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{{LordGalvatron}}{{Fanon Canon}} |
{{LordGalvatron}}{{Fanon Canon}} |
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| + | {{Coven |
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| − | {{Ashin (LordGalvatron) |
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| name = Hikaru Maebure |
| name = Hikaru Maebure |
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| image = |
| image = |
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| − | | race = |
+ | | race = Unknown |
| − | | |
+ | | birthday = 8 August |
| ⚫ | |||
| − | | birthday = 21 June |
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| ⚫ | |||
| gender = Male |
| gender = Male |
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| − | | height = |
+ | | height = 194 cm (6'4½") |
| − | | weight = |
+ | | weight = 88 kg (194 lb.) |
| blood type = AB- |
| blood type = AB- |
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| − | | affiliation = [[The Coven]] |
+ | | affiliation = [[Coven|The Coven]] |
| previous affiliation = {{bw|Soul King}} |
| previous affiliation = {{bw|Soul King}} |
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| − | | profession = |
+ | | profession = Commander |
| − | | position = |
+ | | position = Anarch |
| − | | previous position = |
+ | | previous position = |
| − | | partner = |
+ | | partner = |
| previous partner = |
| previous partner = |
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| − | | base of operations = |
+ | | base of operations = |
| − | | relatives = [[ |
+ | | relatives = [[Muto]] <small>(Adoptive child)</small> |
| + | | mentors = |
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| + | | students = [[Muto]] |
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| education = |
| education = |
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| − | | |
+ | | magic = [[Kidō (LordGalvatron)#Gainendō|Gainendō]] |
| − | | |
+ | | spell = |
| − | | |
+ | | shikai = Goraikō |
| + | | bankai = Unknown |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | | shinuchi = |
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| − | | japanese voice = {{w|Eiji Takemoto}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | | english voice = {{w|Crispin Freeman}} |
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| + | | roleplay debut = ''[[Where Peace Lies]]'' |
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}} |
}} |
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| − | {{Quote (Zf6hellion)|An| |
+ | {{Quote (Zf6hellion)|An|We have been wading through the darkness of this nightmare world long enough. Time to wake up.|'''Hikaru Maebure'''}} |
| − | '''Hikaru |
+ | '''Hikaru Maebure''' (前触れ光, "''Harbinger of Light''") is an ancient spiritual being of unknown origin, and the Anarch of [[Coven|the Coven]]. |
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| − | He is also known as "'''The Black Sun'''" (黒陽, ''Kurohi''). |
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==Appearance== |
==Appearance== |
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| − | Hikaru is a very tall man outwardly in his early |
+ | Hikaru is a very tall olive-skinned man outwardly in his early 50s. He is lean, and possesses an excellently toned physique. In fact, his body is very proportional, symmetrical, and imposing, like that of a remarkable statue rather than ordinary man. However, this noble visage conceals innate malice revealed only upon closer inspection, with an elusive firmness of features that is more intimidating and sinister than dignified. |
| − | His jet black hair with prominent grey highlights is long, styled in a ponytail. The irides of his eyes are intense, sometimes gleaming scarlet in colour, and his pupils are somewhat slit-like in shape. Embedded in pitch black sclerae they evoke the image of lone stars suspended within an endless darkness |
+ | His jet black hair with prominent grey highlights is long, styled in a high ponytail. The irides of his eyes are intense, sometimes gleaming <font color=#FF2400>scarlet</font> in colour, and his pupils are somewhat slit-like in shape. Embedded in pitch black sclerae they evoke the image of lone stars suspended within an endless darkness. In general, the features of his face are handsome, but solemn and sharp, with prominent high cheekbones and an aquiline nose. Markedly, there are two long scars intersecting his countenance that cross in an almost perpendicular manner just below his right eye. The horizontal one terminates below the left eye, whereas the vertical one reaches all the way down to the right side of his lips, and up to his superciliary ridge, splitting the eyebrow. |
| − | Usually, he dons an ornate, trailing ''kimono'' not unlike an elegant variant of the modern Shinigami |
+ | Usually, he dons an ornate, trailing ''kimono'' not unlike an elegant variant of the modern Shinigami ''shihakushō''. Nevertheless, the colour scheme is notably inverted, with white ''{{w|kosode}}'' and ''{{w|hakama}}'' but black ''{{w|hakama-himo}}'' and ''{{w|tabi}}''. In addition, he wears standard ''{{w|waraji}}''. The hems of his robes are adorned with black lines that contain elaborate sun motifs. Last, but not least, there is a prominent black crest displayed on his back, a symbol of unknown importance. |
==Personality== |
==Personality== |
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| − | First and foremost, Hikaru is an aristocrat. As |
+ | First and foremost, Hikaru is an aristocrat. As a man of inhuman power and elegance, he frequently behaves with an air of solemnity and pride that could be expected from a person of such qualities. Eloquent and august, his disposition is more like that of a character from a play rather than an actual person. A notable property that ties in with the less aristocratic aspects of his personality. Arrogant, he is sometimes rather abrasive to interact with in spite of his ostensible politeness. Amiable at first glance, patronising in truth, the scornful master of backhanded compliment, he recognises no equals. Everyone is but a child in his eyes, naive and short-sighted. Gullible. |
| − | + | After all, he is a wily person skilful at subtle manipulation. He readily exploits others to further his own agenda, whether they are the enemy, a neutral party, or even a supposed ally. He is extraordinarily driven, and an ambitious man no doubt, master of the long game. Cults, envoys, agents, assassins, everyone can play a role in furthering his plan. An intricate plan, a noble cause. However, the alleged goal of the Coven as a whole is rather broad and open to interpretation, an ambiguity that Hikaru deliberately fosters. For to unite disparate people in order to accomplish a purpose of his own requires a great deal of ''flexibility''. Does he seek retribution against the Soul Society? Does he desire to become a supreme ruler? Does he strive to create a better world? That is all true, of course, but merely facets of the undisclosed total. |
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| ⚫ | In a way, he might be considered a fallen angel. Possessed of profound understanding of harmony and balance. Yet disillusioned, jaded. Determined to fulfil his self-imposed duty, and shape the world more suitable for the puny mortals. In a way, that is. For while the essence of his purpose does not change, his approach veers toward the extreme, necessary evil and radical solutions included. To him, the world is deeply flawed, splintered, chock-full of unpredictable, uncontrollable phenomena that cause significant danger. The alleged guardians of balance, the Shinigami, incompetent, passive fools that struggle to keep a sinking ship afloat by pouring out the water with buckets – instead of ''fixing the ship''. Hikaru is noble at heart, and he shall not stop in his quest to ''fix'' the world no matter the cost. Preferably, with himself at the ship's helm. |
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| ⚫ | Nevertheless, Hikaru is also a warrior. |
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| ⚫ | Nevertheless, Hikaru is also a genuine warrior. In spite of his incredible patience and political acumen, he nonetheless prefers actions to words. In his own, part callous, part disdainful way he enjoys the thrill of combat. The ability to devise and deploy complex plans that entangle the enemy within a web of distinct possibilities they are unable to analyse, or even perceive in time to escape with their lives. The ability to exert his awesome power, unleash the semi-divine might that he wields in force to eradicate any and all opposition. He derides the enemy with an occasional sneer or snicker, patronising remarks and effortlessness with which he thwarts their plans, and crushes their techniques, time and again. After all, every battle is but a scene, every war but a stage in his millennia-spanning, carefully crafted play, an epic tale that tells the story of a world-changing hero, the valiant Hikaru Maebure. |
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| − | Notably, he has a penchant for varios kinds of "countdowns" during combat. Hikaru habitually progresses through meticulously calculated increments of power in a very orderly, gradual manner instead of obliterating his opponents with a single spell. Another prominent quirk of his is the tendency to make one-word qualitative remarks, such as exclaiming "magnificent" or "splendid" whenever something goes well, or saying "intriguing" when something piques his curiosity. As a result of his age, he habitually refers to others as "children" or derivatives thereof which, given that few entities still in existence are older than him, happens rather frequently. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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| + | The origin and true identity of Hikaru Maebure remain a mystery to those select few who are aware of his existence in the first place. He is neither Soul nor Hollow, and certainly nothing Human either. He speaks of events from the distant past as casually as one may speak of yesterday. There are many vague accounts of his involvement, usually indirect or from behind the scenes, in numerous pivotal events in the realm's history, reaching all the way back into the mythical and unverifiable. |
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| − | [[File:Maebure_Crest.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Maebure Family crest.]] |
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| − | For the better part of the last few millennia Hikaru has been patiently implementing a complex, multi-stage plan that aligns mostly - yet not ''exactly'' - with that of the Coven's as a whole. Ascending to the status of a demigod of outstanding combat prowess, obtaining a powerful artefact, establishing a network of agents across the realms to the point of recruting the [[Kidō Corps (Fanon Canon)|Kidō Corps]] to the Coven's, or his, cause, all important steps in preparation for the final act. |
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| + | At some point, he purportedly fought {{bw|Ichibē Hyōsube}} – and lost. |
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| − | ==Equipment== |
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| − | '''[[Zanpakutō#Obtainment|Asauchi]]''' (浅打, "''Shallow Hit''"): After about six thousand years of extensive usage Hikaru has ultimately outgrown the need for a Zanpakutō and melded with the spirit that used to dwell within. Thus, he has been left with an empty sword, an ''asauchi'', that he continues to wield for several reasons. The sword remains his sole possession after he lost everything dear to him long ago, serves as a keepsake and a memoir of his most trusted companion. Ever the swordsmanship enthusiast, he also enjoys wielding the sword in battle, still capable of clashing with full-fledged Zanpakutō and other spiritual weapons. But there is a pragmatic cause for this as well. For with the profound power of Gainendō, Maebure is capable of exploiting the malleable template in his hands and bestow the sword with conceptual abilities as he temporarily creates, and chooses between, a selection of mock-Shikai. By default, the ''asauchi'' appears as a ''{{w|tachi}}'' with an octagonal tsuba and an ivory hilt, with a tassel of the same colour attached to the pommel. Nevertheless, it might adopt an altered form when empowered with Gainendō. |
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| − | *'''Mugen Senzai''' (無限潜在, "''Limitless Potential''"): It is said that ''asauchi'' are in fact the ultimate Zanpakutō, because they have the potential to become anything. While no separate spirit occupies Hikaru's sword anymore, it remains a spiritual weapon bonded with him. A blank canvas. And with the ability to tap into whatever concept he wishes, Maebure may temporarily imprint the weapon with any single special ability he wishes. The ''chikarago'' of Gainendō serves as the release command that shall dictate the function of the fake Shikai from that point onward. In consequence, the ''asauchi'' can be wreathed in torrential flames, turned into solid ice or energised with crackling electricity, cast potent gusts of wind or waves of pressurised water with every swing, among many, many others. For all intents and purposes, the ''asauchi'' does become a Shikai for a period of time, and one with the power of a conceptual ability at that. The sword might be used to either channel said ability directly, or to cast empowered spells of the matching category. Needless to say, in spite of not achieving the magnitude of a Bankai this is an extremely powerful weapon owing to its astounding versatility. Whatever effect he wishes to achieve or an enemy weakness to exploit, Hikaru is capable of moulding the weapon accordingly to assist him. Nevertheless, while the ''asauchi'' does boast the potential to become anything, it can be any single thing at a time only, and to change the state is to cleanse the former and impart another concept later on. |
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| − | '''Kinpaku Yoroi''' (金箔鎧, "''Gilded {{w|Panoply}}''"): An ornate set of light plate armour in Hikaru's possession ever since his days as a valiant Balancer of Souls. Forged from the same metal that Asauchi are made of, tempered with the heat of the Sun and enchanted with arcane wards, Kinpaku Yoroi is a magnificent artefact truly appropriate for the warrior mage. The set offers full body protection without hindering his movements, complete with a helmet that resembles a diadem. Ivory in colour, it boasts a distinct golden sheen and ebony black rims. Upon closer inspection the brims are revealed to be an intricate arrangement of magical runes. In addition, the set of armour comes with a white cape adorned with the black crest of Maebure's family. Masterfully crafted as well as reinforced with potent magic Kinpaku Yoroi offers not only considerable protection but also a minor enhancement of combat performance, channeling Hikaru's energies in a manner similar to an actual Asauchi. As such, it provides a reasonable stand-in for Chūseishisei when he wishes to participate actively in combat, or another layer of defence when he deploys the ward and focuses upon the employment of Kidō. Not seen donning the armour in recent memory, the set remains on display within his private chambers. Waiting until the time comes to participate in another pivotal battle. |
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| − | '''{{bw|Ōin}}''' (王印, "''King's Seal''"): The Ōin is a potent artefact which belongs to the Royal Family. This arcane device grants masterful dimensional control to the being who wields it, provided the entity has cut it with power at least equal to a [[Bankai]]. Once those requirements are met, the wielder may employ the artefact to manipulate space, teleport and locally control time. Thought lost in the turmoil surrounding the momentous events of the {{bw|Quincy Blood War}}, the artefact has been collected in secret by Hikaru himself. The item remains stored safely in an enchanted box hidden within his personal chambers. One can scarcely imagine what a being of his power and, more importantly, ''ambitions'' might achieve with such a potent device at his disposal. Only time can tell. |
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==Powers and Abilities== |
==Powers and Abilities== |
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{|class="toccolours collapsible collapsed navbox" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="{{Radius|7px|7px|7px|7px}} float: center; font-size:90%; width:100%;" |
{|class="toccolours collapsible collapsed navbox" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="{{Radius|7px|7px|7px|7px}} float: center; font-size:90%; width:100%;" |
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| − | !colspan="2" style="{{Radius|7px|7px|7px|7px}} text-align:center; font-size:13.5px; font-weight:bold; background:#36454F;{{Gradient|# |
+ | !colspan="2" style="{{Radius|7px|7px|7px|7px}} text-align:center; font-size:13.5px; font-weight:bold; background:#36454F;{{Gradient|#7851A9|#240E15}}; color:#FFFFFF"|<center>'''Combat Skills'''</center> |
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| − | '''[[Zanjutsu (LordGalvatron)| |
+ | '''[[Zanjutsu (LordGalvatron)|Master Swordsman]]''': In addition to his aptitude for magic, Hikaru has always had a penchant for swordsmanship. To wield a Zanpakutō was an opportunity to obtain a reliable companion, and a way to weaponise a facet of one's very soul. Since time immemorial he has wielded the ''{{w|tachi}}'' at his side. A simple and effective tool, so much more elegant than purely physical blows, and much easier to wield than the abstract displays of magic. So that Hikaru mastered ''zanjutsu'' in order to employ the sword as a focal point for his tremendous power. He knows by heart every single ''waza'' and ''kata'' there is. Sword-fighting has become second nature to him. Effortless, almost subconscious. All he needs is to wish to cut the enemy, and his body, mind, and soul unite to make that happen. A seasoned master, he does not require to exert himself, prepare himself to perform some of the more complex manoeuvres of the art. If he wants to perform an attack, the attack immediately transpires. With the facility, swiftness, and precision befitting an exceptional fencer. So great is his liking and so high his skill in the art that he can deftly slay many an opponent with his blade alone. |
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| − | *'''[[Zanjutsu (LordGalvatron)#Way of Moderation|Chūyōdō]]''' (中庸道, "''Way of Moderation''"): The first, the simplest, the broadest in extent. The Way of Moderation is the core of Shinigami swordsmanship, the foundation upon which they may choose to expand once they acquire expert skill and decide to pursue a certain specialty. Or, a few decide to continue developing this balanced, unimpressive, yet extremely comprehensive form. Each one of the five derived combat systems can be subsumed in the original one. After all, the moves and sequences are only single letters and words in the poem that is swordsmanship, while the form behind them is the intent, the message to be conveyed by their total. Maebure has learnt and perfected every single of the 378 ''waza'' and their plentiful ''kata'', so that he does not truly have to "perform" them. If he wants to slash, thrust, sally, block, or parry, engage in a more elaborate manoeuvre and deploy a clever trick, that happens. With several millennia of experience under his belt there is no place for deliberation or strain as he fights. Only supremely honed actions and reactions, sharp reflexes and almost flawless intuition. In the meantime, the balance of ''chūyōdō'' allows him to maintain the versatility he so esteems, with fluent, careful bladework, measured moves and the ability to weave in Kidō spells as he sees fit to unite the two arts in a single astounding display of undeniable prowess. ''Chūyōdō'' is more than moves and sequences, more than swordsmanship, it is also a combat philosophy that extends to his overall approach to battle. Flexible, extensive, harmonious and prudent. Efficient, and effective. |
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| + | With a prominent focus upon swift, efficient, and highly fluent moves, Hikaru favours the elegance of ''[[Zanjutsu (LordGalvatron)#Way of Precision|seimitsudō]]'', the Way of Precision, first and foremost. Fluid one-handed swings, often employed with minute twirls of the wrist, rapid, crippling sallies, and nonchalant parries are par for the course. All the while he evades retaliation with natural ease, measured singular steps, in an almost dance-like manner. A supreme fencer indeed. And versatile, for in order to better express his wealth of experience during a display of exceptional swordsmanship he employs elements of the other forms, as well. In spite of his ostensibly amicable and respectful disposition, to cross blades with him is to virtually sign one's own death warrant. Hikaru's blade swirls and thrusts, lightning-fast, like a blur of cold steel. No telegraphed move shall pass by, no opening shall remain unexploited. Each fraction of a second counts. In fact, such is his expertise that he can easily anticipate enemy manoeuvres, read them like an open book. And those who falter soon find out that there is truly no escape. For with a simple exertion of spiritual pressure Hikaru extends the reach of his physical blade to cut down the unsightly cowards from afar. |
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| − | *'''[[Zanjutsu (LordGalvatron)#Way of the Swift Blade|Kyūhadō]]''' (急刃道, "''Way of the Swift Blade''"): Speed is one of the essential factors that determine the outcome of a battle. A large enough disparity might render many, if not most other factors negligible or entirely irrelevant in their influence as two or more spiritual beings clash. Naturally, this holds true for swordsmanship as well as the vast majority of different combat systems, mortal and spiritual alike. The most comprehensive defence can be circumvented if the attacker is swift enough to insert the blade in any of the openings that appears here and there for a marginal fraction of a second. Alternately, no matter how strong, piercing and skilful a strike, there will be no damage inflicted if the blade fails to hit the mark, physically or metaphysically. The art of ''kyūhadō'' provides added focus to any of the main forms of swordsmanship. Supernatural mobility, evasion, reflexes and motions are what the style embodies. Any Shinigami with a modicum of talent and experience can swing their blade really fast, but that is little more than flailing a metal stick. No, ''kyūhadō'' kneads the concept of speed in swordsmanship into a full-fledged work of ''art''. Those who master it can not only swing fast, they can perceive and react with equally tremendous speed as well, they build their entire fighting style with this ability in mind. Exasperated beyond measure by many an enemy who simply avoided his strikes, time and again, Hikaru sought to perfect ''kyūhadō'' to outpace them at every step, only to become able to finish numerous duels in a single, imperceptible one. For the Swift Blade is capable of ''anticipating'' as well, the synapses flare as the senses detect an opening, an opportunity to strike, and his entire being shifts his location to strike the opponent down instantly. Each fraction of a second is a crucial unit of time for someone as nimble as Maebure, for they can well decide the victor as his blade becomes a blur, moving so fast that reality itself struggles to process the motion while its surface becomes distorted with ripples of disturbed space. |
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| − | *'''Fūken''' (風剣, "''Wind Sword''"): One of the properties of the bladework of a genuine master, and a way to overcome one of the inherent shortcomings of mundane swordsmanship. Just as the blade that Hikaru wields is more than a normal sword, he is more than a normal swordsman. Spiritual pressure, the emanations of his titanic spiritual power, extends his presence into the real world in a palpable manner. Given his outstanding proficiency in controlling said aura, the spiritual pressure becomes an additional limb, or perhaps another layer of his whole existence. As a result, when somebody enters the range of his spiritual pressure, one enters the range of his blade as well. One could say that each physical swing of the blade is more of a magic gesture rather than the actual, and only, carrier of the killing intent. For the blade is the focal point and the point of origin, while Reiatsu serves as the medium for that intent to extend its reach substantially. Side-stepping a slash of his entails a marginal delay before one's death, every thrust and sally might casually pierce more than just air, but ten rows of buildings or trees in the same direction. No miniscule effort shall prove sufficient to evade his blade because for that the enemy has to avoid the trajectory altogether. Moreover, distance is largely meaningless, and a faulty means of defence one should not really rely upon in a confrontation with a swordsman of Maebure's calibre. |
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| + | '''[[Hakuda (LordGalvatron)|Hakuda Expert]]''': Hakuda is undisputably the least developed combat skill of Hikaru, even though his proficiency in unarmed combat, owing to a combination of immense experience and excellent physical fitness, still places him in a high class. His moveset consists primarily of gentle, but fast and unpredictable kicks, punches, and sallies the main purpose of which is to either throw the enemy off-balance, or to incapacitate them within an instant. While never his primary method of fighting, Maebure nonetheless is still competent in the art. He is able to effectively supplement his other skills, and employ Hakuda successfully even against strong enemies, should the need arise. |
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| − | *'''Haori''' (刃織り, "''Blade Weave''"): Another inherent property of the fighting style of a seasoned master, the pinnacle of facility with which one wields the blade. There exist 378 ''waza'', moves, that act as malleable template strikes to achieve specific goals in a specific manner. Then, there are numerous ''kata'', fluent sequences that connect ''waza'' in a dance-like manner, so that the swordsman transitions from one another seamlessly. Then, there are forms, focusing lens for the swordsmanship as a whole, distinct combat philosophies that determine the underlying intent behind each and every move. And then, there exists Haori. For a veteran master such as Hikaru separate ''waza'', ''kata'' and ''michi'' become blurred, integral parts of a single whole. For him, there is no longer anything ''separate'' about them, just the concept of swordsmanship remains. The one his bladework embodies. No transition is too hard or outlandish to perform, there are no intervals between the strikes that stem from hesitation or difficulty. Instead, the blade forms a veritable barrier, weaves an intricate web of slashes, thrusts, sallies and parries, a continuous assault and an impenetrable defence. Hikaru's blade might as well be everywhere and nowhere at the same time, always ready to act whenever and wherever it is required. In consequence, there are no "blind spots" as Maebure fights with his blade, only the tempered spiritual steel of the ''asauchi''. |
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| + | '''Shinkō Master''' (神光, "''God Flash''"): To wield light is to be as swift as a ray of light. Strong attacks will not inflict any damage if they fail to hit their target, and there is only so much damage even perdurable defences can absorb ere they inevitably falter. That is especially true considering Hikaru's immense power, as many of his enemies would simply continue to evade his devastating strikes, time and again, forcing him to expend excessive effort to defeat them. Nevertheless, like any powerful fighter, Hikaru has got a high-speed movement technique at his disposal. So that he may pursue, and outrun, some of his most elusive opponents. Owing to this unique ability, Maebure can accelerate himself, or his blade, to perform a leap or strike of incredible celerity. In a brief, abrupt impulse, not unlike the technique employed by expert {{bw|Fullbringer}}s, he achieves an exceptional degree of swiftness; with staggering speed he closes the distance, or avoids retaliation, a tangible mirage. More than that, when employed at high throttle Shinkō seems to transform Maebure into a creature of pure light, in a flash of bedazzling radiance that may well temporarily blind anyone who dares gaze upon him. And, most intriguingly of all, he can phase altogether through many enemy attacks or obstructions – provided light can do so, of course. |
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| − | '''[[Wonders of the Blade]]''' (斬驚異, ''kikyōi''): Swordsmanship is merely the mundane foundation of Zanjutsu. What separates proficient Shinigami and Sōzōshin from mortal swordsmen is their ability to wield the spiritual weapons that are Zanpakutō, with all that entails. They are physical, tangible shards of their very souls and home to preternatural entities that grant equally unusual abilities. Expert Zanjutsu users come to realise the importance of the spiritual aspect of this combat system, while masters train and meditate to obtain power not unlike magic. Shikai and Bankai are by far the most notable and popular examples of such power, where a simple ''katana'', or ''tachi'', receives vastly different forms and incredible might. But there exist other, more obscure advanced techniques. Ones that are closely tied with the metaphysical aspect of Zanpakutō in general, and ones that embody the concept of swordsmanship as well. They are the ultimate achievement of a genuine Zanjutsu master, an indication of immense experience and outstanding talent. Even though the spirit of Hikaru's Zanpakutō has departed the blade he wields, the ''asauchi'' that remains is still a spiritual weapon, closely tied with the wielder, like an additional limb he can employ in battle. So does his mastery of spiritual swordsmanship remain to serve as the focusing lens for his divine potential. Consequently, he is capable of performing several so-called Wonders of the Blade, through his own merit rather than with the help of another spiritual being. |
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| − | *'''Araumi''' (荒海, "''Riptide''"): Distance is a crucial factor in combat. What good is a powerful move if it does not hit the mark? Why would a swordsman let the enemy run circles around them, twist away from or phase through their incessant strikes? Why would a swordsman dilute one's efforts and focus with the subtle intricacies of [[Hohō (LordGalvatron)|Hohō]], an art of preternatural mobility undeniably useful yet not always the best solution? The answer is, one needs not to feel helpless. Hikaru has proven many times that he is capable of finding the response to whatever challenge is presented before him, and not just with application of even greater force. And if such challenge is the distance to traverse on the path to victory, then it is only appropriate for him to employ the versatile, invaluable tool at his disposal - and cut. Excise the offensive amount of space between him and the opponent with a single slash, a metaphysical slash that removes the boundary and brings the two together in one fell swoop. This is perhaps a technique less gracious than Shunpo, less prone to elaboration, but undoubtedly effective, all the more because it is a swordsman's inherent weakness conquered through their inherent strength. Whereas Maebure boasts alternate means of high-speed movement through the art of Kidō, he retains this skill due to its less atypical properties and significantly better facility of use. Generally, it is his habitual means of fast travel, less suspicious and better suited to set up the surprise that the aforementioned display of magic can cause. |
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| + | '''[[Kidō (LordGalvatron)#Gainendō|Gainendō Master]]''' (概念道, "''Way of the Notion''"): Gainendō is conceptual magic: the power to call upon the most fundamental elements of existence to assist Hikaru in battle. Unlike traditional Kidō, it is devoid of chants, ranks, and categories, so that there are no arbitrary limitations to hinder his performance. Truly astonishing in its scope, and horrifying in its magnitude, the only thing to limit Gainendō is the wielder's might and willpower. And he certainly does not lack either. Owing to his unimaginably immense experience, but a thought is typically sufficient to wield this raw, pure magic in high-level combat effectively, with a remarkable degree of control. However, the art does exhibit a certain criterion to realise its full potential. '''Word of Power''' (力語, ''chikarago'') is the solemn command to ensure the spell is complete and, as such, far more effective. As if he were wielding a hundred different Zanpakutō, he can incinerate a city in a blazing inferno, or encase all of it in perdurable ice with a flash freeze. He can stir torrential winds that level entire settlements, produce bolts of lightning that scar the face of earth. Or, unleash the purest form of destructive energy to shatter whole mountains with each earnest strike. After all, for Hikaru to call forth a concept to his aid is to summon the forces of nature themselves. The result is simply astounding. Frightening. Perplexing. The world itself seems to submit to his will for that moment, lending an aspect of it for Maebure to wield and use as if it were his own limb. Whilst he wields his ''tachi'' in a duel, Gainendō is the power he employs to change the world. |
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| − | *'''Kiku-Ichimonji''' (菊一文字, "''Sanguine Blossom''"): A blade, even a spiritual one, might struggle against the inherently supernatural power of magic. Majestic wards are conjured to stand in the way of physical harm so that volleys of hundreds of strikes or singular swings of mountain-shattering strength are to no avail. Naturally, every ward and barrier has a limited amount of durability, however high that mysterious value is. As a result, it is possible to overcome them with sheer force... but is the arduous effort worth the result, as other layers continue to stand in its way? Magical energies can be intercepted and redirected, as well, for who knows best how to combat them than a masterful wielder of Kidō? With growing understanding of the importance of traits and qualities other than brute force, Maebure recognised the utility of the skill to ''circumvent'' such perdurable obstacles altogether. The blade of a seasoned Zanjutsu master may cut. Cut whatever the master wishes to cut. For those of exceptional proficiency, this means that any things that get in the way of the strike can be outright ''ignored'', to allow him to reach the actual target irrespective of them. The blade phases through the most comprehensive of wards to rend the frail flesh of an unfortunate mage. Nevertheless, to ignore such potent magical defences is not a trivial matter, and considerable strain afflicts Maebure as the price to pay for violating the ordinary rules of engagement. |
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| ⚫ | *'''Destroy''' (撃つ, ''utsu''): To surmount the most formidable of opponents. By far Hikaru's favourite aspect of the art, as it is the most direct outlet for his tremendous potential. The pure destructive force capable of levelling whole towns is the basic, default display of the concept to destroy. Brilliant, scarlet energy that threatens to consume everything and everyone in its path, whether it assumes the shape of a beam, a sphere, a projectile, a column, a current, or some other from among the myriad that Maebure can imagine, up to and including more elaborate constructs. The spells cast with the intent to destroy work on a fundamental level, and are as powerful as they are comprehensive. First, it is worth noting that they are not limited to affecting merely the physical, for they can target mental and metaphysical targets as well. True, they can erase cities from maps in a flash of blinding light, but they do not have to. When deployed against an enemy, they can leave the flesh unscathed, yet deprive them of their soul, or shatter their will in an instant. For they ''destroy'', and nothing can escape the ultimate fate of all existence. Furthermore, they are not limited in terms of the forms and qualities they boast either. With a proper Word of Power Hikaru is capable of calling forth the concept of fire, ice, lightning, wind, water, earth, or metal, among others. He may decide to cleave the inseparable, to pierce the impenetrable, to disintegrate the invincible. They are perhaps slightly less effective than the basic displays, yet boast unique advantages, offer much-needed specialisation in particular, and offensive versatility in general. If the enemy weathers the initial onslaught of magical devastation, Maebure shall carry on. He shall test the opponent to discover their weaknesses, and conjure the appropriate spells to exploit them immediately once he succeeds. The enemy can evade, can resist or parry, but Hikaru shall continue to erase ground from beneath their feet and all around them, beyond the horizon, hack at, distort, and perforate the fabric of reality if need be, whatever it takes to remove the obstacle from his path, wholly, utterly, decisively. |
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| − | *'''Kōtetsu''' (虎鉄, "''Binding Darkness''"): One of the more sinister Wonders characterised by straightforward effectiveness, and one notoriously difficult to employ even for an experienced Zanjutsu specialist. An ancient technique which hails from a period of time when the goal was more important than the method. Many an opponent, especially a figher possessed of superb agility, would evade swing after swing, thrust after thrust, rendering the power and skill of a swordsman moot. Unwilling to let the enemy escape from the reach of their blades with impunity, the Balancers developed an ability that binds their sword strikes to the designated target on a metaphysical level. As such, with a proper amount of spiritual energy spent to ensure success, the attack bolstered in this manner becomes all but unavoidable. In consequence, once Hikaru's blade reaches the opponent there is virtually no escape. The enemy marked by Kōtetsu has to either block, parry, or perish. |
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| ⚫ | *'''Protect''' (守る, ''mamoru''): To withstand the most harsh of punishment. The value of protective spells is beyond measure, and they can serve him well in a number of differing situations. Miniature shields may shift in and out of existence to intercept rapid attacks, or anticipate would-be ambushes, great walls and barriers rise to stop destructive assaults in their tracks, force fields envelop his being to protect him from omnidirectional attacks and ground-shaking devastation. Furthermore, they can take multiple forms, boast varying durability and duration, overlap, or transition from one another at a moment's notice, whatever he desires. Any and all of them are perdurable indeed, from the smallest shield to the most comprehensive spherical barrier. They embody the concept of defence, so they defend. They stop fists of a martial artist, the blade of a swordsman, the spells of a wizard. They shall stand in the way of ''anything'' that could potentially pose a threat to the wellbeing of their caster. They dim blinding light, dampen deafening noise, neutralise poison, shield his mind and soul from outside influence. They stop what Hikaru wants them to stop, without arbitrary restrictions. They are neutral, stable, and thorough, insusceptible to any particular element, and extremely resistant to conventional methods of dealing damage. For those spells are Hikaru's battlements, his walls, his redoubt, and they shall protect him in the most dire of circumstances. |
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| − | *'''Muramasa''' (村正, "''Doomed Aspirations''"): Zanpakutō is much more than a simple slab of sharp metal. It is metaphysical tool of maintaining spiritual balance, one that allows Shinigami and Sōzōshin alike to purify and send lost Souls back where they belong. And for a seasoned Zanjutsu master it becomes far more. As they fight, continue to hunt {{bw|Hollow}}s and participate in countless battles, their Zanpakutō grows with them, gains experience and power. More than that, it begins to store memories of all these battles and counts the tally of defeated enemies. So that, in a time of need, a Zanjutsu master might call upon the memory of the fallen and summon them to combat at one's side. Ghastly apparitions emerge from the blade that has struck them down in the past, and assume their old forms. They are but shadows of their former selves, with merely a trace of personality, experience and special abilities they once had. Still, they offer a unique opportunity to bring forth an entire army to the battlefield as a form of recognition to the Zanjutsu master's accomplishments and history. For someone like Maebure this means a colossal army indeed, for throughout several thousand years of constant warfare he has accumulated a truly frightening headcount. Then, whenever he wishes, those former enemies provide a modicum of their old power to support him in battle. Armies of rank-and-file troops are destroyed by their undead counterparts, while a single formidable foe might struggle to overcome such numbers of wraiths converging upon them. And, among them, there are several ancient Souls, Hollows and [[Yōkai (LordGalvatron)|Yōkai]] of Captain-class and beyond. There is another use for this skill, too. In a single strike, Hikaru is able to permanently unleash a number of said ghosts to reinforce the attack with truly sinister spirituality that may erode much more than steel and flesh, but magical barriers and the enemy's soul as well. |
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| ⚫ | *'''Restrain''' (抑える, ''osaeru''): To intercept and bind the most agile of escape artists. Kidō is extremely versatile, almost limitless in its scope. That is one of the main reasons many Shinigami view the art as a supplementary skillset for supporting purposes. They are not entirely mistaken. And while Hikaru himself prefers its unadulterated destructive might, at the same time he respects greatly the utility of supporting spells as well. One of the most severe weaknesses of a Kidō master is the preternatural swiftness of certain combatants. Spells frequently require preparation time to display their full power, and travel in a straightforward manner so that anticipation and evasion are not just viable, but one of the best possible ways to counter them. Be that as it may, Maebure addressed both of those shortcomings, and a third one: the enemy can, and will avoid his wrath as long as one can move. So, obviously, he has to prevent the opponent from moving at all. That is one of the basic applications of binding spells. With the command to restrain Hikaru conjures chains, cuffs, shackles, ropes, and barriers to intercept an elusive enemy, and render them susceptible to his supernatural power. Yet some prove capable of escaping from even those. As such, he can manifest more thorough means of constraining. After all, the only limit is his imagination, and that may as well entail no limit at all. Complete enclosures are a child's play. For Maebure is able to create ethereal ''prisons'', pocket dimensions that trap the target in a realm of distorted space and time to prevent all but the most advanced forms of escape. Because when he truly wishes to restrain someone, that person ''is'' restrained, anchored to a mock-reality of his own make to wait for the killing blow, hopeless, powerless. |
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| − | *'''Osafune''' (備前長船, "''Verse of Oblivion''"): The blade is a physical construct. So it is only logical that the reach of the blade may be hindered with other physical objects that cross its path. Another blade intercepts a would-be killing blow, a shield is risen, a set of armour protects the frail flesh of the enemy. More than that, a complex layer of interwoven spiritual energies might be fashioned into the form of a barrier to create a zone of no entry. But Hikaru is not limited to the physical, and he does not have to cut the physical. His will and soul may be channeled through the blade as it strikes to not as much pierce ostensibly insurmountable barriers as to completely ignore them, magic, steel, flesh, to cut the very core of the opponent's being: their soul. Such a hit phases through ordinary means of defence unabated to leave no mark on the body but a metaphysical wound on the enemy's heart, one that enfeebles them profoundly. Removes a portion of their resolve and spiritual power. Nevertheless, to inflict such a wound Maebure has to exert his own metaphysical aspects, which is, needless to say, no effortless task. A noticeable exertion is indeed a rare occurrence for the mage. |
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| ⚫ | *'''Restore''' (戻す, ''modosu''): To recover from the gravest damage. Certain opponents are erased with a single thought, some may survive long enough to hack away uselessly at his wards and inevitably perish. But then there are those select few for whom Maebure has been specifically preparing. Those who can strike him no matter the distance, no matter the preparation, no matter the wards that protect him. In combat of the highest order, damage is inevitable. Yet, it does not have to be permanent, or crippling, or decisive. As long as Hikaru maintains his existence, even if in the form of a battered and burnt husk, he can exert his willpower and command the universe to wholly restore his physical vessel. This is more than a healing spell, this is the ability to ''restore'' anything he can perceive back to its original condition, from before the deeds of the enemy have caused them harm and diminishment. He may restore lost limbs of his own, and his followers, reinvigorate them from near death, but also undo the damage to his very environment. All it takes is for him to possess knowledge of the previous state, the one from before severe damage has been sustained, so that the concept of restoration might annul that transgression from the flow of time. Body, mind, and soul, even portions of the world can be granted their second chance in this manner. Nevertheless, there exists no such thing that could possibly pay for itself, so that the ability to restore always requires an appropriate manner of energy spent, sometimes a steep price indeed, which may only be replenished in the natural manner – through rest. |
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| + | *'''Dominate''' (圧する, ''assuru''): To exert ultimate authority. Perhaps, this is one of the most dangerous abilities that Hikaru possesses. He thinks of himself as a demigod, acts like a demigod, ''is'' a demigod. To compare that might to that of a mortal is to compare a plain with the highest peak, the one that looms above everything else, reaches toward the vault of heaven, inching ever so closely. Be that as it may, not unlike the {{bw|Quincy}}, Maebure can assert dominance upon ambient spirit particles to temporarily obtain even greater power, and on a truly grand scale at that. But a thought allows him to accumulate the abundant resource from the atmosphere of a spiritual realm, whilst {{bw|Sklaverei|actual effort}} renders the very landscape around him a source of power, as well. As long as the Reishi which he decides to seize has no will of its own, it is an easy matter. But for it to constitute a living, thinking being entails no immunity, anyway. Minor entities, such as ordinary Souls or Hollows, can be torn apart into their most basic components to, rather involuntarily, lend their power to Hikaru. More than that, a genuine exertion proves a threat even to those possessed of a notable power of their own. However, there is more that Hikaru can accomplish with this technique. After all, he can dominate indeed, and instead of rendering the environment an external source of energy, he is capable of reshaping that very environment to his advantage. Stones, trees, buildings, morph into defensive bulwarks, makeshift prisons, or rows of cannons. For someone to wield the power to literally change the world is frightening, and whether that is the maximum extent of Maebure's ability remains a chilling mystery. |
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| − | !colspan="2" style="{{Radius|7px|7px|7px|7px}} text-align:center; font-size:13.5px; font-weight:bold; background:#36454F;{{Gradient|# |
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| ⚫ | '''Enhanced Strength''': The signature trait of Hikaru is his astronomical spiritual power, not so much physical strength. Nevertheless, the amount of the former has some impact on the extent of the latter. That is because spiritual entities do not rely solely on the strength of their physical vessels, but can also tap into a supply of spiritual energy to invigorate their tendons and muscles far above the feats mere mortals can achieve. Somewhat surprisingly, perhaps, Maebure does not rely on brute force in a sword-fight. However, he has conditioned his body through strict training regimens and countless of battles to his credit. Thus, his physical strength has become noticeably greater than the average for a high-level spiritual being. The momentum behind his sword strikes is sufficient to casually cut through and pierce buildings, he may lift and toss giant boulders, and offer considerable resistance to opponents superior in that regard if need be. While his strength is far from being his primary asset, it should not be underestimated. |
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| − | '''Kaihen''' (改変, "''Alteration''"): Kidō is a magnificent art, for it can turn a figment of imagination into an element of reality. Give birth to dreams and ideas as they assume their shapes and forms in the real world to interact with it and its denizens in a tangible manner. So it is a pity to observe while such displays of supernatural skill and boundless creativity end up forced into categories, chained and shackled with arbitrary properties and limitations. Magic is the power to make everything real, so to impose such limits upon it is all but outrageous. Fortunately, only casual practitioners and experts of Kidō are constrained in such a way, for genuine masters strive to sustain the art in its pure, unadulterated form, unrestrained and glorious. For someone like Hikaru, who had been observing the art come into existence and develop throughout the history, but who also personally laboured to analyse and dismantle every aspect of magic back to its constituents, it is only natural to wield that true Kidō with utmost facility. When deployed by him all spells, traditional, custom or conceptual, are malleable templates with a single fundamental idea behind them to grant them proper power. Thus, he can shape them readily, adjust their power and scale, or even properties to a degree, as long as they stay true to their core. This includes not only spells whilst they are cast, but also afterward, allowing them to adapt to the ever-changing situation. As a result, most well-known and some obscure countermeasures and tactics might prove inadequate in the face of magic that evolves continuously to overcome any and all obstacles. |
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| ⚫ | '''Enhanced Durability''': Such is the case with toughness, where spiritual energy permeates the body and acts as a cushion to dampen the damage sustained. And in this case as well Hikaru was not content with just the degree he had been naturally granted, but sought to improve with active effort. He has endured hundreds of wars and battles, sustained innumerable wounds, and still bears visible scars as a memoir of the events that changed his entire life. Exposed to harm so many times the body has been toughened on its own, and then reinforced with spiritual energy even further. So that, as a primarily a physical fighter rather than a proper wizard, Maebure proves durable enough to subvert the stereotype of fragility usually associated with those who employ magic as their primary means of combat. In terms of toughness, he is more like a hill than a man, and to wound or destroy him is equivalent to toppling an entire hill. Not impossible for those of exceptional prowess, but not that easy either. |
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| − | '''Kageho''' (影歩, "''Shadow Step''"): Some wizards can manage while sacrificing mobility in pursuit of greater knowledge, whether their opponents are unable to exploit the flaw or the former's prowess is so remarkable that their attack power and wards compensate for that flaw. But why make such a needless sacrifice if the very art that causes them to specialise may offer appropriate means of fast travel? [[Hohō (LordGalvatron)|Hohō]] is a skill distantly related to Kidō, as it also revolves around meticulous usage of spiritual energy and pressure, in addition to physical movement many spellcasters are so not keen on. To a warrior mage who is not above a purely physical exertion, but who also seeks to improve every single ability pertinent to combat at their disposal, like is the case with Hikaru, there is a way to address the topic of supernatural agility. With an exertion of will through spiritual pressure that is testament to his unparalleled skill, Maebure can warp spacetime between him and his destination point to, for all intents and purposes, ''remove'' the distance that separates them. What is far away is brought into a single place within a single instant. While this ability is not as susceptible to elaboration and the performance of fancy tricks seasoned masters of Hohō enjoy, Kageho is considered strictly superior to Shunpo. Almost as effortless as employed by Hikaru, it allows to strain causality due to dimensional distortions involved and, most importantly, renders conventional ways of interception on the move ineffective. Nothing short of another powerful source of spatiotemporal phenomena can stop Hikaru in his tracks, not to mention threaten him as he squeezes his existence through a tunnel of warped reality in nanoseconds, regardless of the actual realspace distance that separates him from the destination point. In fact, such usage causes afterimages to emerge, because for that single moment Hikaru is virtually in two different places simultaneously, and the senses of his opponents usually need a while to discern the transition at all. |
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| ⚫ | '''Great Endurance''': Great strength and durability do not amount to much if the fighter succumbs to fatigue after a while. One might shake the earth with each strike, withstand such blows almost unperturbed, but it is important to be able to maintain peak performance for a period of time adequate to overcome the opposition. Otherwise, one may be defeated by the weakness of their own body rather than any direct action on their enemy's part. Hikaru is well aware of that issue, and increasing stamina was one of the many goals of his physical conditioning process. Even unaided, his body is capable of remarkable exertion for equally impressive periods of time. Simple swings of a blade tire him not, a volley of thrusts and slashes all the while manoeuvring faster than the eye can see does not sap him of staying power that easily. Furthermore, he exhibits unnatural fortitude as well. With his body battered, perhaps a limb cut off, he can still stand up and continue fighting, unyielding. |
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| − | '''Kengen''' (顕現, "''Manifestation''"): In general, Kidō is viewed as a supplementary skillset, respected for its remarkable utility and versatility, the invaluable support it can provide on a battlefield and in a plethora of less dire situations. Or, sometimes more. Nevertheless, many Shinigami do not regard magic as suitable for direct combat, a full-fledged primary choice like Hakuda or Zanjutsu. This is because at basic and moderate levels, Kidō is rather unwieldy. Spells require proper focus, but also spoken chants and names. Those require precious time to recite, while the more physically oriented opponents are practically free to interfere in the meantime. More than that, those who are knowledgeable enough recognise what the mage has in store for them and can deploy appropriate tactics, brace themselves or prepare to dodge a powerful spell to render the caster's effort in vain. Of course, they could simply forgo incantations, or even any utterance at all, but that would mean abandoning the process of much needed concentration and a violation of the principle of ''{{w|kotodama}}'', which dictates that spoken words grant power. An obvious shortcoming that genuine specialists endeavour to overcome with experience and skill. They memorise the feeling and traits associated with their spells, examine them closely, learn the most intricate of details to facilitate the process. With time, they can indeed forgo portions or any utterances without a significant detriment to the spell's quality. They can learn to combine chants, or reinforce a hastily cast spell with a following recitation. But that is not the end. For those mages like Hikaru, several thousand years old individuals of tremendous power, outstanding skill, strong resolve and immense experience, acquire the ability to cast spells with natural ease. The concept of magic permeates them, spells are engraved in their psyche, their bodies are rendered focal points for magical energies. Maebure, a spellcaster of unrivalled prowess, does not need to speak a single word to produce unimpeded high-level spells one after another, just as he does not require effort to think or lift his hand. Indeed, he thinks of them, and thus they come to life in all their glory, unabated. He ''manifests'' rather than casts them, and reality has little choice but to accept exertion of his will as phenomena not unlike forces of nature at work. Regardless, even that is not the end of his capability in terms of spellcasting. Should he decide to call upon the power of concept, to issue the vocal command to summon and exploit it, the ensuant spell is a truly magnificent display, wholly superior to any example of traditional Kidō in might, efficiency and scope. And, on top of that, to announce that it is none other but the profound art of Gainendō at work, entails the beginnings of a metaphysical calamity, a ground-shattering spectacle of fundamental magic unequalled in what seems to be the actual ''concept'' itself heeding the command to assist Maebure in battle. |
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| ⚫ | '''Immense Agility''' : The ability to manoeuvre about the battlefield at high speed, as well as react to more or less predictable turns of events in time, is indeed a valuable trait to possess. Owing to his preference for a far more active and mobile approach to combat than is typical of a Kidō master, Hikaru has honed his agility and reflexes to an amazing degree. He is no doubt a highly nimble fighter, capable of deftly evading enemy blows and techniques instead of relying solely upon his defences to protect him from damage. While confident to the point of ostensive carelessness, he is actually a very vigilant person, always ready to react to a sudden event, or a supposed ambush. Nevertheless, despite the high quality of his well-conditioned physical vessel, there is only so much he can achieve in this regard without a proper high-speed movement technique. Some of the swiftest opponents can outpace him in the midst of battle – nothing he cannot anticipate and prepare against, however. |
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| − | '''Mahōki''' (魔法斬, "''Enchanted Blade''"): |
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| ⚫ | '''Genius Intellect''': In spite of the ostensible, Hikaru was never a fool. True, his arrogance, impetuousness and a single-minded approach tended to hamper his outstanding intellect, sometimes with catastrophic results. But when his raw power proved inadequate means of accomplishing his goals several times, Maebure finally realised the folly of his attitude. He matured tremendously and decided to always consider the situation properly, analyse and choose a course of action in a deliberate manner. Certainly, he has the mental acuity to do so successfully. Somewhat paradoxically, one of the things that used to hinder his progress was the natural ease with which Hikaru understood complex concepts. With no need for long explanations, he did not ''think'' much about the skills he acquired. He was able to become an instant expert at anything, but to become a true master he needed more. So that is why he endeavoured to properly explore the arts of combat, determine his strengths and weaknesses, and undergo training that would yield the most efficient and considerable increments in skill. With his exceptional mind he saw through the intricacies and restrictions of the arts he had been taught, then single-handedly dismantled and ''improved'' them. Hikaru has the capacity to comprehend virtually everything. Provided he has the sufficient focus, he shall discover and expose the tricks and lies he is subjected to, determine and exploit the weaknesses of his enemies, select the optimal solution to almost any issue on his way. |
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| − | '''Nagare''' (流れ, "''Flow''"): Unlike punches and kicks of [[Hakuda (LordGalvatron)|Hakuda]] or slashes and thrusts of [[Zanjutsu (LordGalvatron)|Zanjutsu]], the spells of Kidō require a supply of spiritual energy instead of physical stamina. More than that, the art of spiritual magic is much more demanding on the whole in comparison to the aforementioned two, especially when high-level spells are concerned. Some of them could threaten to entirely deplete the energy reservoir of the spellcaster after a single use, or, in the most drastic of cases, to extinguish their existence as a result of the exertion. But genuine Kidō specialists do not draw that power solely from their own reserves. Rather, they reach outward and grasp at the ambient spiritual particles that saturate the atmospheres of metaphysical realms such as {{bw|Soul Society}} or {{bw|Hueco Mundo}}. Tiny bits of shattered wills, without a cause, without a purpose, waiting for somebody to assert dominance and guide them toward a specific target. Even though Hikaru boasts a gargantuan amount of innate spiritual energy, he has never underestimated the utility and advantages of tapping into that virtually limitless source of additional energy. Furthermore, to avoid the adverse effects of fatigue after extensive usage of advanced spells, he constantly maintains connection with said reservoir. His body becomes a conduit that actively channels the ambient energy to replenish his own and mould his spells with, time and again. In consequence, to attempt to outlast him or to weather his magic is to struggle against an entire spiritual realm. |
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| ⚫ | '''Master Strategist & Tactician''': For the longest time Hikaru could not care less about empty words and nuances of politics. He was learned and eloquent, but that was just a matter of nurture. For his nature caused him to hunger for battle. So he participated in countless skirmishes, ambushes, duels, battles, campaigns and wars. He danced the dance of death, balancing at the precipice of defeat with spiritual blade and magical energies at his disposal. The expanse of his combat experience is incomprehensible to modern Shinigami. Maebure has spent plenty of time on a battlefield. Honing his skill and refining his fighting style, witnessing numerous abilities, skills and schools of combat used alongside him or against him. His knowledge could fill an entire city block with scrolls and parchments that describe the art of war in all its aspects. Moreover, he can use that knowledge to his advantage. Hikaru is aware of general combat types, the ways numerous special abilities work, what counters are optimal in a given situation, what to expect from people of certain disposition and how to guide them toward their doom, oblivious that they are being played or thinking that it does not matter. In order to properly wield a skill as expansive as Kidō, Hikaru has to act with a plan in mind, display extreme spatial awareness, quick-thinking and problem-solving capacity, concoct sophisticated plans at a moment's notice to destroy the opposition in several stages of magical devastation. And that he can. |
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| − | '''Shidō''' (指導, "''Guidance''"): One of the largest inherent flaws of Kidō is the relatively straightforward nature of most of its spells. Many of them are cast in the direction of the target and proceed accordingly, whether or not the target actually stays in the same place in the meantime. This way even colossal displays of magical devastation may end up completely in vain, provided the opponent is swift enough to avoid damage altogether. That was especially the case with Hikaru, whose enormous power had forever been his most signature trait. Intimidated by or wary of said power, his enemies frequently struggled to get out of the path of his earth-shaking attacks, sometimes emerging unscathed in spite of his own exertion. Surely, that was an issue that required a definitive solution. One that had proven logical, undemanding and efficient all at the same time. Once cast, a spell does not have to be "detached" from the original caster. Maebure can maintain strict control of his techniques for as long as they exist, which, obviously, includes their trajectory. Many an opponent overjoyed that one has avoided a potentially crippling attack might soon regret one's premature satisfaction when it turns out the supposedly evaded spell keeps following one closely. Shidō is the means to ensure that the enemy shall not escape the spell in question, easily, or at all. |
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| ⚫ | '''Strong Resolve''': Just as stamina is required to keep the body in fighting condition, fortitude and willpower are what reinforces the mind behind that body, and allows Hikaru to persevere through the most dire of situations. To continue fighting no matter the odds. To recover from humiliating defeats and grave mistakes that left his life, family and status in ruins. To never lose sight of his ultimate goal and strive toward it in spite of all the obstacles on his way. To trample or outlast all his enemies. To exert his influence upon the world in a way that shakes its foundations. To reinforce his techniques and spells so that they can serve as carriers for the power of concepts. Maebure is virtually dauntless, for what may a demigod fear? Intimidation and scare tactics are in vain when deployed against him. He has overcome most of his doubts and bolstered his ego. He ''cannot'' lose, no matter what. He knows that he is the sole being who can change the world for the better, at least in his own opinion, and acts with the attitude that just might make that possible. Hikaru's resolve is the foundation of his enormous power. |
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| − | '''Shōchaku''' (生着, "''Engraftment''"): Many spells, especially of the ''hadō'' variety, are associated with transient phenomena. Oftentimes, they are charged and cast to take a specific effect, only to fade away or disappear in an explosion of magical energies. The entire process is generally brief, the spells fleeting. But every once in a while such an immediate effect may actually not be what the mage desires. To form elaborate traps, stages in a convoluted plan or to achieve other equally beneficial results, Hikaru learnt to ''engraft'' spells in any object, place or even person, of his choosing. In this manner it does not have to fulfil its function the moment it is cast. Rather, the spell is embedded in a rock, a building, a tree, or perhaps concealed in a random location somewhere in the air, in the fabric of reality itself. It is fully formed and ready to exert its influence, but waiting until the time is right. This leads to a plethora of possible ambush tactics, distractions, metaphysical booby traps, and more to exploit in combat. The process requires only a proper exertion of will, a thought that bestows the magical effect upon something. Whereas objects and locations do not have will of their own and as such are perfect targets for this ability, individuals, veteran in particular, can offer resistance to this ability. Weaker beings are unable to prevent Maebure from detonating or incinerating their bodies in an instant, but formidable opponents are affected to a much lesser degree, in which case the engraftment functions more like a magical affliction for them to overcome. This is not the end of the ability's utility, however. For Hikaru might designate ''himself'' as the target and, completely willing to succumb to the spell, receive its qualities in reward. In a manner of speaking, this means that Maebure is capable of, quite literally, becoming a man-shaped spell himself, a fire, ice or lightning elemental, a nigh-invincible barrier warrior or a deathless mage that regenerates instantly from all but the most grave of damage. And that is just the beginning of the boons he can temporarily acquire in this way, for the magical arsenal of Hikaru Meabure is virtually endless. |
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| ⚫ | '''{{bw|Reiryoku#Spiritual Power Levels|Massive Spiritual Power}}''': The amount of spiritual energy at one's disposal has an enormous impact on their combat capacity. Physical strength, durability, stamina, agility, wit, resolve, skill, experience, they are all essential factors which determine the ability of a spiritual being to exert their influence upon the environment and upon others, to vanquish the opposition, and remove obstacles on the path toward one's ultimate goal. However, even a gifted and knowledgeable veteran will not accomplish much with a mediocre reservoir of spiritual energy. All of their undeniable qualities are impotent in the face of supreme raw power, provided the disparity is substantial enough. That is cruel truth. Maebure has conditioned his body to achieve remarkable physical fitness. Honed his skill beyond belief as he mastered perhaps the purest and profoundly powerful form of Kidō. Reinforced his resolve to never falter so easily again. While somewhat single-minded, he is a genius, with astounding experience and knowledge to depend on. Nevertheless, without a shadow of a doubt, he boasts gargantuan power. Beyond the comprehension of any ordinary Soul. One that threatens to eradicate many a foe just through the sheer fact of existing, its weight almost unbearable to individuals as strong as Captain-class. So far above them, in fact, that at its peak his power is nearly beyond their scope to perceive. Too expansive to be seen with their eyes in full, just like the world around them extends beyond the horizon. For he boasts the power nothing short of a demigod's. In all of {{bw|Soul Society}} there may be no single person, neither Captain nor Divine General, who could hope to clash with him in a duel and emerge victorious. When exerted, said power illuminates the world with an intense aura of <font color=#FF2400>scarlet</font> colour, which seems to eclipse the glow of the Sun itself. |
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| − | '''Sōjō Kōka''' (相乗効果, "''Synergy''"): With proper understanding of what is truly Kidō, as well as considerable experience and skill, one may treat spells for what they are, pliable templates to shape according to one's will. But Hikaru did not stop at that. In pursuit of ever greater versatility and prowess in the art of magic, he first moved back to basics and thoroughly analysed the core of what is a spell, only to progress further and consider the myriad of potential interactions between said spells. All it takes to cast one is a thought so, naturally, it is fairly easy to merge them into peculiar composite constructs of varying qualities. Of course, certain combinations are not meant to be, but that does not really detract from the countless possibilities this skill alone presents for someone of Maebure's skill. Dual-type spells, elaborate ways to channel, reinforce or empower one another, as well as feints and nasty surprises, where a binding spell explodes into flames or what seems to be a stream of highly pressurised water in fact carries a potent electric current with it. The ability functions with conceptual spells, too. In this manner Hikaru is capable of accessing some of the more complex ones, such as the power of twilight, necromancy, or spacetime. Versatility is definitely one of the main assets of a seasoned Kidō master. When used by Maebure, Sōjō Kōka increases his magical arsenal exponentially, beyond belief and imagination of any normal Shinigami, rookie or veteran - up to the very limit of the Grandmaster's own creativity. And, seeing as he is a gifted warrior mage with several thousand years of deliberation, meditation and experience under his belt, his capabilities are seemingly endless. |
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| ⚫ | *'''{{bw|Reiatsu|Masterful Reiatsu Control}}''': One of Hikaru's most severe weaknesses was his inability to control spiritual pressure with proficiency adequate for someone of his general prowess. True, it was more than just his colossal spiritual energy leaking into the world, more than an ambient effect of his presence. Surely he could exert his influence in a deliberate fashion, crush, or force his opponents to bow before him. Furthermore, he could suppress its emanations to nigh-undetectable levels, hiding his otherwise impossible to miss presence from the [[Reikaku]] of others. But that was it. For a long time spiritual pressure was little more than a tool for him. During an extended period of arduous training, this was one of the aspects he strove to master. In the end, he obtained the degree of skill appropriate for someone who calls himself a god. So that his spiritual pressure is not a tool any more, but an integral element of his existence, an additional limb, another layer of his body. It can be shaped and exerted readily in whichever way he wishes, employed to channel his spells and strikes, used as a medium for his willpower to dominate the battlefield, literally, and metaphorically. And all that without wasting a particle of his vast potential, an efficient and optimal process that occurs naturally, without meaningful effort. |
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| − | '''[[Shubidō|Shubidō Master]]''' (守備道, "''Way of Defence''"): The ability to withstand damage during a battle is crucial. Not every single attack can be prevented, blocked, intercepted, or evaded, sometimes even discerned at all. Naturally, Kidō specialists have a wide selection of barriers and fields to choose from and deploy as needed. But this is a merely reactionary approach, and reactions can be anticipated. The senses fooled, and the mage struck with a single devious blow. So those seasoned masters of magic who truly wish to wield it as their primary, or perhaps sole means of combat, devise far superior defences to increase their staying power and compensate for generally low durability. Despite being a physical fighter for a long time, Hikaru never managed to improve his overal fitness beyond what could be considered only average for someone of his level, and whatever blow was effective enough to reach him was certain to inflict significant damage. With the power of conceptual spells at his hands he is capable of blocking all but the most absurdly powerful of strikes but only if he reacts fast enough to intercept them. So, obviously, as a part of the self-imposed ordeal to acquire unequalled skill in the art of Kidō, Maebure decided to explore and master the Way of Defence. For a period of time a basic ward proved fairly sufficient as it stopped many a supposed ambush, yet was all but nonexistent in a high-level battle. As such, he decided to design a new ward, the most comprehensive means of defence his mind could fathom - and he succeeded. The art of Shubidō exists entirely above traditional Kidō in terms of complexity, and he has mastered it as well. More than that, he imbued it with the profound might of his own Gainendō to reach completely new heights of prowess. |
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| − | *'''Mabataki''' (瞬き, "''Flicker''"): During a period of time when Hikaru was still struggling to master any and all aspects of the Zankensoki, he had already tried advancing beyond the realm of officially recognised mastery in said fields in order to achieve an unparalleled level of skill. Owing to his aptitude for Kidō it comes as no surprise that the first, and one of the only two areas in which he has succeeded is spiritual magic. To prevent enemies from exploiting his relatively mediocre durability and anticipate the release of his tremendous power, Maebure devised a fairly basic, if extremely valuable ward to protect himself at all times. Mabataki is a subtle one, extremely energy-efficient and invisible under normal circumstances. The ward does not impede Hikaru in any way. Rather, it is set to detect any potential source of damage and only then make itself manifest to intercept a supposed ambush or backstabbing attempt. For that the spell concentrates a surprising amount of energy to stop even powerful moves in their tracks. More than that, whenever the barrier is struck, especially so when cracked, it unleashes a blinding flash of light and a wave of concussive force to stun the assailant and provide the warrior mage with precious seconds to recognise and properly react to their move. The ward is maintained active constantly, and disappears only when attacked with considerable force, or when it withdraws to let the ''true'' ward take over in high-level combat. |
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| − | *'''Chūseishisei''' (中性子星, "''Neutron Star''"): This ward is probably one of the grandest accomplishments of Hikaru's millennia-long endeavour to surpass any and all spiritual beings. That, and the epitome of his approach to battle. Naturally, the primary function of Chūseishisei is to protect him from any form of damage. Twenty four comprehensive layers form a large, translucent grey sphere that virtually cuts off the mage from outside influence. This includes physical strikes, special abilities, other magic and insidious abilities including mind control and similar as well. This is because the ward boasts properties of conceptual magic that grant it an unbelievable degree of power. As a result, ordinary means of dealing damage are all but useless against it. Furthermore, the ward is tied with Hikaru's willpower, so that as long as his resolve remains strong it is unlikely to falter at all. Be that as it may, there exist several exceedingly powerful individuals capable of posing a threat to the stability of the ward and the man hidden beneath. In fact, the ward was created specifically to foil them, too. Each barrier is versatile and protects him from anything that could be considered threatening, up to a certain threshold of broadly considered damage. Should one manage to overcome a single layer the magical energies of that layer are immediately released in a powerful shockwave that sweeps across the area, potentially knocking back and/or stunning the perpetrator, for the force involved is enormous indeed. Additionally, being set up as such, Hikaru ensures that no more than a single layer might be destroyed with any single enemy strike. But that is not the end of the ward's function. For it is in equal measure a means of defence as well as a way to assert dominance over the entire battlefield and, perhaps, some of the combatants. Chūseishisei is a medium for Maebure's willpower. As such, it exerts colossal influence upon the area, comparable to the ungodly gravitational field of a genuine neutron star in capacity and magnitude. Even Captain-class individuals are incapable of moving within the sphere of its influence, crushed with the sheer weight of Hikaru's spiritual pressure as emanated through the grey orb, pinning them down and forcing them to kneel in his presence. And, every once in a while, a burst of immense energy radiates from the ward, threatening to erase them from existence in a single impulse. Only the greatest of warriors and wizards may hope to prevail against that astronomical power and gradually overcome the ward, layer at a time, a monumental task for it is tantamount to defeating Hikaru itself. And, as a demigod, he is neither easy to reach nor to strike down, to say the least. |
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| − | '''[[Kidō (LordGalvatron)#Gainendō|Gainendō Master]]''' (概念道, "''Way of the Notion''"): One of the greatest flaws Hikaru had to overcome during his extremely long life was a lack of proper specialty. There was nothing unique about his skill or fighting style. Nothing exceptional. He mastered all four fields of the Zankensoki, but failed to accomplish anything of note in any one of them. He was neither the best of swordsmen, nor the most talented of mages. In his quest to become the greatest warrior he failed to outclass any genuine master of a given art. His efforts and talent were diluted, his potential hampered, with only raw power to depend on when facing a proper master. That is why he was unable to overcome respectable veterans, groups of weaker but skilled combatants working well together, or the exceedingly rare individuals who had actually reached the level of prowess he always dreamt of. He wanted to be a Grandmaster, to stand above everyone else, but to achieve that goal he had to choose a path, rather than attempt to follow several different ones at the same time. He needed appropriate focus. A way to skilfully wield all of his enormous power. To become outstanding, he required to obtain something outstanding. So, he chose Kidō. |
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| − | Among his many more or less unimpressive, if still masterful skills, Kidō forever was his forte. The single talent he had been so long ignorant of. He was a good swordsman and a swift fighter, with his proficiency in martial arts slightly lacking. But he could always rely upon magic. Spells were the most versatile tool at his disposal, the easiest way to express his power and indignation. In fact, he was able to invent several spells of his own in the form of [[Kidō (LordGalvatron)#Hidō|Hidō]], a set of useful custom techniques with specific functions to deploy against high-level threats. The first indication that this was the way he should go, a sign he could accomplish something ''unique'' in that field. Ultimately, after a streak of hard-fought victories and humiliating defeats Maebure finally realised the magical potential in him. So he began a literally [[Hell (LordGalvatron)|hellish]] training, a process of arduous deliberation, meditation and experimentation on the most harsh of battlefields available. By leaps and bounds he surpassed his former level, incessantly strove to improve further, transitioned through progressively more advanced forms of magic and spellcasting techniques. He devoted his entire intellect for the sake of elaborating upon the expansive art of Kidō, the arcane arts of spiritual magic he had himself witnessed come into existence and develop across Soul Society's long history. He considered every single aspect: shapes and forms, function, magnitude, efficiency, casting. He laboured to overcome any and all shortcomings and obstacles, address the most pertinent of issues and find the best solutions. He dismantled the entire art back to its constituents and created anew. In his genius, he excised himself of all mortal limitations and recovered the nucleus of magic, the sole way to imitate gods in all their capacity. Thus, he acquired the power of a god. The power to call upon the most fundamental elements of existence to assist him in battle, the power to wield ''concepts'' now at his fingertips. Ultimately, he developed the art known as Gainendō. |
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| − | Gainendō is conceptual magic. This means that it exists wholly above traditional Kidō, superior in each aspect conceivable in comparison. Supreme. There are no arbitrary limitations to hinder Hikaru's performance anymore. The fruit of his millennia-long labour is truly astonishing in its scope and horrifying in its magnitude. For the only thing to limit Gainendō is the reality itself, for the art twists and dominates said reality according to Maebure's will. [[Zanpakutō]] with conceptual abilities are generally viewed as the most powerful of their kind. Meanwhile, Hikaru can employ whichever basic concept he wishes at any time. As if he were wielding a thousand different Zanpakutō without the need for any medium but his very own being to manifest their powers. After centuries of extremely intense training to focus and hone his already well-developed talent Hikaru has in fact achieved what he dreamt of. Presently, he can incinerate a city in a blazing inferno or encase all of it in perdurable ice with a single thought. He can stir winds that erode entire mountain ranges, produce bolts of lightning that scar the face of earth. Or, unleash the purest form of destructive energy to shatter entire islands with each strike. More than that, he is capable of performing such feats in complete silence just to prove the transcendence of Gainendō. However, the art does exhibit a certain criterion to wield it at its fullest. '''Word of Power''' (力語, ''chikarago'') is the metaphysical command to ensure the conceptual spell is complete and, as such, substantially more effective. And yet there is more to that. For should Hikaru deem that necessary to announce that it is indeed Gainendō he employs, the result is truly astounding. Frightening. Perplexing. The universe itself seems to submit to his will for that moment, lending an aspect of it for Maebure to wield and use as if it were his own limb. At that point the power of his spells becomes all but immeasurable, for how can one measure the power of a ''concept''? Soul Society fears that none of the spiritual realms could contain the full extent of his Gainendō for long, such is his magical prowess. |
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| ⚫ | *'''Destroy''' (撃つ, ''utsu''): To surmount the most formidable of opponents. By far Hikaru's favourite aspect of the art as it is the most direct outlet for his tremendous potential. The pure destructive force capable of |
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| ⚫ | *'''Protect''' (守る, ''mamoru''): To withstand the most harsh of punishment. |
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| ⚫ | *'''Restrain''' (抑える, ''osaeru''): To intercept and bind the |
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| ⚫ | *'''Restore''' (戻す, ''modosu''): To recover from the |
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| − | *'''Dominate''' (圧する, ''assuru''): To exert authority and dictate the fundamental rules. Perhaps, this is the most dangerous ability that Hikaru possesses. He thinks of himself as a demigod, acts like a demigod, ''is'' a demigod. To compare that might to that of a mortal is to compare a plain with the highest peak, the one that looms above everything else, reaches toward the vault of heaven, inching ever so closely. This is more than destruction or defence, this is more than binding or restoring something. More than a simple exertion of spiritual pressure, however vast in scope. This is the ability to assert dominance over reality. The concept of domination with all that entails. Any single aspect of existence he focuses upon, he can subjugate. At the most basic level, this might mean assuming control of all the shattered wills present in the atmosphere, claiming that abundant source of spiritual energy for his personal gain. But domination does not stop there. Hikaru is a tyrant, one who wishes to make the entire world kneel before him. And he has the power to attempt that monumental task. He can dominate ''people'', individuals and masses, render them his pawns, extensions of his will that follow every command he issues until death or his rare mercy offers respite. He might control the land, split continents and upturn mountains according to his whim, change the very landscape as he sees fit. Or, he can grab the reins of sheer reality and dictate fundamental laws of existence within his sizeable field of influence. Distort space and time beyond comprehension, twist and reverse directions, erase or expand distances, create blank spaces or solid walls of reality. Establish his own domain, a transient pocket dimension where he is the ''god''. This aspect is the epitome of the person that is Hikaru Maebure. Probably, the most profound and magnificent display of the art of Gainendō. For he can dominate the opponent, the battlefield, ''fate''. |
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| − | !colspan="2" style="{{Radius|7px|7px|7px|7px}} text-align:center; font-size:13.5px; font-weight:bold; background:#36454F;{{Gradient|# |
+ | !colspan="2" style="{{Radius|7px|7px|7px|7px}} text-align:center; font-size:13.5px; font-weight:bold; background:#36454F;{{Gradient|#7851A9|#240E15}}; color:#FFFFFF"|<center>'''[[Zanpakutō|<font color=white>Zanpakutō</font>]]'''</center> |
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| + | [[File:Goraikō.png|thumb|The {{bm|Manifestation}} of Hikaru's Zanpakutō, Goraikō.]] |
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| ⚫ | ''' |
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| + | '''Goraikō''' (ご来光, "''Sunrise Seen From a Mountain Top''"): In its sealed form the [[Zanpakutō]] appears as a ''{{w|tachi}}'' with an octagonal ''tsuba'', and an <font color=#ED2939>imperial red</font> hilt. There is a tassel of the same colour attached to the pommel. The scabbard is attached to a string wrapped around his sash, and worn with the edge down. Notably, the Zanpakutō is not one developed from an [[Zanpakutō#Obtainment|Asauchi]]. Rather, Hikaru may manifest its physical form at will, not unlike a {{bm|Quincy}} would materialise their {{bm|Reishi Weapon}}. |
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| + | :'''Mabataki''' (瞬き, "''Flicker''"): Owing to the close bond between Hikaru and his Zanpakutō, the latter cares greatly about the safety of its master. Many an enemy would attempt to circumvent the enormous gap in power with a swift ambush. In consequence, an invisible barrier protects Maebure at all times to prevent that. The ward does not impede him in any way. Rather, it detects any potential source of harm, a thrusting blade, an incoming spell, expression of killing intent through an impulse of spiritual pressure, and only then makes itself manifest to intercept the blow. The barrier condenses a surprising amount of energy to stop even powerful strikes in their tracks. More than that, whenever the barrier is struck, especially so when cracked, it unleashes a blinding flash of light to stun the assailant, and provide Hikaru with precious seconds to recognise and properly react to their move. Goraikō maintains the ward active constantly, and whilst it is not quite impenetrable, it excellently supplements all the shields and barriers that Maebure can deploy himself. |
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| ⚫ | ''' |
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| ⚫ | :'''Senrigan''' (千里眼, "''Clairvoyance''"): To perceive everything. Hikaru's capacity of discernment is on a completely different level than that of a Shinigami, average and masterful alike. Any and all stimuli received by his eyes are instantly analysed, judged, and evaluated, in terms of importance, authenticity, quality, and possible implications. Neither darkness nor smoke can impede him. If there is an opening, Maebure shall see it. If there is a misstep in the enemy's manoeuvre, Maebure shall witness it happen. If there is a slight imperfection in an otherwise extremely convincing illusion, Maebure shall spot that detail immediately. Senrigan is one step short of actual precognition. While it does not allow Hikaru to perceive events before they transpire, nor does it reveal the true nature of the things he beholds, it is a guide and a focusing lens for and upon his sight, an invaluable trait that exposes things he should know about, so that he is left to decide how to act with such knowledge on his own. This is not a natural trait, nor an acquired skill, but a gift bestowed upon Hikaru by his Zanpakutō to honour their close bond, and accessible at all times. |
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| + | :'''Shinkirō''' (蜃気楼, "''Mirage''"): Perception of reality is approximate at best, in large part based on the way mind interprets what the eyes behold. A spectacle of light. Needless to say, something that Hikaru may alter and adjust as he sees fit. In taking control of light present within his vicinity through nigh-imperceptible pulses of spiritual pressure, Maebure forms intricate and convincing optical illusions. Sometimes, they conceal his physical presence. Sometimes, they project false beings and objects. Furthermore, they can manifest perplexing visual phenomena that drown the world in incomprehensible flashes of pulsating light. Of course, seasoned fighters are capable of adapting to such conditions, and continue to battle whilst virtually deprived of sight. But how fast can they adapt, and how well? Shinkirō is no parlour trick and Hikaru is no illusionist; a moment's hesitation might mean death. Similarly to Senrigan, this is an ability which is a result of the harmonious relationship between the Zanpakutō and its wielder. |
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| ⚫ | ''' |
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| + | *'''[[Zanpakutō#Shikai|Shikai]]''': The release command is "'''Shine in Heaven'''" (天照る, ''amateru''). Maebure holds the ''tachi'' upright with an arm outstretched forward. Then, the Zanpakutō transforms in a bright flash of light to assume the shape of an eight-pronged {{w|longbow}}. The handle seems to be composed of the elongated hilt of the ''tachi'', whereas its many gently curved limbs are constructs of shimmering light of <font color=#F8F8FF>ghost white</font> colour. The limbs which form the two main pairs are long and set apart at narrow angles, whilst the other two pairs are significantly smaller, and protrude to the sides. |
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| + | :'''Shikai Special Ability''': Goraikō is a ranged weapon that commands light. As a bow it does indeed fire arrows, similar to {{bw|Heilig Pfeil}}, although fashioned from coherent light rather than spirit particles. In general, they display extreme speed, as well as piercing capacity. Furthermore, the Zanpakutō is amazingly versatile in their deployment. The arrows can be launched one at a time, in a rapid-fire burst, a continuous stream, or a single volley. They can be small and numerous, or supercharged and powerful. Hikaru is capable of masterfully guiding them mid-flight, seemingly no matter their number, so that their trajectories become erratic, unpredictable. Evasion is rendered nigh-impossible, and only the most comprehensive means of defence might endure an omnidirectional assault. More than that, supercharged arrows explode into clusters of smaller ones, whether they float above the area to turn into impromptu artillery, fly deep into the enemy ranks, or embed themselves in the ground and become mines of light. Meanwhile, the longbow itself protects its wielder with a barrier of nigh-impenetrable light that can emanate from its numerous limbs. Truly, the possibilities are many. |
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| ⚫ | ''' |
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| + | *'''[[Zanpakutō#Bankai|Bankai]]''': '''Unknown''' |
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| − | '''{{w|Biological immortality|Eisei}}''' (永生, "''Eternal Life''"): The gift of immortality Hikaru obtained as a result of his ascension. A trait definitely suitable for a genuine demigod. His body has been locked in a state of middle-aged appearance to represent the maturity of his mind, not to age a single year from that point anymore, until the end of time. The life-force of his existence is virtually inextinguishable. As a result, his body displays exceptional healing factor. Minor wounds disappear in a matter of moments, even severe damage including dismemberment is undone sooner or later. The destruction of his body is insufficient still, for he may simply reconstitute himself with the power of his resolve. Maebure is ageless, and while immortality does not necessarily entail invulnerability, he might as well be invincible when his magical prowess is taken into account. One could say, to vanquish his existence is like to snuff out the sun. Only beings of nigh godly status, whether genuine or assumed, may hope to strike the killing blow, for the struggle of a mere mortal, even a very powerful one, is virtually futile in that regard. |
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| ⚫ | '''Genius Intellect''': In spite of the ostensible, Hikaru was never a fool. True, his arrogance, impetuousness and a single-minded approach tended to hamper his outstanding intellect, sometimes with catastrophic results. But when his raw power proved inadequate means of accomplishing his goals several times, Maebure finally realised the folly of his attitude. He matured tremendously and decided to always consider the situation properly, analyse and choose a course of action in a deliberate manner. Certainly, he has the mental acuity to do so successfully. Somewhat paradoxically, one of the things that |
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| ⚫ | '''Senrigan''' (千里眼, "''Clairvoyance''"): |
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| ⚫ | '''Master Strategist & Tactician''': |
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| ⚫ | ''' |
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| − | '''{{bw|Reiryoku#Spiritual Power Levels|Transcendent Spiritual Power}}''': The amount of spiritual energy at one's disposal has an enormous impact on their combat capacity. Physical strength, durability, stamina, agility, wit, resolve, skill, experience, they are all essential factors that determine the ability of a spiritual being to exert their influence upon the world and their enemies, to vanquish the opposition and remove obstacles on the path toward one's ultimate goal. However, even a gifted and knowledgeable veteran will not accomplish much with a mediocre reservoir of spiritual energy. All of their qualities are impotent in the face of supreme raw power, provided the disparity is substantial enough. Hikaru had for a long time represented the latter, his skill diluted and unrefined whilst his power was usually a full level above any of his enemies. But that was no way to reach and dethrone the {{bw|Soul King}}. Whilst he was training strenuously to improve his proficiency, his colossal power continued to grow ever greater. In the end, with his ascension to divinity, he had finally unleashed all of his latent potential to obtain the status of a demigod. |
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| ⚫ | *'''{{bw|Reiatsu| |
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| − | {{Ashin Stats|100|90|100|100|90|100|}} |
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==Trivia== |
==Trivia== |
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*According to his creator, Hikaru would be voiced by {{w|Eiji Takemoto}}, the Japanese voice actor of the Arrancar {{bw|Aisslinger Wernarr}}. In English, he would be voiced by {{w|Crispin Freeman}}, the voice actor of {{w|Alucard_(Hellsing)|Alucard}} from ''{{w|Hellsing}}''. |
*According to his creator, Hikaru would be voiced by {{w|Eiji Takemoto}}, the Japanese voice actor of the Arrancar {{bw|Aisslinger Wernarr}}. In English, he would be voiced by {{w|Crispin Freeman}}, the voice actor of {{w|Alucard_(Hellsing)|Alucard}} from ''{{w|Hellsing}}''. |
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| + | *His main theme is [https://soundcloud.com/ebikiyo/evangelion-3-0-scarred-and Rebuild of Evangelion 3.33 OST - ''Scarred and Battled'']. When he unveils his true power, it is [https://soundcloud.com/eva-00-778406213/evangelion-30-ost-the-wrath-of-god-in-all-its-fury Rebuild of Evangelion 3.33 OST - ''The Wrath of God in All Its Fury'']. |
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| − | *His battle theme is [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPkzgYmuQQg Blue Gender OST - ''Tactics'']. |
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| − | *In Japanese, he would refer to himself with |
+ | *In Japanese, he would refer to himself with 我 (''ware''), which is an archaic pronoun with a dignified overtone. |
| − | *According to [[User:Njalm2]], Hikaru Maebure's [http://bleachfanfiction.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Njalm2/What%27s_Your_Character%27s_PL%3F_Ask_Otoya! Price Level] is 132,800, well within the [[Yonkō]]-class. |
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==Appearances== |
==Appearances== |
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| − | ===[[Bleach |
+ | ===[[Bleach Renascence]]=== |
| + | *''[[Where Peace Lies]]'' |
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| + | ===Obsolete=== |
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| + | *''[[Dawn of the Coven]]'' |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Latest revision as of 23:16, 4 July 2022
| This article, Hikaru Maebure, is property of LordGalvatron. |
| This article, Hikaru Maebure, is part of this site's Fanon Canon project(s), which may include Bleach: Extinction, Bleach Renascence, or The Coven War. Use of this page's contents is determined by the author of this page unless otherwise specified. |
| Hikaru Maebure | |
| Race | Unknown |
| Birthday | 8 August |
| Age | 50+ (Physical) |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 194 cm (6'4½") |
| Weight | 88 kg (194 lb.) |
| Blood Type | AB- |
| Professional Status | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | The Coven |
| Previous Affiliation | Soul King |
| Profession | Commander |
| Position | Anarch |
| Personal Status | |
| Relatives | Muto (Adoptive child) |
| Students | Muto |
| Magical Focus | |
| Magical Specialty | Gainendō |
| Zanpakutō | |
| Shikai | Goraikō |
| Bankai | Unknown |
| First Appearance | |
| Roleplay Debut | Where Peace Lies |
"We have been wading through the darkness of this nightmare world long enough. Time to wake up." |
Hikaru Maebure (前触れ光, "Harbinger of Light") is an ancient spiritual being of unknown origin, and the Anarch of the Coven.
Appearance
Hikaru is a very tall olive-skinned man outwardly in his early 50s. He is lean, and possesses an excellently toned physique. In fact, his body is very proportional, symmetrical, and imposing, like that of a remarkable statue rather than ordinary man. However, this noble visage conceals innate malice revealed only upon closer inspection, with an elusive firmness of features that is more intimidating and sinister than dignified.
His jet black hair with prominent grey highlights is long, styled in a high ponytail. The irides of his eyes are intense, sometimes gleaming scarlet in colour, and his pupils are somewhat slit-like in shape. Embedded in pitch black sclerae they evoke the image of lone stars suspended within an endless darkness. In general, the features of his face are handsome, but solemn and sharp, with prominent high cheekbones and an aquiline nose. Markedly, there are two long scars intersecting his countenance that cross in an almost perpendicular manner just below his right eye. The horizontal one terminates below the left eye, whereas the vertical one reaches all the way down to the right side of his lips, and up to his superciliary ridge, splitting the eyebrow.
Usually, he dons an ornate, trailing kimono not unlike an elegant variant of the modern Shinigami shihakushō. Nevertheless, the colour scheme is notably inverted, with white kosode and hakama but black hakama-himo and tabi. In addition, he wears standard waraji. The hems of his robes are adorned with black lines that contain elaborate sun motifs. Last, but not least, there is a prominent black crest displayed on his back, a symbol of unknown importance.
Personality
First and foremost, Hikaru is an aristocrat. As a man of inhuman power and elegance, he frequently behaves with an air of solemnity and pride that could be expected from a person of such qualities. Eloquent and august, his disposition is more like that of a character from a play rather than an actual person. A notable property that ties in with the less aristocratic aspects of his personality. Arrogant, he is sometimes rather abrasive to interact with in spite of his ostensible politeness. Amiable at first glance, patronising in truth, the scornful master of backhanded compliment, he recognises no equals. Everyone is but a child in his eyes, naive and short-sighted. Gullible.
After all, he is a wily person skilful at subtle manipulation. He readily exploits others to further his own agenda, whether they are the enemy, a neutral party, or even a supposed ally. He is extraordinarily driven, and an ambitious man no doubt, master of the long game. Cults, envoys, agents, assassins, everyone can play a role in furthering his plan. An intricate plan, a noble cause. However, the alleged goal of the Coven as a whole is rather broad and open to interpretation, an ambiguity that Hikaru deliberately fosters. For to unite disparate people in order to accomplish a purpose of his own requires a great deal of flexibility. Does he seek retribution against the Soul Society? Does he desire to become a supreme ruler? Does he strive to create a better world? That is all true, of course, but merely facets of the undisclosed total.
In a way, he might be considered a fallen angel. Possessed of profound understanding of harmony and balance. Yet disillusioned, jaded. Determined to fulfil his self-imposed duty, and shape the world more suitable for the puny mortals. In a way, that is. For while the essence of his purpose does not change, his approach veers toward the extreme, necessary evil and radical solutions included. To him, the world is deeply flawed, splintered, chock-full of unpredictable, uncontrollable phenomena that cause significant danger. The alleged guardians of balance, the Shinigami, incompetent, passive fools that struggle to keep a sinking ship afloat by pouring out the water with buckets – instead of fixing the ship. Hikaru is noble at heart, and he shall not stop in his quest to fix the world no matter the cost. Preferably, with himself at the ship's helm.
Nevertheless, Hikaru is also a genuine warrior. In spite of his incredible patience and political acumen, he nonetheless prefers actions to words. In his own, part callous, part disdainful way he enjoys the thrill of combat. The ability to devise and deploy complex plans that entangle the enemy within a web of distinct possibilities they are unable to analyse, or even perceive in time to escape with their lives. The ability to exert his awesome power, unleash the semi-divine might that he wields in force to eradicate any and all opposition. He derides the enemy with an occasional sneer or snicker, patronising remarks and effortlessness with which he thwarts their plans, and crushes their techniques, time and again. After all, every battle is but a scene, every war but a stage in his millennia-spanning, carefully crafted play, an epic tale that tells the story of a world-changing hero, the valiant Hikaru Maebure.
History
The origin and true identity of Hikaru Maebure remain a mystery to those select few who are aware of his existence in the first place. He is neither Soul nor Hollow, and certainly nothing Human either. He speaks of events from the distant past as casually as one may speak of yesterday. There are many vague accounts of his involvement, usually indirect or from behind the scenes, in numerous pivotal events in the realm's history, reaching all the way back into the mythical and unverifiable.
At some point, he purportedly fought Ichibē Hyōsube – and lost.
Story
Powers and Abilities
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Master Swordsman: In addition to his aptitude for magic, Hikaru has always had a penchant for swordsmanship. To wield a Zanpakutō was an opportunity to obtain a reliable companion, and a way to weaponise a facet of one's very soul. Since time immemorial he has wielded the tachi at his side. A simple and effective tool, so much more elegant than purely physical blows, and much easier to wield than the abstract displays of magic. So that Hikaru mastered zanjutsu in order to employ the sword as a focal point for his tremendous power. He knows by heart every single waza and kata there is. Sword-fighting has become second nature to him. Effortless, almost subconscious. All he needs is to wish to cut the enemy, and his body, mind, and soul unite to make that happen. A seasoned master, he does not require to exert himself, prepare himself to perform some of the more complex manoeuvres of the art. If he wants to perform an attack, the attack immediately transpires. With the facility, swiftness, and precision befitting an exceptional fencer. So great is his liking and so high his skill in the art that he can deftly slay many an opponent with his blade alone. With a prominent focus upon swift, efficient, and highly fluent moves, Hikaru favours the elegance of seimitsudō, the Way of Precision, first and foremost. Fluid one-handed swings, often employed with minute twirls of the wrist, rapid, crippling sallies, and nonchalant parries are par for the course. All the while he evades retaliation with natural ease, measured singular steps, in an almost dance-like manner. A supreme fencer indeed. And versatile, for in order to better express his wealth of experience during a display of exceptional swordsmanship he employs elements of the other forms, as well. In spite of his ostensibly amicable and respectful disposition, to cross blades with him is to virtually sign one's own death warrant. Hikaru's blade swirls and thrusts, lightning-fast, like a blur of cold steel. No telegraphed move shall pass by, no opening shall remain unexploited. Each fraction of a second counts. In fact, such is his expertise that he can easily anticipate enemy manoeuvres, read them like an open book. And those who falter soon find out that there is truly no escape. For with a simple exertion of spiritual pressure Hikaru extends the reach of his physical blade to cut down the unsightly cowards from afar. Hakuda Expert: Hakuda is undisputably the least developed combat skill of Hikaru, even though his proficiency in unarmed combat, owing to a combination of immense experience and excellent physical fitness, still places him in a high class. His moveset consists primarily of gentle, but fast and unpredictable kicks, punches, and sallies the main purpose of which is to either throw the enemy off-balance, or to incapacitate them within an instant. While never his primary method of fighting, Maebure nonetheless is still competent in the art. He is able to effectively supplement his other skills, and employ Hakuda successfully even against strong enemies, should the need arise. Shinkō Master (神光, "God Flash"): To wield light is to be as swift as a ray of light. Strong attacks will not inflict any damage if they fail to hit their target, and there is only so much damage even perdurable defences can absorb ere they inevitably falter. That is especially true considering Hikaru's immense power, as many of his enemies would simply continue to evade his devastating strikes, time and again, forcing him to expend excessive effort to defeat them. Nevertheless, like any powerful fighter, Hikaru has got a high-speed movement technique at his disposal. So that he may pursue, and outrun, some of his most elusive opponents. Owing to this unique ability, Maebure can accelerate himself, or his blade, to perform a leap or strike of incredible celerity. In a brief, abrupt impulse, not unlike the technique employed by expert Fullbringers, he achieves an exceptional degree of swiftness; with staggering speed he closes the distance, or avoids retaliation, a tangible mirage. More than that, when employed at high throttle Shinkō seems to transform Maebure into a creature of pure light, in a flash of bedazzling radiance that may well temporarily blind anyone who dares gaze upon him. And, most intriguingly of all, he can phase altogether through many enemy attacks or obstructions – provided light can do so, of course. Gainendō Master (概念道, "Way of the Notion"): Gainendō is conceptual magic: the power to call upon the most fundamental elements of existence to assist Hikaru in battle. Unlike traditional Kidō, it is devoid of chants, ranks, and categories, so that there are no arbitrary limitations to hinder his performance. Truly astonishing in its scope, and horrifying in its magnitude, the only thing to limit Gainendō is the wielder's might and willpower. And he certainly does not lack either. Owing to his unimaginably immense experience, but a thought is typically sufficient to wield this raw, pure magic in high-level combat effectively, with a remarkable degree of control. However, the art does exhibit a certain criterion to realise its full potential. Word of Power (力語, chikarago) is the solemn command to ensure the spell is complete and, as such, far more effective. As if he were wielding a hundred different Zanpakutō, he can incinerate a city in a blazing inferno, or encase all of it in perdurable ice with a flash freeze. He can stir torrential winds that level entire settlements, produce bolts of lightning that scar the face of earth. Or, unleash the purest form of destructive energy to shatter whole mountains with each earnest strike. After all, for Hikaru to call forth a concept to his aid is to summon the forces of nature themselves. The result is simply astounding. Frightening. Perplexing. The world itself seems to submit to his will for that moment, lending an aspect of it for Maebure to wield and use as if it were his own limb. Whilst he wields his tachi in a duel, Gainendō is the power he employs to change the world.
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Enhanced Strength: The signature trait of Hikaru is his astronomical spiritual power, not so much physical strength. Nevertheless, the amount of the former has some impact on the extent of the latter. That is because spiritual entities do not rely solely on the strength of their physical vessels, but can also tap into a supply of spiritual energy to invigorate their tendons and muscles far above the feats mere mortals can achieve. Somewhat surprisingly, perhaps, Maebure does not rely on brute force in a sword-fight. However, he has conditioned his body through strict training regimens and countless of battles to his credit. Thus, his physical strength has become noticeably greater than the average for a high-level spiritual being. The momentum behind his sword strikes is sufficient to casually cut through and pierce buildings, he may lift and toss giant boulders, and offer considerable resistance to opponents superior in that regard if need be. While his strength is far from being his primary asset, it should not be underestimated. Enhanced Durability: Such is the case with toughness, where spiritual energy permeates the body and acts as a cushion to dampen the damage sustained. And in this case as well Hikaru was not content with just the degree he had been naturally granted, but sought to improve with active effort. He has endured hundreds of wars and battles, sustained innumerable wounds, and still bears visible scars as a memoir of the events that changed his entire life. Exposed to harm so many times the body has been toughened on its own, and then reinforced with spiritual energy even further. So that, as a primarily a physical fighter rather than a proper wizard, Maebure proves durable enough to subvert the stereotype of fragility usually associated with those who employ magic as their primary means of combat. In terms of toughness, he is more like a hill than a man, and to wound or destroy him is equivalent to toppling an entire hill. Not impossible for those of exceptional prowess, but not that easy either. Great Endurance: Great strength and durability do not amount to much if the fighter succumbs to fatigue after a while. One might shake the earth with each strike, withstand such blows almost unperturbed, but it is important to be able to maintain peak performance for a period of time adequate to overcome the opposition. Otherwise, one may be defeated by the weakness of their own body rather than any direct action on their enemy's part. Hikaru is well aware of that issue, and increasing stamina was one of the many goals of his physical conditioning process. Even unaided, his body is capable of remarkable exertion for equally impressive periods of time. Simple swings of a blade tire him not, a volley of thrusts and slashes all the while manoeuvring faster than the eye can see does not sap him of staying power that easily. Furthermore, he exhibits unnatural fortitude as well. With his body battered, perhaps a limb cut off, he can still stand up and continue fighting, unyielding. Immense Agility : The ability to manoeuvre about the battlefield at high speed, as well as react to more or less predictable turns of events in time, is indeed a valuable trait to possess. Owing to his preference for a far more active and mobile approach to combat than is typical of a Kidō master, Hikaru has honed his agility and reflexes to an amazing degree. He is no doubt a highly nimble fighter, capable of deftly evading enemy blows and techniques instead of relying solely upon his defences to protect him from damage. While confident to the point of ostensive carelessness, he is actually a very vigilant person, always ready to react to a sudden event, or a supposed ambush. Nevertheless, despite the high quality of his well-conditioned physical vessel, there is only so much he can achieve in this regard without a proper high-speed movement technique. Some of the swiftest opponents can outpace him in the midst of battle – nothing he cannot anticipate and prepare against, however. Genius Intellect: In spite of the ostensible, Hikaru was never a fool. True, his arrogance, impetuousness and a single-minded approach tended to hamper his outstanding intellect, sometimes with catastrophic results. But when his raw power proved inadequate means of accomplishing his goals several times, Maebure finally realised the folly of his attitude. He matured tremendously and decided to always consider the situation properly, analyse and choose a course of action in a deliberate manner. Certainly, he has the mental acuity to do so successfully. Somewhat paradoxically, one of the things that used to hinder his progress was the natural ease with which Hikaru understood complex concepts. With no need for long explanations, he did not think much about the skills he acquired. He was able to become an instant expert at anything, but to become a true master he needed more. So that is why he endeavoured to properly explore the arts of combat, determine his strengths and weaknesses, and undergo training that would yield the most efficient and considerable increments in skill. With his exceptional mind he saw through the intricacies and restrictions of the arts he had been taught, then single-handedly dismantled and improved them. Hikaru has the capacity to comprehend virtually everything. Provided he has the sufficient focus, he shall discover and expose the tricks and lies he is subjected to, determine and exploit the weaknesses of his enemies, select the optimal solution to almost any issue on his way. Master Strategist & Tactician: For the longest time Hikaru could not care less about empty words and nuances of politics. He was learned and eloquent, but that was just a matter of nurture. For his nature caused him to hunger for battle. So he participated in countless skirmishes, ambushes, duels, battles, campaigns and wars. He danced the dance of death, balancing at the precipice of defeat with spiritual blade and magical energies at his disposal. The expanse of his combat experience is incomprehensible to modern Shinigami. Maebure has spent plenty of time on a battlefield. Honing his skill and refining his fighting style, witnessing numerous abilities, skills and schools of combat used alongside him or against him. His knowledge could fill an entire city block with scrolls and parchments that describe the art of war in all its aspects. Moreover, he can use that knowledge to his advantage. Hikaru is aware of general combat types, the ways numerous special abilities work, what counters are optimal in a given situation, what to expect from people of certain disposition and how to guide them toward their doom, oblivious that they are being played or thinking that it does not matter. In order to properly wield a skill as expansive as Kidō, Hikaru has to act with a plan in mind, display extreme spatial awareness, quick-thinking and problem-solving capacity, concoct sophisticated plans at a moment's notice to destroy the opposition in several stages of magical devastation. And that he can. Strong Resolve: Just as stamina is required to keep the body in fighting condition, fortitude and willpower are what reinforces the mind behind that body, and allows Hikaru to persevere through the most dire of situations. To continue fighting no matter the odds. To recover from humiliating defeats and grave mistakes that left his life, family and status in ruins. To never lose sight of his ultimate goal and strive toward it in spite of all the obstacles on his way. To trample or outlast all his enemies. To exert his influence upon the world in a way that shakes its foundations. To reinforce his techniques and spells so that they can serve as carriers for the power of concepts. Maebure is virtually dauntless, for what may a demigod fear? Intimidation and scare tactics are in vain when deployed against him. He has overcome most of his doubts and bolstered his ego. He cannot lose, no matter what. He knows that he is the sole being who can change the world for the better, at least in his own opinion, and acts with the attitude that just might make that possible. Hikaru's resolve is the foundation of his enormous power. Massive Spiritual Power: The amount of spiritual energy at one's disposal has an enormous impact on their combat capacity. Physical strength, durability, stamina, agility, wit, resolve, skill, experience, they are all essential factors which determine the ability of a spiritual being to exert their influence upon the environment and upon others, to vanquish the opposition, and remove obstacles on the path toward one's ultimate goal. However, even a gifted and knowledgeable veteran will not accomplish much with a mediocre reservoir of spiritual energy. All of their undeniable qualities are impotent in the face of supreme raw power, provided the disparity is substantial enough. That is cruel truth. Maebure has conditioned his body to achieve remarkable physical fitness. Honed his skill beyond belief as he mastered perhaps the purest and profoundly powerful form of Kidō. Reinforced his resolve to never falter so easily again. While somewhat single-minded, he is a genius, with astounding experience and knowledge to depend on. Nevertheless, without a shadow of a doubt, he boasts gargantuan power. Beyond the comprehension of any ordinary Soul. One that threatens to eradicate many a foe just through the sheer fact of existing, its weight almost unbearable to individuals as strong as Captain-class. So far above them, in fact, that at its peak his power is nearly beyond their scope to perceive. Too expansive to be seen with their eyes in full, just like the world around them extends beyond the horizon. For he boasts the power nothing short of a demigod's. In all of Soul Society there may be no single person, neither Captain nor Divine General, who could hope to clash with him in a duel and emerge victorious. When exerted, said power illuminates the world with an intense aura of scarlet colour, which seems to eclipse the glow of the Sun itself.
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 The Manifestation of Hikaru's Zanpakutō, Goraikō. Goraikō (ご来光, "Sunrise Seen From a Mountain Top"): In its sealed form the Zanpakutō appears as a tachi with an octagonal tsuba, and an imperial red hilt. There is a tassel of the same colour attached to the pommel. The scabbard is attached to a string wrapped around his sash, and worn with the edge down. Notably, the Zanpakutō is not one developed from an Asauchi. Rather, Hikaru may manifest its physical form at will, not unlike a Quincy would materialise their Reishi Weapon.
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Trivia
- According to his creator, Hikaru would be voiced by Eiji Takemoto, the Japanese voice actor of the Arrancar Aisslinger Wernarr. In English, he would be voiced by Crispin Freeman, the voice actor of Alucard from Hellsing.
- His main theme is Rebuild of Evangelion 3.33 OST - Scarred and Battled. When he unveils his true power, it is Rebuild of Evangelion 3.33 OST - The Wrath of God in All Its Fury.
- In Japanese, he would refer to himself with 我 (ware), which is an archaic pronoun with a dignified overtone.
Appearances
Bleach Renascence
Obsolete
References
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