Shunsui Kyoraku [Shinigami/cannon]

[Astalakio]

Name: Shunsui Kyoraku
Age: Unknown, though he is one of the four oldest Captains, so he is considerably old even by Shinigami standards.
Gender: Male
Personality:

Kyoraku is a laid back and flamboyant man, evident in his style of dress and general attitude, and he is rarely seen without a smile on his lips. In his off time, he can be seen drinking sake in bars and napping. He likes steamed buns that go with sake, but dislikes powdered green tea. Other times, he likes to chase after women, particularly his lieutenant, Nanao Ise, whom he calls "my Nanao-chan" (Lil' Nanao in the English Dub). Nanao will often respond by hitting him with whatever she has on hand. He would have also done this when Lisa Yad¨­maru was his lieutenant, which shows that teasing is a part of his personality. Ky¨­raku tends to use a more familiar speech style than most other characters. He generally refers to his fellow captains and Shinigami by their first name followed by an honorific. Ky¨­raku is a peace-loving man who will always try to talk his way out of a fight, though he doesn't wish to insult opponents by refusing to fight. The slightly eccentric Ky¨­raku also seems to like making an impression on opponents. He also dislikes taking the life of innocent people, as he left Chad alive when Nanao offered to kill him.

Captain Ky¨­raku also wrote a romance novel titled "Rose-colored Path", which ran in Seireitei Communication, but was very unpopular. His photo collection, on the other hand, titled "Using Arms as My Pillow", became widely popular, and was quickly sold out, partially because it came out in lesser number of copies than similar collections by the other captains. Ky¨­raku also doesn't seem to care that his autobiography, "My Kittens Are So Shy," is the absolute worst-selling book.

Though Ky¨­raku tries to talk his way out of a fight, he does insist on fighting when the situation is grave, as seen in his battle with the First Espada, Coyote Starrk. When Starrk asked that they only pretend to fight, he replied that he couldn't do that "this time", as much as he prefers to do things the same way. He is also one of the most proficient combatants in Soul Society, and maintains a level of honor and integrity when engaging in battle, much like his best friend J¨±shir¨­. He refuses to fight with children or even in the presence of a child. He always maintains a semblance of respect for his opponent and is polite in combat situations and prefers to fight one on one.

Despite being one of the the strongest and oldest captains, Ky¨­raku retains a level of humbleness and isn't overly arrogant about his strength, although when fighting Starrk, he does comment on how the fight "wouldn't be too easy" even after finding out that Starrk is the 1st Espada, but he does recognize that Hitsugaya has the potential to become stronger than him given enough time. Ky¨­raku has shown a great distaste for fighting, telling Love Aikawa that it doesn't matter whether you owe someone or they owe you, as soon as you start fighting, you are in the wrong either way.

Appearance:

Shunsui is a tall Shinigami with grey eyes and wavy brown hair (though during the flashbacks of his youth, Shunsui is shown to have straight and significantly shorter hair). His hair is tied in a long ponytail and has long bangs that frame the left side of his face. He wears a straw hat (called a sakkat) and a pink, flowered ladies kimono, which he drapes across his shoulders and over his captain's uniform. He has thin facial hair around his mouth and on his cheeks. Although his haori and obi sash are cheap, his pin-wheel hairpins are very expensive. Like Ikkaku Madarame, he does not wear tabi with his sandals.

Zanpakuto Spirit:

Katen Ky¨­kotsu's spirit takes the form of two women. One is a tall, purple-haired woman with a red ribbon around her neck and an eye patch covering her right eye. She wears an indigo cape with a skull imprint on it and a long, dark dress that flows to reveal her cleavage. Her clothing resembles that of an oiran, a high-class Japanese courtesan. She also wears a golden bone headdress, likely a reference to the "crazy bone" part of Katen Ky¨­kotsu's name. The second half of the spirit is revealed later, and is dressed in dark, close-fitting clothes.

Sealed Zanpakuto:

His Zanpakut¨­ is unique in that it exists as two completely separate swords, existing as a daisho sword pair, consisting of a tachi and a wakizashi. Their cross guards are rectangles, with the corners cut off, decorated by a pattern of cherry petals and lines, and each sports a dark-blue handle. He keeps them sheathed through his waist tie at his left side; although, during battle, the swords have been shown to be placed on both sides of his sash. Like other Zanpakut¨­, Katen Ky¨­kotsu has a personality of its own. However, unlike other Zanpakut¨­, this personality shines through in battle and prevents Shunsui from fighting with his full powers until Katen Ky¨­kotsu is in the mood for it. Because of this Shunsui does not like to "play" with it.

Shikai Description:

Its Shikai command is "Flower Wind Rage and Flower God Roar, Heavenly Wind Rage and Heavenly Demon Sneer". Ky¨­raku sets the two blades against each other in a cross, then pulls before uttering the poem-like command. When the flash clears, Katen Ky¨­kotsu has become a pair of huge, heavily-curved, black Chinese scimitars with silver edges. The hilt and cross guards of each are still the same as they were in Katen Ky¨­kotsu's sealed-form, but they now sport long red tassels dangling from the end. Despite the two swords becoming identical in this state, Shunsui has stated they they still serve as one (the wakizashi) being used mainly for speed strikes, and the other (the tachi) being used mainly for power strikes.

Shikai Abilities:

The power of Katen Ky¨­kotsu is to "make children's games real". The Zanpakut¨­ makes the rules and anyone who steps within the boundaries of its spiritual pressure is forced to play by those rules, including Shunsui himself. According to Shunsui, "if you win you live, if you lose you die".

Bush¨­ Koma (²»¾«¶À˜S, Lazy Spinning Top): This technique causes tornado winds to flow from Katen Ky¨­kotsu to envelope the target. This move originally gave the impression that Shunsui's Zanpakut¨­ was wind-based. However, this too is a game. In this case, it is a spinning top game.

Takaoni (ä¹í, Mountain Demon): This move was also used in Shunsui's battle with Starrk, but Starrk's attack hid the nature of the attack. However, Shunsui later explains that with this "game" whoever is higher up "wins."

Irooni (ÆF¹í, Colorful Demon): This is a color-based game where you say the name of the color you want to cut with your sword and you cannot cut anything else. If the color that you call does not exist on your body, the damage is minimal, even if the attack would normally inflict a much more severe wound. The opposite is true; by calling out a color you're wearing and attacking, the damage given is proportional to the amount of that color on you. To maximize damage, you have to use a color that maximizes the risks to your person as well as your enemy. For example, by wearing black robes and calling "black," one would inflict massive damage on a enemy if struck even if the actual blow itself was minimal or minor, but the caller would also suffer serious damage if he/she is struck by the enemy in return.

Kageoni (Ó°¹í, Shadow Demon): The rule of this game is that whoever steps on a shadow "loses." The game itself allows competitors to manipulate shadows to their advantage. For example, Shunsui has demonstrated the ability to hide himself in shadows by using this technique, and he can also control the shadows and use them to attack an opponent by attacking the shadow they are currently standing upon.

Bankai Description:

Not yet revealed. Ukitake warned Shunsui not to release his Bankai "where others can see."

Bankai Abilities:

Not yet revealed. Ukitake warned Shunsui not to release his Bankai "where others can see."

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

Shunsui is the second son of the high-ranking noble Ky¨­raku family. Despite being of such old and prestigious lineage, he disliked studying and training, and preferred to chase the ladies, although being told by General Yamamoto that he was able to see the truth and was wise for his age. Because of this, he was sent against his will to the Shin'¨­ Reijutsu Academy (Shinigami Academy). While there he came to know J¨±shir¨­ Ukitake, who would become his best friend and fellow captain. He, along with J¨±shir¨­ Ukitake, was one of the first Shinigami to become a captain through the Shinigami academy. Furthermore, he was personally trained by Yamamoto. He and Ukitake are the oldest captains amongst the Gotei 13, with the exception of Retsu Unohana and Yamamoto himself. It is stated that the four of them have been Captains of the Gotei 13 for at least 200 years as of 110 years ago before the current time.

110 years ago, he is shown to have a unique relationship with his Lieutenant Lisa Yad¨­maru, though in contrast to his relationship with his current Lieutenant Nanao Ise, Lisa is more outgoing and perverted in a way much like his own personality. But he finds that his position requires him to be the "adult" in the situation. He is also the one to first mention casually to an inquisitive Lt. S¨­suke Aizen that the previous 12th Division Captain was promoted to the Royal Guard.

He is shortly present at the promotion ceremony waiting in line with the other captain's as the newly appointed 12th Division captain Kisuke Urahara arrives to the meeting.
9 years later Shunsui is present at an emergency meeting called by Captain-Commander Yamamoto. When he decides to create a investigative team to locate the missing 9th Division squad members. When he gives out orders, Yamamoto orders him to guard the Seireitei. When Yamamoto decides to send both Kid¨­ Captain Tessai Tsukabishi and Kid¨­ Lieutenant Hachigen Ush¨­da of the Kid¨­ Corps. Shunsui instead advices him to send only Hachi and replace Tessai with his own Lieutenant, Lisa. He tries to cheer up a shaken Kisuke Urahara, telling him not to worry about his Lieutenant, Hiyori Sarugaki, who was sent to help the 9th Division, because she is strong, though not as strong as Lisa.

During a night-walk he meets up some squad members, and also notices Lt. S¨­suke Aizen taking a night walk. Later in his barracks he is addressed by a very young Nanao Ise, who has come to see his Lieutenant, Lisa Yad¨­maru. Shunsui then remembers that Nanao always comes to him around the first of every month to have Lisa read to her. Nanao confirms this, only to be told that Lisa is away on a mission, but should be back soon.

Soul Society arc

Shunsui first appears during the captain's emergency meeting called by General Yamamoto. However he says nothing at this time, and remains silent throughout the constant bickering between his fellow officers.

Shunsui is among the first Captains to encounter the "Ryoka". He meets up with Yasutora Sado in his division's compound. There, he gently drifts down from a second level to the ground amidst falling petals (scattered by Nanao), then rises to announce his name to Chad.
After his flashy appearance Ky¨­raku sits down and tells Chad that he dislikes fighting and even offers him something to drink, something Chad responds to by a violent "No" because it is forbidden for minors to drink, something Ky¨­raku also realizes is a problem.

Chad proceeds to politely asks the captain to move out the way as he himself would also like to avoid the fight. However, despite Shunsui's humor and his dislike for combat, once Chad engages him, it is seen that he is not a mere fool, but someone not to be taken lightly. He deflects Chad¡¯s first attack with one arm, and then proceeds to dodge all of Chad¡¯s attacks. Trying to stop Chad from going further, he asks Chad why he continues to fight, and for what reason. Despite his attempts to stop him both through speech and action, Chad continues to come at him. Seeing his determination, Shunsui decides reluctantly to wound him, though he tells Chad that he plans to kill him, having no choice. Taking out his two swords, he watches as Chad runs towards him, then dodges Chad¡¯s attack and slashes him.

At this time, the message that S¨­suke Aizen has been murdered arrives and Nanao informs him of this news. Taking a look at Chad, she realizes he is not dead and asks to deliver the finishing blow. Stopping her, Shunsui rationalizes that if it were indeed one of the Ryoka who had killed Aizen, it would then be better to keep him alive and question him instead. He then asks her to send for people from the 4th Squad to heal Chad.

Later, right before Rukia¡¯s execution, a harried Nanao finds Ky¨­raku on a rooftop, chewing on a blade of grass. Asking him to hurry up, Nanao is irked when Shunsui again tries to joke with her as usual. Then, getting serious, he asks her what he should do. She then replies that no matter what, he will still do what he wants. All she can do is keep right behind him and stay out of trouble. Shunsui gives a sigh and says, "Then it will again be me that will get into trouble with Yama-jii (Yamamoto)." At the execution, after Ichigo Kurosaki stops the S¨­kyoku from executing Rukia, Ukitake appears with a shield sporting the Shih¨­in house crest and with Shunsui eliminates S¨­kyoku from the scene. After the ruckus, they are left shocked when Ichigo destroys the S¨­kyoku Stand, and then Ichigo engages Byakuya Kuchiki after defeating three lieutenants. Trying to help her sister, Kiyone Kotetsu runs forward and is followed by her colleague Sentar¨­ Kotsubaki. Sentar¨­ is then hit by Soifon and when Ukitake runs forward to stop Soifon, he is in turn stopped by Yamamoto.

Yamamoto gravely states that what they have done is beyond mere punishment and that they are not ignorant of what that means. Shunsui then shows his thinking skills by grabbing Ukitake and running away first, with Nanao in close pursuit. Ukitake then asks Shunsui to release him as he wanted to save his subordinates. Shunsui asks him not to worry, as on the one hand, they had to take the fight elsewhere, or else Yamamoto¡¯s power would most likely cause more casualties, and on the other hand, someone else was coming to help.

Running to a deserted spot, they reach the site and are confronted by Yamamoto. When Nanao is nearly suffocated by Yamamoto¡¯s spiritual pressure, Shunsui breaks their eye contact, and brings her via Shunpo to a safe place, and returns to the compliments of Yamamoto.

Following a brief exchange of words, Yamamoto draws his Zanpakut¨­ against them. As he flares up, and releases his Zanpakut¨­¡¯s Shikai, he then asks them both to do the same as anything else would be a disgraceful death. He and Ukitake then engage in the fight against Yamamoto, resulting in a large explosion.

During their fight, they receive news, from 4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu, that Aizen had in fact been a traitor, and all three rush to the S¨­kyoku grounds. After Aizen¡¯s successful escape, Shunsui is later seen trying to join in on the drinking with Rangiku Matsumoto and Izuru Kira, only to be told no by Rangiku as she states Nanao is looking for him and if she catches him drinking with them they will only get scolded by her.

Bount arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

He, along with Ukitake, appear to be the Captains outside the 12th Division who are interested in finding out more knowledge about the history of the Bounts and Ran'Tao. He is seen appearing suspicious of Mayuri's behavior and later, informs Yamamoto that Ukitake is too ill to attend the meetings that have been called. It is then shown that, in fact, Ukitake is searching through the books in the Central Library for information. Shunsui offers to help before he realizes how many books this involves but continues to do search, despite his lazy nature showing how close he really is to Ukitake.
He is later present at a captains meeting where captain Soifon is being debriefed on the situation by captain-commander Yamamoto. When an argument breaks out between captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi of the 12th Division and captain T¨­shir¨­ Hitsugaya of the 10th Division, with the former trying to place blame on the latter in order to get blame shifted off him. Shunsui joins in the defense of captain Hitsugaya, noting that the problem of the bount getting into Soul Society was something caused by the 12th Division.

New Captain Sh¨±suke Amagai arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

He is seen present at the promotion ceremony of the new captain of the 3rd Division, Sh¨±suke Amagai. Komamura asks Shunsui who he thinks observed his captain's proficiency exam. Shunsui plainly states it doesn't really matter, as they should be happy that the they have one less position open. Soifon interjects despite that he will have to prove himself. Shortly he personally greets Amagai and they got out for a drink, requesting their own room to have a personal talk, where Shunsui and Ukitake both realizes that Amagai can't handle his liquor, as he got drunk just by smelling the fumes.

Shunsui and Ukitake are also shown discussing how Ichigo seems to be followed by trouble a lot of the time. It is here we see that Ukitake is uneasy over the current state of affairs where noble families in Soul Society are concerned.

When the Kasumi¨­ji family is found guilty of treason, he is seen storming the Kasumi¨­ji household with J¨±shir¨­ where they shut down the experiments concerning the Bakk¨­t¨­ and later discussing events with other captains before being informed of Sh¨±suke Amagai's deception and going to the sight where he intended to kill Yamamoto.

Fake Karakura Town arc

When Aizen and his army invade the fake Karakura Town, Shunsui asks Ukitake who he believes is the strongest. When Yamamoto decides to take Aizen and the other defected former Captains out of the equation so that the Espada could be dealt with first, Shunsui yells for Ukitake to get down when he realizes the Captain-Commander is releasing his Shikai. When Ukitake questions the necessity of that level of power, Shunsui tells him he guesses that just means Yamamoto is not in a good mood. During the battle against the Arrancar, Shunsui matches himself against the Espada Coyote Starrk. Though Ky¨­raku agrees with Starrk's attitude and tells him that he too would have preferred "fake" fighting, he also says that avoiding the fight is not an option this time.

He then takes notice of the fight between Rangiku Matsumoto, Momo Hinamori and Tia Harribel's Fracci¨®n, asking Starrk if they should also put on a show. Starrk is not amused at Shunsui's attempt at humor and flatly refuses to fight. Starrk states that neither of them is fighting at full strength anyway. Starrk then makes note of how Shunsui's short sword is still being sheathed. When Shunsui explains why, Starrk further notes that Shunsui is obviously ambidextrous and that he is stronger with his left hand than his right, therefore Starrk does not quite believe his excuse for his supposed lack of using his short sword. Shunsui is somewhat amused at Starrk's observations and comments on how he thought he had corrected his strength difference. Shunsui then proceeds to attack Starrk which the latter then dodges. Afterwards, Shunsui then surprises Starrk by switching hands in mid attack and correcting his swing, making his right hand strength match his left. After Starrk comments on the change, Shunsui asks him whether he will take the fight seriously if he were to unsheathe his short sword, to which Starrk comments that Shunsui is already strong enough and he would not want him using his short sword. Shunsui decides then to unsheathe his sword.

Shunsui is able to deduce the ranks of the top three Espada by sensing their battles. He states that Starrk's female ally (Harribel) is the third strongest, and it would be easier on him if the old guy (Barragan) was the strongest, implying Shunsui thinks differently. Starrk then says he's sorry to disappoint him as he takes off his glove and reveals the number 1 tattooed on his hand. Shunsui smiles and comments that it wouldn't be too easy.

Shunsui appears to be evenly matched with Starrk as he does not seem to express any form of difficulty while battling. The Primera even commented that he is surprised that Shunsui was able to dodge his attacks 'without losing the umbrella or mussing the kimono'. A thin trail of blood however trickles down from Shunsui's head, probably due to the slight cut of his bamboo hat. As the battle progresses, Starrk fires a Cero at Shunsui, only for him to state "No finishing pose or anything?". Starrk then begins to show irritation by scolding Shunsui not to run away. Starrk is then seen to be staring in horror at Hitsugaya's approaching cloud.

Starrk then watches Baraggan Luisenbarn being hit by Soifon's Bankai and looks over to the obelisk of ice that has Harribel imprisoned and questions Shunsui whether all their Bankais are that powerful. Shunsui replies with a smile and calls them their secret weapons. Starrk proceeds to ask if his own Bankai was more powerful than Hitsugaya's. Shunsui then replies that while he is uncertain of it in a hundred years or so, it is possible that Hitsugaya might become more powerful than himself. Starrk then deduces that currently Shunsui is the strongest, realizing what Starrk is leading to Shunsui throws his pink kimono to Ukitake. When Ukitake wonders what Ky¨­raku is doing, Shunsui replies by saying that he believes Starrk finally wants to fight for real, something Starrk confirms by saying that he wants to see Shunsui's Bankai.

He then sheaths his Zanpakut¨­ and calls Lilynette over. He explains that he and Lilynette are in fact one. While other Hollows split their power into their sword and body, they split into two bodies instead. He also reveals that once they are one again their full power would be released. With that, Starrk releases his Resurrecci¨®n form while Shunsui releases his Zanpakut¨­'s Shikai.

Shunsui proceeds to attack Starrk while he is talking, to which Starrk moves back with ease. Starrk begins to comment on how Shunsui would attack while he is talking. But before Starrk can finish talking, Shunsui uses his Busho Koma technique. Starrk parries the attack and fires a large Cero from one of his guns. Starrk then tells Shunsui he seems a little panicked and that is not at all like him. Shunsui responds that he meant to kill him with the first blow, but his release must be really something if he could parry it. He then deduces that Starrk's gun fires Ceros. Starrk confirms but completely denies it can do anything else when Shunsui asks whether its capable of more. Shunsui accuses Starrk of being a bad liar. Starrk says the same of Shunsui. Starrk then tells him he made him release his "pain in the ass Resurrecci¨®n", so he better show him his Bankai. Shunsui mentions that he has no intention of showing him no matter how strong he has gotten, especially if he is just going to fire Cero's. Starrk responds by firing his Cero Metralleta as Shunsui, to which he flash steps away. Starrk fires again and tells him that he can't escape, Shunsui dodges exclaiming how that attack is unfair. Ukitake jumps in front of Shunsui after unleashing his Shikai and negates the multiple Ceros with a blast of his own.

Shunsui begins to speak, but Ukitake cuts him off explaining that he shouldn't complain because the Arrancar are double teaming him and his coming to his aid is only fair. Ukitake then comments that besides that Shunsui doesn't seem to want to use his Bankai. Shunsui assures him that he will eventually. But Ukitake says that he shouldn't use it out in the open where anyone could see. Ukitake continues by saying that in any case his powers are better suited for this sort of fight. Starrk interrupts by asking Ukitake how did he fire a Cero. Ukitake plainly says who knows maybe he'll figure out if he does it again. Determined to figure out Ukitake's power, Starrk fires again much to Lilynette's protest that it's most likely a trap. They engage in a few mutual attacks, then Starrk uses Sonid¨­ to get closer to Ukitake and explains what he has learned of his ability. Ukitake is surprised that he figured it out after only three attacks. Starrk then expresses that he is glad that Ukitake's power isn't to reflect any and all attacks back at his opponent. Starrk surmises that if Ukitake has to absorb the attack first, there has to be a limit to what can be absorbed. He then tells Ukitake that he doesn't think he'll be able to absorb the attack if he fires 1,000 shots at once.

Before Starrk can fire, Shunsui appears behind him and tries to cut off his head, but Starrk dodges and fires a large Cero which Shunsui also dodges. Starrk comments on how such actions aren't like him, to which Shunsui responds that he shouldn't make judgements as he is the one not acting like himself. Starrk's simple reply is that he thought they both were alike. Then seemingly out of nowhere, a Garganta begins to open, surprising the the three combatants. Ukitake asks Shunsui if it's someone new. Shunsui asks in response if Ukitake thinks its someone who could back up the top three Espada, because he hopes it isn't. When the Garganta is fully open, Wonderweiss Margera walks through. Ukitake and Shunsui both question who he is, while Starrk says his name, just as surprised to see him there being accompanied by F¨±r¨¡.
While Ukitake's attention is on the huge hollow creature rather then on Wonderweiss Margera, who attacks him from behind and impales him in the back and out through his chest with his hand. Seeing this, Shunsui goes to attack the Arrancar but is quickly shot at point blank range by a Cero to the back by Starrk, with both captains falling down to the buildings below. However, Ky¨­raku appears to be largely uninjured as pointed out by Lisa Yad¨­maru, who stomps on his head and demands to know how long he was planning on playing dead. Ky¨­raku then proceeds to compliment Lisa and says he is glad that she is all right.

Just as Starrk is about to finish off Love and Rose, Ky¨­raku stabs him from the shadows. Ky¨­raku was actually hiding in the shadows thanks to the ability of his Zanpakut¨­. He then proceeds to explain the abilities of his Zanpakut¨­, denying Starrk's charge that he was hiding his powers; stating that his Zanpakut¨­ was not in the mood for that game before and that though he loves his sword, it is very selfish and he doesn't like playing with it because it jerks him around. He then proceeds to fight Starrk using a new color-based game that ends with Ky¨­raku slashing Starrk upwards targeting his black hollow hole after calling the color black.
As the dying Starrk falls, Love appears behind Shunsui and thanks him. Shunsui responds by saying that he is just glad they are safe. Love then tells him that he never changes, always butting into other people's battles and that he has no style. Shunsui returns his Zanpakut¨­ to it's sealed state and tells Love that "only underlings get caught up in matters of style" and that a captain can't afford such indulgences. He then goes on to state that "If you owe someone or they owe you, the moment you start to fight you're in the wrong either way".
Shunsui is next seen with the several unoccupied Captains and Vizards planning to protect Ichigo Kurosaki from Aizen and his shikai.


Zanpakut¨­ Unknown Tales arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
The physical, humanoid manifestation of his Zanpakut¨­, along with those of Ukitake and Unohana, is seen entering the First Division barracks at the beginning of this arc. He, along with all other higher ranked officers of the Gotei 13 are summoned to S¨­kyoku Hill save for Kenpachi Zaraki and his lieutenant. There, they are confronted by the injured Ch¨­jir¨­ Sasakibe and a unknown assailant, who reveals that the Head Captain will be unavailable presently. The assailant reveals himself to be Muramasa and states Yamamoto was sealed by Minazuki, Katen Ky¨­kotsu and S¨­gyo no Kotowari, when Shunsui asks about the captain-commander whereabouts.
Shunsui, Unohana and Ukitake later set up base at the Fourth Division barracks following the manifestation of the Zanpakut¨­ and their subsequent attack on their Shinigami counterparts. He and Ukitake are seen discussing the turn of events and the whereabouts of Byakuya who has disappeared. They are shocked by the revelation of Unohana that their Zanpakut¨­ have left their masters and it is decided that they will have to quickly get used to combat without their release or else it could be costly for the Gotei 13 forces.
When a full-scale battle with the Zanpakut¨­ spirits occurs in the 6th Division barracks, Shunsui arrives with Unohana and Ukitake as the battle ends. Soon after, Yoruichi arrives and tells them she has news of Yamamoto's whereabouts. Ky¨­raku decides to join Ukitake, Kenpachi, Yachiru, Ichigo, and Yoruichi on a mission to find and rescue Yamamoto. The party finds the cave by tracing Yamamoto's reiatsu. The party splits up; Ky¨­raku accompanies Ukitake to a distant corner of the cave, where they encounter the spirits of their Zanpakut¨­.


Katen Ky¨­kotsu delays Shunsui Ky¨­raku.
Reluctant to fight his Zanpakut¨­, Shunsui is quickly forced to use his Shikai. During the battle, Shunsui deduces from his Zanpakut¨­ spirits' battle tactics that they are merely stalling for time. After realizing that Muramasa wishes to use Ichigo's power for something, Shunsui manages to get past the spirits and attempts to stop Ichigo from being used. He arrives too late as Muramasa uses Ichigo's Getsuga Tensh¨­ to destroy Yamamoto's barrier. Muramasa then reveals that the barrier was actually Yamamoto's creation in an attempt to stop Muramasa from enslaving Ry¨±jin Jakka. Muramasa merely started the fake Zanpakut¨­ rebellion to find a power source (i.e. Ichigo) great enough to break through the barrier. Finally obtaining the strongest Zanpakut¨­ in all of Soul Society, Muramasa leaves to begin the next stage of his plan.

RP Sample:

A soft, warm breeze swept along the rooftop, and Shunsui’s pink kimono shifted gently in the wind from where he laid peacefully, relaxing atop the building that housed his office.

Slowly opening his eyes, he found himself gazing serenely at the perfect blue sky.
“Always the perfect blue.” He reflected quietly to himself, before taking a deep breath of the fresh air and shifting to sit up.

He adjusted his sakkat atop his head of soft brown hair, and lazily observed his surroundings.
Soul Society almost always had a peaceful, calm appearance, but very rarely was it actually so within. Today though, it seemed otherwise. The only sounds were that of quietly twittering birds in the distance, and the occasional sound of soft, pattering footsteps as someone walked the paths below.

However, something did seem a little out of place… but what was it?
Shunsui scratched his chin absently, raising an eyebrow as he tried to figure it out.
Then he realized – it was broad daylight! When he’d settled down for his nap, the sun had just been creeping down below the horizon. He must have dozed through the entire night up here, and now, judging by the sun’s position in the sky, it was about mid-day!

“Nanao-chan will surely be worried about me.” Shunsui smirked impishly, imagining his Lieutenant’s distress as she must have been searching through the night, and then imagining how utterly relieved she would be when she found out he was safe.

With that thought in mind, he found his feet, almost loosing his balance as his head was still half-asleep, and decided to set off to find his desperately worried Vice-Captain.

Giving a short hop, he jumped from the edge of the rooftop and landed almost silently on the ground below, before straightening up and dusting himself off. Then he peered around for a bit. Eventually, he saw two Shinigami walking down the path toward him. They were chatting quietly to one another, but when Shunsui approached they noticed him and quickly gave a respectful bow.
“Morning,” Shunsui smiled warmly “Or is it afternoon, now?” He added, though it seemed to be directed to himself.
“Anyways, do either of you happen to know where Nanao-chan might be?” He asked.

“Vice-Captain Ise?” One of the Shinigami replied, looking to the other. “I think she was in her office the last time we saw her, Captain.”
“Hm?” Shunsui frowned, “Why would she be there, I wonder? Oh, thanks!” He said to the Shinigami, who bade him good day before continuing on down the path as he waved them off.

Pondering why Nanao had gone to her office to look for him, when it wasn’t likely that he’d have been there, he made his way to the correct building.
He stopped outside her closed door, and shuffled up to it, placing his ear up to it to listen for any signs of life. He could hear the faint sounds of pages being turned, and he grinned. Yup, she was in here all right. Now it was time for him to make his entrance.

He straightened out his attire and was about to knock when a voice called to him, muffled by the door.
“Come in, Captain.”
Shunsui froze, mid knock. She knew he was out here? Why hadn’t she come to greet him?

He cautiously slid the door open, to find his Lieutenant sat at her desk, facing away from him and writing intently.
“I was wondering where you had got to, Captain Kyoraku.” She noted.
What was this, Shunsui thought, no leaping to her feet to embrace him? No tears of overwhelming joy?

She motioned to a stack of papers that had been neatly piled up on the desk.
“You are needed to sign those, please.” She said. “I’ve done most of the paperwork, they just need your signature.”
“Aaah, Nanao-chaaan…” Shunsui moaned, pattering over to her, before patting her on the head. “…All work and no play!”
“Would you like to be the one to explain to the Captain Commander why there have been no new recruits permitted to join Squad Eight?” Nanao replied cagily.

Shunsui thought about it for a moment. He imagined Yama-jii toasting him crispy, and then gave a nervous grin.
“I suppose I probably should…” He said sweetly, taking up a stray pen, “Where do I sign?”

[Otahu]

I am sorry but we do not allow competition between apps. There was already an application for Shunsui and that is the one we will be reviewing.

I've moved this app to Unacceptable because of this fact.