sash, on her right, as she is left-handed. Her hair is tied back in a half-up fashion with a blue pin

Zanpakuto Spirit:

Kohaku’s zanpakuto is Kemuru no Momiji (Maple Smoke). Kemuru no Momiji‘s appearance is a young woman, about 20 years old, with long black hair, tied up in a ponytail,with bangs that part on the right side. She wears a white, sleeveless top with red trimming, and white gloves that reach all the way past her elbows. At the end, there are gold ornaments. Around her neck, she wears a golden necklace with a circle on it. She wears red pants that vaguely resemble hakama, but reveals a lot of her upper thighs, with a red plate over it, and gold designs on the sides. Her pants are tucked inside knee-high black boots with silver trim. On her back, she is always seen wearing a sort of pole-arm with a lantern head attached to it, which she wears using two golden, braided straps over her shoulder. Her inner world resembles a traditional Japanese garden, but it is always night-time.

Kemuru no Momiji is very strict and disciplined, and believes hard work is the answer to everything. She often pushes Kohaku to be better, stronger, and more powerful. Oftentimes, when Kohaku comes to talk to her, Kemuru no Momiji would launch a sneak-attack on Kohaku. She believes that Shinigami should always be diligent and aware of their surroundings. Kohaku thinks that Kemuru no Momiji really doesn’t like her. The two seem to get along okay, though Kemuru no Momiji preferred the Kohaku that was cold and serious rather than the peaceful, happy one. Kemuru no Momiji does have a vindictive streak to her personality, and sometimes uses violence as a channel of her anger. She has a firm belief that power should not be hidden, especially if it was gained through hard work, which contradicts Kohaku’s pacifistic personality.

Sealed Zanpakuto:

Kemuru no Momiji’s sealed state resembles an ordinary katana with a red hilt and black sheath. It has a circular guard, with designs that somewhat resemble crescent moons cut out of either side. The blade is 29 inches long, and the hilt is 10 inches long, making the sword 39 inches long all together. As stated above, the sword is tucked into Kohaku’s sash on the right.

Shikai Description:

Kemuru no Momiji-’s release phrase is “Hirogaru”, which means “Spread Out”. Taking the sword in her hand, she makes a horizontal slash, which summon about fifteen maple leaves. The leaves then attach together, creating a long ribbon of leaves, which attaches itself at the sword’s pommel. The leaves are always floating, usually wrapped around Kohaku’s arm. The sword itself doesn’t change at all, except for the leaves on the pommel. Kemuru no Momiji’s abilities are based on smoke, usually in the form of leaves.

Shikai Abilities:

Shikaku (Blind Spot / Vision) – A stream of smoke comes from the tip of the sword. It gets larger and larger, until an area of about thirty feet in diameter is covered with thick smoke. Using the smoke, Kohaku can attack discreetly, or can use it as a distraction to flee. Weakness: the smoke, depending on the wind, can be blown away, rendering it useless. Also, the blade must be kept still while the smoke is being emmited. Once moved, the smoke stops.

Waridake (Split Bamboo) – Kohaku holds the zanpakuto with both hands and makes a vertical slash. A trail of smoke follows the slash, creating a large leaf made of smoke. The leaf is about 1 1/2 feet long and wide. The leaf rests on the tip of her blade, and can be flung like a frisbee. When flung, it loses its leaf shape and resembles more like a discus. As it is rapidly spinning, it acts similar to a shuriken. It's maximum distance is thirty feet, and after that, it disappears. She can only make one leaf at a time, and must wait until the previous one dissipates before creating another one.

Bankai Description:

Kemuru no Kurenai Momiji (Smoke of the Crimson Maple)

Kohaku takes the chain of leaves at the pommel and uses it to spin the sword in the air. She then calls out the name of her Bankai, and a swirl of smoke leaves forms around the tip of the blade. Because the sword is spinning the leaves form a tornado of smoke around Kohaku, blocking her from view. After a few moments, the smoke dissipates, revealing Kohaku’s new Bankai form.

Her shirt changes to one similar to what Kemuru no Momiji wears, including the arm-warmers and gloves. On her left wrist, there is a two-inch crimson metal bracelet, with gold designs running up the sides. Attached to the bracelet is a long, crimson chain that is about five and a half feet long, with a red and black war fan attached to it. Closed, the fan is 9 inches from tip to tip, and when opened, it is 15 inches from one side to another. When the chain isn’t in use, it wraps around Kohaku’s arm.

Bankai Abilities:

When in Bankai, Kohaku’s range is greatly increased due to her chain. She can throw her fan, which has sharpened edges, to attack her opponent, or also grapple them. When the fan is closed, it weighs about as much as an unopened bottle of water, and can be used as a weight of sorts. Opened, the fan can serve as a small shield to block small attacks, such as throwing stars, but not sword attacks.

Kanketsusen (Geyser) – Kohaku stabs the sword into the ground, causing rocks to rise from the ground, making a trail toward the opponent. Then, in a single attack, the smoke rushes out of the ground, reaching heights of about 100 feet in the air and thirty feet in diameter, similar to a geyser, except made of smoke. Kohaku then makes a fist, and the smoke accelerates, effectively making thin smoke-blades, that can be used to slice an opponent. A downside is that it is very easy to dodge the attack, as the trail of rocks signifies where the geyser will erupt.

Skill Level: Kidou: Advanced
Skill Level: Swordsmanship: Intermediate
Skill Level: Shunpou: Advanced
Skill Level: Hand-to-hand: Intermediate
History/Background:

Kohaku Anzu is the second-born child of the lower-aristocratic Anzu family. Born in Seireitei, Kohaku was often overshadowed by her older brother, Saimaru, and younger sister Kietsu. As such, she grew up to be a cold, emotionless and slightly bitter person. Saimaru, tired of seeing his sister ignored, suggested that Kohaku become a Shinigami, so that she could have something to direct her energy at. Reluctant at first, Kohaku eventually enrolled in the Shinigami Academy, and, much to everyone’s surprise, excelled in all her classes. Upon graduating, Kohaku was accepted into the Gotei 13.

For a while, it seemed as if Kohaku was starting to get a bit happier, even smiling a few times, and forming a relationship with Saimaru, who taught her to look at the positive side in things and that violence was never the answer. Kietsu also began looking up to Kohaku, always questioning and wondering about Shinigami duties. So much so, that she, too, enrolled in the Academy, and joined the Gotei 13. But one day, Kietsu met a tragic death, which caused Kohaku to revert back to her cold personality. Saimaru tried his best to cheer her up, but Kohaku refused. From then on, Kohaku broke away from her family, cutting off all contact with them. She lived like that for many years, only dedicating her energy to her Shinigami duties, and writing, something she found that could channel her emotions in a non-violent way. It was also during this time that she acquired her Shikai.

One evening, Kohaku received a message from the Anzu family. Thinking that it was another summon from her parents, she didn’t bother opening the letter, instead kept it in a box underneath her bed. But the next morning, she received another message, which she also ignored. From then on, Kohaku received a message every day, for over a month. By the 34th message, Kohaku grew tired of them, and read that day’s letter. It was asking her where she was, if she was safe, and why she hadn’t been replying to the messages.

Kohaku, curious as to why her family suddenly began to worry about her, went back and opened the first message. The message inside was disturbing. According to the letter, Saimaru and both her parents had been killed by an unknown assailant. The letter was asking her to return to the Anzu house to claim the position of Family head, as she was the last remaining heir. Reluctantly, Kohaku returned, taking the position, much to her dismay. Yet, she tried her best to build up her family, who were in disarray after the deaths.

However, the mysterious killer would strike again. While Kohaku was asleep, a figure slipped in through the open window. As a well-seasoned Shinigami, Kohaku was up and ready to fight in the second. A long struggle passed between the two, neither side backing down. Eventually, Kohaku gained the upper hand and managed to kill the assailant, which turned out to be Kietsu. She had faked her death, left Soul Society, and trained just so she could kill Saimaru, Kohaku, and their parents, after which, she would return, seemingly captured by hollows and escaped, to take the position of Head for herself.

Nevertheless, Kohaku was distraught and disgusted that she had killed her own sister with her own weapon. It was then that she vowed never to kill another, no matter what. She also remembered what Saimaru had taught her a long time ago, to be positive about life. Realizing just how close she was to dying, Kohaku decided that she was going to change, and to live her life the best she could. From then on, Kohaku changed from a cold, bitter person to a happier, more carefree one, surprising everyone (even her Zanpakuto spirit)

RP Sample:

"Good morning, Kohaku-sama!"

The brunette smiled and waved as she passed by a group of family servants. The sun was shining, the sky was clear, overall, it really was a good morning.

Reaching into the folds of her kimono, Kohaku pulled out a small book and pen. She opened it to a fresh page and wrote, while walking. She knew the house like the back of her hand, and anyone living in it would know to step out of the way when she was occupied with a new piece of work. This time, it was a haiku.

The morning light shines
Through the curtain of the clouds
And brightens the day.

[/i][/center]

Smiling, she looked up to see where her feet had taken her. A familair room, the same place where she stained her blade with that of her sister's. Turning on her heel, she immediately left without a second glance. Feeling the emotions rise up, she pulled out her book once more.

Sharpened blade of steel
Blood and guilt runs down your shaft
And stains the Amber.

[/i][/center]

Kohaku looked up again at the sky. Clear blue and bright. She should be happy the day was so beautiful. But, being in that room again brought back memories that she never wanted to remember.

"Good morning, Kohaku-sama!" more servants greeted as they passed by. Kohaku just waved her hand, and walked away, leaving some very confused servants behind. She just wasn't in the mood to smile.

"Ohiyo, Kohaku-nee-chan!" a high-pitched voice called out. Turning, Kohaku saw a small girl she recognized as one of her younger cousins. The small girl bounced up to her, with a huge smile on her face, "Ne, guess what? Daddy said that I can join the Shinigami Academy too! Just like you, nee-chan! And look what I gots!" The little girl pulled out a small pink lollipop from her kimono.

Kohaku smiled and took the lollipop from the girl. "That's great, Kiki-chan," she said with a smile, "Thanks for the lollipop,"

Looking at the small, smiling girl, Kohaku couldn't help but feel happy again. The past was in the past. The only thing that mattered now, was the future.[/blockquote]

[Rebel Raven]

"Shikaku (Blind Spot / Vision) – A stream of smoke comes from the tip of the sword. It gets larger and larger, until an area of about thirty feet in diameter is covered with thick smoke. Using the smoke, Kohaku can attack discreetly, or can use it as a distraction to flee. Weakness: the smoke, depending on the wind, can be blown away, rendering it useless. To counteract the flaw, Kohaku must always be moving around the opponent, with a steady stream of smoke coming from the blade. Using the technique for long periods of time is very tiring due to the amount of reiatsu being used."

What sort of weakness is it if she can easily counteract it?

"Kawasemi (Kingfisher) – By mixing her reiatsu with the smoke, she sends poisonous smoke leaves towards her opponents. The leaves float around the enemy, causing them to inhale the smoke. When an opponent breathes in the smoke, it enters its lungs and blocks the air circulation, causes difficulty in breathing and light-headedness. If the smoke stays in the lungs for too long, the opponent might pass out due to lack of air. To block the smoke, one can simply blow it away, or use a sort of mask to filter the air."

Seems a bit too powerful. Odds are it won't be blown away immediately, and itll damage the lungs. Possibly permenantly since you don't really limit the power of the Poison.

"Waridake (Split Bamboo) – Kohaku holds the zanpakuto with both hands and makes a vertical slash. A trail of smoke follows the slash, about 7 inches thick (length depends on how far the sword is swung) which is then directed toward the opponent at high speeds. If it moves fast enough, the smoke can slice the opponent, and if enough are sent out, it can be a very dangerous technique."

Needs a weakness of some sort to keep from being able to spam the attack.

"When in Bankai, Kohaku’s range is greatly increased due to her chain. She can throw her fan, which has sharpened edges, to attack her opponent, or also grapple them. When the fan is closed, it weighs about as much as an unopened bottle of water, and can be used as a weight of sorts. Opened, the fan can serve as a small shield to block small attacks, such as throwing stars, but not sword attacks. To block sword attacks, she can use the gauntlet part."

What fan? What gauntlet?

"Rinne Kawasemi (Reincarnation of the Kingfisher) – Basically a much more powerful version of Kawasemi. By swinging the fan, Kohaku creates a large tornado of smoke, about ten feet in diameter and fifty feet tall. Kohaku can use the smoke to prevent enemies from escaping, or she can gradually decrease its size, forcing them to breathe in the smoke. After inhaling the smoke, the effects are similar to Kawasemi, except quicker. A downside is that if Kohaku inhales the smoke as well, she is also affected."

Godmodey in that it forces a person to be poisoned, and it's not much of a weakness/downside because apparently she doesn't have to be present in the tornado when it forms.

"Kanketsusen (Geyser) – Kohaku stabs the sword into the ground, causing rocks to rise from the ground, making a trail toward the opponent. Then, in a single attack, the smoke rushes out of the ground, reaching heights of about 100 feet in the air, similar to a geyser, except made of smoke. Kohaku then makes a fist, and the smoke accelerates, effectively making thin smoke-blades, that can be used to slice an opponent. A downside is that it is very easy to dodge the attack, as the trail of rocks signifies where the geyser will erupt.""

Needs some sort of weakness to keep from spamming the ability.
What's the diameter of the geyser?

[Muffin]

"When in Bankai, Kohaku’s range is greatly increased due to her chain. She can throw her fan, which has sharpened edges, to attack her opponent, or also grapple them. When the fan is closed, it weighs about as much as an unopened bottle of water, and can be used as a weight of sorts. Opened, the fan can serve as a small shield to block small attacks, such as throwing stars, but not sword attacks. To block sword attacks, she can use the gauntlet part."

What fan? What gauntlet?

She gets a fan and gauntlet when she activates her Bankai. I think I wrote it in the Bankai Description, but here it is, anyway:

"On her left wrist, there is a crimson metal gauntlet that reaches all the way to her elbow, with gold designs running up the sides. Attached to the gauntlet is a long, crimson chain that is about five and a half feet long, with a red and black war fan attached to it"

I also fixed and removed things.

[Rebel Raven]

The Bankai form seems like a bit much having a full on gauntlet plus an external weapon.
Yes, I understand the point of it as anchoring the weapon to the person, and acting as a defensive technique, possibly similar to Yoshi from the Bount arc.

Does the Gauntlet do anything besides as act as a defense?

[Muffin]

I don't really remember Yoshi, but then again, I didn't pay a lot of attention to the Bount Arc. But I changed the gauntlet to a simple bracelet to anchor the chain.

[Rebel Raven]

"Waridake (Split Bamboo) – Kohaku holds the zanpakuto with both hands and makes a vertical slash. A trail of smoke follows the slash, about 7 inches thick (length depends on how far the sword is swung) which is then directed toward the opponent at high speeds. If it moves fast enough, the smoke can slice the opponent, and if enough are sent out, it can be a very dangerous technique. The smoke takes about five seconds to use, and she can only send about ten consecutively, in which she must wait ten minutes (five posts) to use again."

I'm not sure how this works. Is it like Haineko, or a sword extension?

"Kanketsusen (Geyser) – Kohaku stabs the sword into the ground, causing rocks to rise from the ground, making a trail toward the opponent. Then, in a single attack, the smoke rushes out of the ground, reaching heights of about 100 feet in the air and thirty feet in diameter, similar to a geyser, except made of smoke. Kohaku then makes a fist, and the smoke accelerates, effectively making thin smoke-blades, that can be used to slice an opponent. A downside is that it is very easy to dodge the attack, as the trail of rocks signifies where the geyser will erupt."

I'm not sure how this attack works either. The geyser errupts, and accelerates, or does it errupt, then enter a second stage attack?

[Muffin]

1. I guess it is kinds like Haineko, but a bit different. The concept is the same, using tiny particles of smoke or something like that to attack, but the difference is that while Matsumoto's blade disappears completely, this one doesn't, and she has to physically slash before using it.

2. The geyser errupts, and then speeds up. Like a tornado, but it's a geyser.

Is there anything else that needs to be changed?

[Rebel Raven]

So Waridake is only 7 inches long in range, and only has a few seconds of use?

[Muffin]

I'm sorry, the wording was wrong. It's 7 inches thick, the length depends on how fas she swings, and there's a lag of five seconds before the attack actually starts.

[Rebel Raven]

5 seconds is quite a long time for an attack to start, I think, and there's no definite length to the attack.

It sounds like Haineko+ due to the fact that it seems to have an ability like Matsumoto's with even fewer downsides to it, and if it is, then it isn't allowed.