BleachITP Reborn: Discussion & Setup Thread 5

[Frozen_Feet]

Since the setting has, you know, magic, I've always thought Komamura is like he is due to a curse or charm. Maybe he's an Awakened wolf?

[Edge]

A question whilst I'm still working on him: is military engineering and architecture a worthwhile focus for a division, or does that fall under the 12th's purview already?

[Frozen_Feet]

If your division also does the building, then yes. While the 12th seems like it comes up with new weaponry, equipment and materials once in while, actually putting those things into practical use is not their thing.

[Innis Cabal]

A question whilst I'm still working on him: is military engineering and architecture a worthwhile focus for a division, or does that fall under the 12th's purview already?

That was going to be the 7th Division in fact if Takeshi hadn't been changed to the Kido Commander

[Boo]

I think you're seriously over-thinking this part. You forget that Shinigami are a.)invisible, and b.)have memory-wiping technology. Add to that the fact that most/all fights will happen in places with essentially no civilians. So, really, technology is all background anyways, at least for these concerns.

I'm beginning to see a bit of Michael Bay in your thinking.

I think what FH was referring to was the usage of camera phones and the like in real life. Videos can be sent to hosting sites within seconds, and with all the chances of seeing someone jump onto or from a roof, people are going to be saying "fakelol" less and less. And since this is Japan, we can expect the whole school to find out about the super friends pretty fast. Plus, all the Quincy are going to look ridiculous on youtube (see: SWK).

At some point the movie excuse will run dry.

I know we can just handwave it (lazy), but it'd be better (IMO) if we put human technology in a sort of... 90's/early 2000 timewarp like FH suggested.

....No. Or was that supposed to be "funny".

This honestly annoyed me. Just because you sometimes lack the knowledge or humour for a joke doesn't mean you have to be disrespectful. Ease off on those types of comments, please.

[horngeek]

I'm beginning to see a bit of Michael Bay in your thinking.

I think what FH was referring to was the usage of camera phones and the like in real life. Videos can be sent to hosting sites within seconds, and with all the chances of seeing someone jump onto or from a roof, people are going to be saying "fakelol" less and less. And since this is Japan, we can expect the whole school to find out about the super friends pretty fast. Plus, all the Quincy are going to look ridiculous on youtube (see: SWK).

At some point the movie excuse will run dry.

I know we can just handwave it (lazy), but it'd be better (IMO) if we put human technology in a sort of... 90's/early 2000 timewarp like FH suggested.

Here's how I explain it: we're willfully ignorant. Our brains, on the subconscious level, don't want to acknowledge the presence of the supernatural, and therefore, we poor Muggles will subconsciously try to explain it away as a movie, or we're hallucinating, or whatever. The Spiritually Aware know there's ghosts already, so the leap of faith is a lot less hard for them.

This would not stand up to an actual attempt to shatter the Masquerade, but coupled with SWORD and the Shinigami trying to keep the Masquerade up, it does quite nicely.

[riccaru]

Awww.

I actually liked Komamura, because he WAS an anthropomorphic animal. I still have fun trying to figure out what exactly he is.

My current bet is on spiritually empowered canine soul. Either that, or he's a type of spiritual entity other than the Plus-Hollow possibilities. Hmmm...

Don't a few Religions believe everything has a spirit? Specifically Shintoism? Maybe there are more in soul society like him. It could be what happens to a spiritual anomoly like the parrot.

[Boo]

Here's how I explain it: we're willfully ignorant. Our brains, on the subconscious level, don't want to acknowledge the presence of the supernatural, and therefore, we poor Muggles will subconsciously try to explain it away as a movie, or we're hallucinating, or whatever. The Spiritually Aware know there's ghosts already, so the leap of faith is a lot less hard for them.

This would not stand up to an actual attempt to shatter the Masquerade, but coupled with SWORD and the Shinigami trying to keep the Masquerade up, it does quite nicely.

So if you see your friend on a video jumping thirty feet in the air, you're going to be wilfully ignorant? Think of modsouls, quincy, and magic. . .girls. How will they stay protected from the internet?

[Frozen_Feet]

Answer: S.W.O.R.D. knows Fuschichou Town (Did I get it right?) is a spiritual nexus. They've been covertly monitoring all internet activity near the area and prior to the game's starting, have prevented anything crucial from getting out in the public. All weirdness has been censored, or gotten lost in the noise of the web.

Whether this stays so is another matter. Our focus is small concerning the Mortal World; how big the news get outside is only concern so far as it lures new characters to the play. And frankly, stories of paranormal activity are a perfect excuse to introduce new characters later in the plot.

If it becomes a plot point, fine. But we don't need to pay that much attention to it.

[Boo]

Well there we go. Although now it's kinda like Ookami Kakushi.

I was actually going to make a conspiracy character for that reason, but you ruined it.

[Edge]

Since I figure he's going to be somewhat controversial himself, I figure I'll post my captain candidate up by himself before I get into the meat of writing up my/his version of the 7th Division.

Zibarra Emet, 7th Division Captain Candidate

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Name: Zibarra Emet (Last, First) – Broken soul, Truth
Gender: None, physically. Psychologically, male.
Height: 7’1”
Weight: 324lbs.
Hair: None.
Eyes: Pale.
Actual Age/Apparent: 247/Who can tell?
Reiatsu/Speech: #222255, [FONT="Book Antiqua"][COLOR=#222255][B][/B][/COLOR][/FONT]
Division: 7th
Seat: Captain aspirant.

Appearance:

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Emet’s most obvious feature is that his appearance is not human. Humanoid, but not human. Quite exactly what he is isn’t easy to pin down, but it is clearly artificial. Over a mass of what seems to be organic matter roughly similar to musculature, Emet is covered in an assortment of armour plating, quite haphazard and asymmetrical. His neck is topped with a mostly featureless head, its only distinguishing marks being the two pale orbs that are his eyes and the metallic plate inscribed with the Hebrew word emet – truth.

Whilst he technically has no need to clothing, Emet always wears at least his captain’s haori whilst on duty, and always dons the full shinigami uniform for captain’s meetings and other formal events.

Personality:

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Despite over two centuries of life serving in Seireitei, emotions still do not come easily to Emet. However, he enjoys jokes, cooking and long walks. He is also thankful for the support and teaching he has be given in the past, and remains grateful both for that and the position he currently holds.

History:

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It is unclear whether Emet’s previous life really was a life. He was certainly a ghost in the shell, but whether that makes him a soul or not is still a subject of some debate.

The spirit that would become Emet first gained a spark of self-awareness whilst dwelling within the shell of a sword in Gaza. Ascribed great significance by the one who wielded it, who was little more than a boy, the spirit residing in the weapon slowly grew. When the boy died, the spirit jumped to another object held dear by the one who used it. And so the process continued, the spirit jumping from one object to the next, until it ended up in a soroban in Japan. Now attached to an item requiring higher thought, it was able to develop at a vastly increased rate, enough that when the soroban broke, it left a spiritual echo.

It was strange and flitting, almost spiritual static, but eventually it was found by a confused shinigami who nevertheless performed konso on it.

The arrival of a metal man in the Rukongai did not go unnoticed, and neither did its surprisingly high reiatsu, nor the fact that it appeared with two blades.

After several weeks of interrogation determining that it was, in fact, a soul and not some horrendous entity bent on the destruction of Soul Society Emet, as the metal man had taken to calling itself, was given the choice to enter the Shinigami Academy. He accepted, and began training along with the other recruits as normal.

Showing an incredible rate of assimilation with the skills being presented to him, Emet graduated from the Academy with flying colours, his Zanjutsu and Hakudo well above average, his Hoho and Bakudo very respectable, and his Hado acceptable. He entered into the 7th Division, which was short of combat specialists at the time. Due to his rapid assimilation allowing combat techniques to quickly become rote, he rapidly rose through the ranks, quickly reaching Vice Captaincy of the Division. When the current Captain passed away, Emet was promoted to the position, mainly due to a lack of other viable candidates at the time.

Upon gaining the Captaincy, he began a reform of the Division, seeking to give it a new vision and purpose.

Combat:

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Zanjutsu: Emet is highly adept at Zanjutsu, having assimilated the rudiments a wide variety of fighting styles that he continually works on improving.

Hakudo: Emet is equally adept at Hakudo. The combination of metal fists and the ability to quickly assess an opponent’s position make him a highly competent unarmed fighter.

Hoho: Emet is competent with shunpo for his rank, but he is not a speedster. However, his reaction times surpass his own speed, allowing him at least a chance of keeping up with a speed-focused opponent’s movements.

Kido: Whilst able to use up to Bakudo 81 without incantation, Emet can only manage up to Hado 33 without incantation, and only up to Hado 54 even with incantation.

Zanpakutou: Sensou no Sharin – Wheel of War

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Zanpakutou Spirit:

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A humanoid figure of silver and golden gears, sat at the hub of the largest gear in Emet’s inner world. Hoi-ru no Henran is quite distant and aloof, concerned almost entirely with logic and progression.

Inner World:

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A world of eternally turning gears of iron, steel, gold and silver, all of them driving a great machine above the central hub of the largest gear that periodically releases a great jet of steam.

Zanpakutou Unreleased Form:

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Whilst sealed, Sensou no Sharin takes the shape of a narrow longsword and a main-gauche. The hilts of both are wrapped in black leather, and each has a chain with a small cog on the end attached to the pommel.

Shikai: Eien ni maware, Sensou no Sharin – Turn eternally, Wheel of War

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When released, Hoi-ru no Henran reshapes into a pair of bladed weapons halfway between a meat cleaver and a scimitar, the main-gauche remaining marginally narrower and shorter in this shape. In addition, a maze of gears and clockwork grow from the hilt of the weapons, and the hilts extend backwards at a 45 degree angle, changing into narrow spouts that slowly issue steam.

Powers
Kensaku – Grinding: In shikai, Sensou no Sharin’s blades vibrate at high speed similar to a Seele Schneider, though not to the same extent as the Quincy weapon, and it cannot use this function at the same time as Kumo no Suijouki. However, whilst functioning, it increases the cutting power of Hoi-ru no Henran’s blades.

Moumou to Agaru Jouki – Cloud of Steam: When not powering Kensaku, Sensou no Sharin can instead produce great blankets of steam. As well as obscuring vision, the increased moisture in the air impedes fire-based attacks as well as improving water or ice based ones. The cloud remains for as long as Sensou no Sharin is assigned to this task and for up to a minute afterwards, depending on surrounding conditions (wind speed, temperature, etc).

Joukidouryoku – Power of Steam: Sensou no Sharin’s final ability is to empower other spiritual beings. By placing the hilts of both weapons upon another spiritual being’s weapon or body, Emet can bestow any degree of his own reiryoku to them temporarily.

Bankai: Shinjinbukai Sensou no Sharin – Godly Wheel of War

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In bankai, Hoi-ru no Henran alters into the following shape. An overlarge gear, shielded from behind by cast iron, and a pair of valves spurting steam appear on Emet’s back, interlocked with a series of other gears and supports that ultimately lead to a ramshackle box on both of his upper arms. In turn, these connect via a form of segmented piping to Emet’s weaponry, which have now changed significantly. The blades of Emet’s cleavers have expanded to roughly fight feet in length and three feet in breadth. Their cutting edges are hollowed out and filled with a series of razor-edged gears that are powered by the steam carried down the piping, spinning at high velocity as long as their power source remains. However, the blades now merely serve as bayonets. The main weaponry of Shinjinbukai Hoi-ru no Henran are a pair of double-barrelled cannons. Both these and the chaingear blade bayonets are heavily integrated into Emet’s forearms.

Powers: Aside from the improved cutting power of the enhanced blades, Shinjinbukai Hoi-ru no Henran possesses the following abilities:

Suijoukihou – Steam Cannons: Shinjinbukai Hoi-ru no Henran’s cannons fire reiryoku projectiles that pack a considerable punch at a good rate of fire.

Kyuukyokutenrai Suijoukitaihou – Final Divine Great Steam Cannon: Placing both cannons together, they and the chaingear bayonets assimilate into a single massive ramshackle cannon. The cogs on Emet’s back go into overdrive, the valves alongside them letting out a final massive burst of steam before it all collapses and crumbles. The cannon, odd nuts, bolts and pieces flying off as the power courses down its barrel fires one last shot of massive power before falling apart. Using this technique destroys Emet’s bankai, and it requires several weeks to be rebuilt.

[horngeek]

<.<
>.>

I, quite frankly, LOVE that idea.

Before I saw the picture, I thought of Al from FMA.

[Frozen_Feet]

To continue the old conversation a bit, it's worth considering that in the context of our setting nearly all paranormal sightings could be attributed to actual supernatural. We've already established Fuschichou Town is only the most busy spot, not the only spot where stuff happens. So, if it hasn't caused a big fuss elsewhere, it probably won't in Fuschichou either.

Okay, so in RL these things have caused a fuss, but that's a forbidden topic >.>

[Edge]

<.<
>.>

I, quite frankly, LOVE that idea.

Before I saw the picture, I thought of Al from FMA.

Well, thanks for the support. But I shall wait for the opinions of a few others before writing any more.

[horngeek]

Seriously, that's the sort of idea where if someone goes 'that doesn't work', I say 'change the mechanics of the setting until it does'.

[Boo]

@Edge: I don't see a problem with him. You might want reread it to fix a few grammatical errors here and there since there was one that struck me as odd.

The character, I guess, is strange because he's metal. My only concern is that you may step on Himura Michiko's (11th) toes with this character. Squad wise. Go ahead with the combat thing. I'll wait for the writeup before commenting further.

@HG: I kept thinking of guess who.

@FF: We should go back to our fun, shouldn't we?

[Edge]

It's not combat, it's military engineering. And architectural design/implementation.

[Boo]

Oh, well, never mind me. I'm just misreading stuff. Sounds good.

[Edge]

In that case, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you...

7th Division Proposal

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The 7th Division

The 7th Division contains the architectural experts of Seireitei, whether they be architects, military engineers or siege engineers. In times of war, it is they who reinforce the Seireitei, supply routes and other strategic assets the shinigami need to hold. In peacetime, they maintain the walls and gates of Seireitei, perform repair work on the structures of the city and the nearby Rukongai, the roads and perform any landscaping required for projects.

The 7th maintains close ties with the 4th, 8th and 12th Divisions, as well as the Kido Corp. As the 4th handles logistics, it is often up to the 7th to secure and reinforce the defences of vital points on supply lines. The 4th’s janitorial duties sometime coincide with the 7th’s construction and reconstruction duties as well. The 8th’s direction and prioritisation of points of strategic value can vital for determining the effectiveness of the Division’s fortifications, and the 12th provides new technologies for the 7th to utilise in its duties. The Kido Corp’s research into kido can prove vital in both the Division’s offensive and defensive wartime duties, with new Hado allowing individuals to function as artillery and Bakudo making fortifications that much harder to bypass.

Division Size: 600 total. Of those, only 30 are seated, including Captain Emet and the Vice-Captain. Emet maintains a strict policy of one shinigami per seat, and frequently adjusts the rankings based on power gains and losses to maintain organisational effectiveness.

Flower: Bumblebee orchid – Industry.

Motto: "A strong foundation, lest the tower fall."

Duties
Architectural Planning: It is up to the 7th to plan and design any new construction or reconstruction of bureaucratic Seireitei property. Third parties seeking to construct on their own land must come to the 7th for initial planning permission.

Construction, Reconstruction and Field Construction: In addition to planning buildings, it is up to the 7th to actually construct them, whether it be an extension to a Division’s barracks, a repair of the walls of the Seireitei, or the deployment of prefabricated structures for the front line. Any construction or demolition is handled by the 7th.

Siege Engineers: If the strange oversized weaponry of the 12th Division or the Kido Corp ever needs to be deployed, it is the 7th who entrench them when needed and who act as battery commanders.

Deathstone Quarrying (Only a Possible): Given the frequency with which they may require it, it is up to the 7th to mine, quarry or otherwise obtain and cut any seki-seki they need for their work. Any other Division that requires it must go through the 7th.

Necessary Skills
Emet looks for candidates with an interest in architecture and construction or demolition. Skill with Hado and Bakudo is a definite plus, but a useful offensive or defensive shikai is just as valued. Emet prefers individuals with a passion for the work they must accomplish, but not those who put it before orders – those who enjoy massive property damage are not overly welcome in the Division.

Promotion
The 7th maintains two organisational structures – the seating system and separate rank system. Seats are granted purely on basis of strength, whilst the other rank system is based on organisational competence. Seating is used purely as a track of the Division’s power, whilst the second rank system functions as the organisational one. Emet and his Vice-Captain hold first and second rank, respectively, in both systems. The second ranking system uses the following ranks:

Brigadier: The Captain.
Lieutenant Colonel: The Vice Captain.
First to Thirtieth Lieutenants: Commanding officers.
Privates: The rest of the division.

Previous Captains

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All names in first name, last name format.

Arata Fujimoto: Emet’s immediate predecessor and the Captain whom he joined the Division under, it was Fujimoto who brought the Division into its current shape. He deemed the war with Las Noches, Cold or not, a major problem and was determined to make sure that Seireitei could withstand and recover from attacks as easily as possible, whilst making the opposite true for the Arrancar. He had been Captain for 350 years, and it had taken much of that time to reorganise the Division into its current shape. Fujimoto passed away due to natural causes just over 120 years ago, giving Emet the chance to take his mentor’s place.

Katsuo Himura: Fujimoto’s predecessor, Katsuo only maintained the Captaincy of the Division for 98 years. A powerful individual, but ultimately incompetent in a leadership position, Katsuo had no purpose for the 7th and effectively turned it into a poor imitation of the 11th. His Captaincy ended when he was promoted to the Royal Guard.

Nori Ito: Katuso’s predecessor, Ito managed a longer stint than his successor, but it was not much more successful. Under Ito, the 7th became the self-proclaimed morale officers of the Gotei, though in reality they were little more than hedonists looking for any excuse to throw a party. Ito managed 286 years as Captain before the Central 46 grew tired of the antic of him and his Division and had his reiryoku sealed and exiled him.

Makoto Honda: Ito’s predecessor and the last Captain prior to Fujimoto with a real vision for the 7th, Honda formed the 7th into a Division for Honour and Justice. They became a police Division, though as time went on in Honda’s 436 years as Captain, their judgements became increasingly draconian as they came down on all forms of perceived corruption. Their harshness is alleged to be the reason for Ito’s extreme light-heartedness. Captain Honda’s ultimate fate is not recorded, but it is assumed he passed away, either in combat or naturally.

[Frozen_Feet]

Zibarra Emet, 7th Division Captain Candidate

"Oh, Golem. Haven't seen you in a while. Where have you been?" This will, eventually, make sense.

He looks good to me. I think there's lot to be gained from interactions between him and rest of the captains.

I hope the reiryoky projectiles of Suijoukihou look like cannon balls.

[Edge]

I'm open to ideas regarding the appearance of the Suijoukihoi shots.

[riccaru]

How does it work when he gets attacked? If he gets hit can the musculature be severed like real muscles? I'm curious to see what he's be like in a fight, and how he would be affected by a zanpakuto. I like the idea though.

[Edge]

Yes, the weird muscle stuff functions like real muscle. He's just got plates of armour instead of fat and skin.

[riccaru]

Does the armor give him better defense than most shinigami? Also, if we're doing weird captains I should do my rabbit idea! Heh.

[horngeek]

Does the armor give him better defense than most shinigami? Also, if we're doing weird captains I should do my rabbit idea! Heh.

If I wasn't already having Natsuko, this is the point where I'd write up a catgirl for a Captain.

[Edge]

I would assume so. Given that it is, y'know, armour. And if other shinigami really wanted to, they could wear armour as well.

EDIT: Back, ye furries, back!

[nothingclever]

So if you see your friend on a video jumping thirty feet in the air, you're going to be wilfully ignorant? Think of modsouls, quincy, and magic. . .girls. How will they stay protected from the internet?

Who says mortal world characters will be fighting among big crowds though? My character isn't going to try to attract an audience when he does supernatural things. The people that can be seen might want to keep their powers a secret and the hollows they fight can't be seen by normal eyes. Heck, if only one side wants to keep things secret the other might cover for it anyway. Like if the students were to fight SWORD and used their powers however they wanted while doing so the men in black would probably try to keep things under wraps because that's their default policy. Sure bystanders could record them but if they don't have lots of people around to verify what happened their recordings would lose credibility simply because the stunts within would be reflexively denied by most viewers. Reports of big events that aren't hidden could be considered mass hysteria.

[SARCASM]Maybe we'll just have to be like vampires and put on a masquerade.[/SARCASM]

[Draken]

Heh. Captain Warforged.

[KnightDisciple]

I'm beginning to see a bit of Michael Bay in your thinking.

I think what FH was referring to was the usage of camera phones and the like in real life. Videos can be sent to hosting sites within seconds, and with all the chances of seeing someone jump onto or from a roof, people are going to be saying "fakelol" less and less. And since this is Japan, we can expect the whole school to find out about the super friends pretty fast. Plus, all the Quincy are going to look ridiculous on youtube (see: SWK).

At some point the movie excuse will run dry.

I know we can just handwave it (lazy), but it'd be better (IMO) if we put human technology in a sort of... 90's/early 2000 timewarp like FH suggested.

The rest has been answered, but....Comparing me to a hack director? Doesn't really engender me listening to you.

Kind of like you comparing my forum name to a food.

Neither is funny, at all.

This honestly annoyed me. Just because you sometimes lack the knowledge or humour for a joke doesn't mean you have to be disrespectful. Ease off on those types of comments, please.

And that "humor" honestly annoys me. Guess we're at an impasse.

[KnightDisciple]

Since I figure he's going to be somewhat controversial himself, I figure I'll post my captain candidate up by himself before I get into the meat of writing up my/his version of the 7th Division.

Zibarra Emet, 7th Division Captain Candidate

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Name: Zibarra Emet (Last, First) – Broken soul, Truth
Gender: None, physically. Psychologically, male.
Height: 7’1”
Weight: 324lbs.
Hair: None.
Eyes: Pale.
Actual Age/Apparent: 247/Who can tell?
Reiatsu/Speech: #222255

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[FONT="Book Antiqua"][COLOR=#222255][B][/B][/COLOR][/FONT]

Division: 7th
Seat: Captain aspirant.

Appearance:

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Emet’s most obvious feature is that his appearance is not human. Humanoid, but not human. Quite exactly what he is isn’t easy to pin down, but it is clearly artificial. Over a mass of what seems to be organic matter roughly similar to musculature, Emet is covered in an assortment of armour plating, quite haphazard and asymmetrical. His neck is topped with a mostly featureless head, its only distinguishing marks being the two pale orbs that are his eyes and the metallic plate inscribed with the Hebrew word emet – truth.

Whilst he technically has no need to clothing, Emet always wears at least his captain’s haori whilst on duty, and always dons the full shinigami uniform for captain’s meetings and other formal events.

Personality:

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Despite over two centuries of life serving in Seireitei, emotions still do not come easily to Emet. However, he enjoys jokes, cooking and long walks. He is also thankful for the support and teaching he has be given in the past, and remains grateful both for that and the position he currently holds.

History:

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It is unclear whether Emet’s previous life really was a life. He was certainly a ghost in the shell, but whether that makes him a soul or not is still a subject of some debate.

The spirit that would become Emet first gained a spark of self-awareness whilst dwelling within the shell of a sword in Gaza. Ascribed great significance by the one who wielded it, who was little more than a boy, the spirit residing in the weapon slowly grew. When the boy died, the spirit jumped to another object held dear by the one who used it. And so the process continued, the spirit jumping from one object to the next, until it ended up in a soroban in Japan. Now attached to an item requiring higher thought, it was able to develop at a vastly increased rate, enough that when the soroban broke, it left a spiritual echo.

It was strange and flitting, almost spiritual static, but eventually it was found by a confused shinigami who nevertheless performed konso on it.

The arrival of a metal man in the Rukongai did not go unnoticed, and neither did its surprisingly high reiatsu, nor the fact that it appeared with two blades.

After several weeks of interrogation determining that it was, in fact, a soul and not some horrendous entity bent on the destruction of Soul Society Emet, as the metal man had taken to calling itself, was given the choice to enter the Shinigami Academy. He accepted, and began training along with the other recruits as normal.

Showing an incredible rate of assimilation with the skills being presented to him, Emet graduated from the Academy with flying colours, his Zanjutsu and Hakudo well above average, his Hoho and Bakudo very respectable, and his Hado acceptable. He entered into the 7th Division, which was short of combat specialists at the time. Due to his rapid assimilation allowing combat techniques to quickly become rote, he rapidly rose through the ranks, quickly reaching Vice Captaincy of the Division. When the current Captain passed away, Emet was promoted to the position, mainly due to a lack of other viable candidates at the time.

Upon gaining the Captaincy, he began a reform of the Division, seeking to give it a new vision and purpose.

Combat:

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Zanjutsu: Emet is highly adept at Zanjutsu, having assimilated the rudiments a wide variety of fighting styles that he continually works on improving.

Hakudo: Emet is equally adept at Hakudo. The combination of metal fists and the ability to quickly assess an opponent’s position make him a highly competent unarmed fighter.

Hoho: Emet is competent with shunpo for his rank, but he is not a speedster. However, his reaction times surpass his own speed, allowing him at least a chance of keeping up with a speed-focused opponent’s movements.

Kido: Whilst able to use up to Bakudo 81 without incantation, Emet can only manage up to Hado 33 without incantation, and only up to Hado 54 even with incantation.

Zanpakutou: Hoi-ru no Henran – Wheel of War

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Zanpakutou Spirit:

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A humanoid figure of silver and golden gears, sat at the hub of the largest gear in Emet’s inner world. Hoi-ru no Henran is quite distant and aloof, concerned almost entirely with logic and progression.

Inner World:

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A world of eternally turning gears of iron, steel, gold and silver, all of them driving a great machine above the central hub of the largest gear that periodically releases a great jet of steam.

Zanpakutou Unreleased Form:

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Whilst sealed, Hoi-ru no Henran takes the shape of a narrow longsword and a main-gauche. The hilts of both are wrapped in black leather, and each has a chain with a small cog on the end attached to the pommel.

Shikai: Tenjiru hateshinaku, Hoi-ru no Henran – Turn eternally, Wheel of War

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When released, Hoi-ru no Henran reshapes into a pair of bladed weapons halfway between a meat cleaver and a scimitar, the main-gauche remaining marginally narrower and shorter in this shape. In addition, a maze of gears and clockwork grow from the hilt of the weapons, and the hilts extend backwards at a 45 degree angle, changing into narrow spouts that slowly issue steam.

Powers
Masuru – Grinding: In shikai, Hoi-ru no Henran’s blades vibrate at high speed similar to a Seele Schneider, though not to the same extent as the Quincy weapon, and it cannot use this function at the same time as Kumo no Suijouki. However, whilst functioning, it increases the cutting power of Hoi-ru no Henran’s blades.

Kumo no Suijouki – Cloud of Steam: When not powering Masuru, Hoi-ru no Henran can instead produce great blankets of steam. As well as obscuring vision, the increased moisture in the air impedes fire-based attacks as well as improving water or ice based ones. The cloud remains for as long as Hoi-ru no Henran is assigned to this task and for up to a minute afterwards, depending on surrounding conditions (wind speed, temperature, etc).

Ryoku no Suijouki – Power of Steam: Hoi-ru no Henran’s final ability is to empower other spiritual beings. By placing the hilts of both weapons upon another spiritual being’s weapon or body, Emet can bestow any degree of his own reiryoku to them temporarily.

Bankai: Shinjinbukai Hoi-ru no Henran – Godly Wheel of War

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In bankai, Hoi-ru no Henran alters into the following shape. An overlarge gear, shielded from behind by cast iron, and a pair of valves spurting steam appear on Emet’s back, interlocked with a series of other gears and supports that ultimately lead to a ramshackle box on both of his upper arms. In turn, these connect via a form of segmented piping to Emet’s weaponry, which have now changed significantly. The blades of Emet’s cleavers have expanded to roughly fight feet in length and three feet in breadth. Their cutting edges are hollowed out and filled with a series of razor-edged gears that are powered by the steam carried down the piping, spinning at high velocity as long as their power source remains. However, the blades now merely serve as bayonets. The main weaponry of Shinjinbukai Hoi-ru no Henran are a pair of double-barrelled cannons. Both these and the chaingear blade bayonets are heavily integrated into Emet’s forearms.

Powers: Aside from the improved cutting power of the enhanced blades, Shinjinbukai Hoi-ru no Henran possesses the following abilities:

Suijoukihou – Steam Cannons: Shinjinbukai Hoi-ru no Henran’s cannons fire reiryoku projectiles that pack a considerable punch at a good rate of fire.

Kyuukyokutenrai Suijoukitaihou – Final Divine Great Steam Cannon: Placing both cannons together, they and the chaingear bayonets assimilate into a single massive ramshackle cannon. The cogs on Emet’s back go into overdrive, the valves alongside them letting out a final massive burst of steam before it all collapses and crumbles. The cannon, odd nuts, bolts and pieces flying off as the power courses down its barrel fires one last shot of massive power before falling apart. Using this technique destroys Emet’s bankai, and it requires several weeks to be rebuilt.

Like others have said, he's good.

Two things that stick out.

1.)With his shikai, you mention a "maze of gears", but then make it sound like his sword hilts just end in the steam spout. What happens to this "maze"? Mostly I'm having trouble forming a mental picture.

2.)His first attack is 1 letter off from my Captain's name. "Masuru": Attack name. "Masaru": Captain name. Just thought I'd point it out.

Otherwise, I like it. Especially because you're exploring the whole "ghost in the machine" concept. But going with really old machines.

In that case, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you...

7th Division Proposal

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The 7th Division

The 7th Division contains the architectural experts of Seireitei, whether they be architects, military engineers or siege engineers. In times of war, it is they who reinforce the Seireitei, supply routes and other strategic assets the shinigami need to hold. In peacetime, they maintain the walls and gates of Seireitei, perform repair work on the structures of the city and the nearby Rukongai, the roads and perform any landscaping required for projects.

The 7th maintains close ties with the 4th, 8th and 12th Divisions, as well as the Kido Corp. As the 4th handles logistics, it is often up to the 7th to secure and reinforce the defences of vital points on supply lines. The 4th’s janitorial duties sometime coincide with the 7th’s construction and reconstruction duties as well. The 8th’s direction and prioritisation of points of strategic value can vital for determining the effectiveness of the Division’s fortifications, and the 12th provides new technologies for the 7th to utilise in its duties. The Kido Corp’s research into kido can prove vital in both the Division’s offensive and defensive wartime duties, with new Hado allowing individuals to function as artillery and Bakudo making fortifications that much harder to bypass.

Division Size: 600 total. Of those, only 30 are seated, including Captain Emet and the Vice-Captain. Emet maintains a strict policy of one shinigami per seat, and frequently adjusts the rankings based on power gains and losses to maintain organisational effectiveness.

Flower: Bumblebee orchid – Industry.

Motto: "A strong foundation, lest the tower fall."

Duties
Architectural Planning: It is up to the 7th to plan and design any new construction or reconstruction of bureaucratic Seireitei property. Third parties seeking to construct on their own land must come to the 7th for initial planning permission.

Construction, Reconstruction and Field Construction: In addition to planning buildings, it is up to the 7th to actually construct them, whether it be an extension to a Division’s barracks, a repair of the walls of the Seireitei, or the deployment of prefabricated structures for the front line. Any construction or demolition is handled by the 7th.

Siege Engineers: If the strange oversized weaponry of the 12th Division or the Kido Corp ever needs to be deployed, it is the 7th who entrench them when needed and who act as battery commanders.

Deathstone Quarrying (Only a Possible): Given the frequency with which they may require it, it is up to the 7th to mine, quarry or otherwise obtain and cut any seki-seki they need for their work. Any other Division that requires it must go through the 7th.

Necessary Skills
Emet looks for candidates with an interest in architecture and construction or demolition. Skill with Hado and Bakudo is a definite plus, but a useful offensive or defensive shikai is just as valued. Emet prefers individuals with a passion for the work they must accomplish, but not those who put it before orders – those who enjoy massive property damage are not overly welcome in the Division.

Promotion
The 7th maintains two organisational structures – the seating system and separate rank system. Seats are granted purely on basis of strength, whilst the other rank system is based on organisational competence. Seating is used purely as a track of the Division’s power, whilst the second rank system functions as the organisational one. Emet and his Vice-Captain hold first and second rank, respectively, in both systems. The second ranking system uses the following ranks:

Brigadier: The Captain.
Lieutenant Colonel: The Vice Captain.
First to Thirtieth Lieutenants: Commanding officers.
Privates: The rest of the division.

Previous Captains

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All names in first name, last name format.

Arata Fujimoto: Emet’s immediate predecessor and the Captain whom he joined the Division under, it was Fujimoto who brought the Division into its current shape. He deemed the war with Las Noches, Cold or not, a major problem and was determined to make sure that Seireitei could withstand and recover from attacks as easily as possible, whilst making the opposite true for the Arrancar. He had been Captain for 350 years, and it had taken much of that time to reorganise the Division into its current shape. Fujimoto passed away due to natural causes just over 120 years ago, giving Emet the chance to take his mentor’s place.

Katsuo Himura: Fujimoto’s predecessor, Katsuo only maintained the Captaincy of the Division for 98 years. A powerful individual, but ultimately incompetent in a leadership position, Katsuo had no purpose for the 7th and effectively turned it into a poor imitation of the 11th. His Captaincy ended when he was promoted to the Royal Guard.

Nori Ito: Katuso’s predecessor, Ito managed a longer stint than his successor, but it was not much more successful. Under Ito, the 7th became the self-proclaimed morale officers of the Gotei, though in reality they were little more than hedonists looking for any excuse to throw a party. Ito managed 286 years as Captain before the Central 46 grew tired of the antic of him and his Division and had his reiryoku sealed and exiled him.

Makoto Honda: Ito’s predecessor and the last Captain prior to Fujimoto with a real vision for the 7th, Honda formed the 7th into a Division for Honour and Justice. They became a police Division, though as time went on in Honda’s 436 years as Captain, their judgements became increasingly draconian as they came down on all forms of perceived corruption. Their harshness is alleged to be the reason for Ito’s extreme light-heartedness. Captain Honda’s ultimate fate is not recorded, but it is assumed he passed away, either in combat or naturally.

I like it a lot.