Takasugi joined the Academy after twenty years of exploring and quietly conquering Rukingai’s roughest and most impoverished districts. Never being so obviously involved with any criminal activity he monitored, he evaded identification as a self-made kingmaker, and it was by his hand that many a street urchin were relocated to richer, better off districts to spread his influence. Being a naturally ‘powerful’ soul, Takasugi had his pick of the most choicest of subordinates with several spiritually sensitive souls being under his direct tutelage and care.
Eventually, the many challenges that came with watching over the poverty-stricken whittled themselves down to be no more than the generic cat and mouse antics of the lowest level Shinigami attempting to put a face to his pseudonym. Announcing his plans to retire from his small enterprise, he was astonished to find those under his direct command ask for his blessing for their entry into the academy. It was nothing compared to the astonishment on his subordinate’s faces when he confirmed he would be joining them.
Power Profile, Chits & Abilities
9PEC ,20FC, 0EC
Key:
FC = Free Chit Points
PEC = Possible Earnable Chits
EC = Event Chits
FCU = Free Chit Points used
Zanpakutou 
奇人 の 絶望 Kijin no Zetsubō (Despair of the Eccentric)
Zanpakutou Sealed Appearance: Kijin no Zetsubo, when sealed, takes the form of a straight-bladed tanto/aigushi sans guard. The asauchi Takasugi forged molded exceptionally quickly to him with its blade, shape and size taking on a traditional katakiriha style of tanto. It is, however, seemingly yet to complete this process in its entirety (and is certainly in no rush to do so). It remains simple and somewhat demure in design with no fittings or ornamentation, with a wooden handle and sheathe made of finely sanded pine which is smooth and pleasing to the touch; they lack the typical lacquered finish. The cutting edge is sharpened on one side only and cannot be clearly seen when wielded if viewed from from Takasugi's dominant right side.
Zanpakutou Spirit: Kijin no Zetsubō takes the form of an Onryo with two shackled men in tow. She is devastatingly beautiful, the same way the end of the world might be to the fanatic. It's almost impossible to look away from her - she is grace and devastation incarnate. Her bright-white flawless robes billow about her, liquid and ethereal as she floats lightly above the ground. She exudes a silent yet regal aura which commands attention and respect.
Her black hair flows smoothly down her back, oiled and preened to perfection. Her stare pierces, unforgiving and all-seeing in its intensity. A white mask, masculine and harsh in comparison to the rest of her, adorns the bottom half of her face, covering her upper and lower jaw completely. The black teeth that adorn the mask are long and razor sharp, and are upturned in mocking rictus. The mask is disturbingly similar to that of an Arrancar. Her glittering yellow eyes, complete with black sclera, complete the unsettling likeness.
Kijin no Zetsubōs two attendants are identical in every way - pale, naked males with hairless bowed heads and shackled wrists. Both are deaf, blind and mute, with ears and eyelids and lips sewn shut with threads of oily black hair. A mass of tangled black hair binds them from ankles to wrists to throat, with a single thread connecting both men together and to their mistress.
Kijin no Zetsubō never speaks out loud. Her voice, empty and hollow and wrong to the soul whispers within Takasugi's mind. She is a demanding mistress who revels in the discomfort and paranoia of her wielder, and whos favor might never truly be gained. She grows weary of the world quickly, and sees Takasugi's attention as her sole right to enjoy, and though she will never admit to it, despises his interactions with anybody else who might occupy his attention for more than a few minutes. The more he seeks solitude, the calmer she seems to be - until she grows bored with the tedium of being attached to a man who, in her view, has not yet earned his strength nor rank and therefore has not earned a moment of her time.
Inner World: Takasugi's Inner World is entirely at Kijin no Zetsubō mercy, and she may change her surroundings upon a whim to better serve her mood. It generally defaults to a ruined version of Kabukichō, where the weather flip-flops dramatically between heavy rain and a mist so thick it feels oppressive and difficult to breathe.
Release Command: Obfuscate
Shikai 🔒
Obfuscate, Kijin no Zetsubō
Shikai Appearance:
The sealed form of Kijin no Zetsubo vanishes entirely, leaving Takasugi apparently unarmed. The shikai manifests itself as an innumerable number of lengthy black hairs which appear to reside between the epidermis and dermis and can be easily seen with the naked eye. They flex lazily when idle, but writhe as if trying to break free from Takasugi's skin the more distressed he lets himself become. The effect is quite sickening and turns even the most iron of stomachs. When the hairs are exposed, a black viscous oil drips from each strand with a noticeably foul odour accompanying them. Being likened to a combination of gasoline and gore, the scent is an assault on the senses for which there are few methods of escape. The oil sticks to anything it touches with a gruesome tenacity that persists even in the presence of soap and water, though the oil does vanish when Takasugi's Shikai is resealed much to relief of all involved. Even casual interactions with Kijin no Zetsubo may leave the unlucky individual reaking for days if the Masao chooses to make them suffer through it maliciously.
Shikai Properties:
The mass of hairs that make up the form of Kijin no Zetsubo in Shikai can be freely extended up to a distance of 100 meters and are controlled at will by Takasugi, though it has been observed that the hairs will also move in a knee-jerk reaction to his instincts indicating control is also instinctual on some level. The hairs that extend from Takasugi's body boast the same cutting power as the sharpest of blades - an individual hair can be used to freely combat an enemy’s blade as though it were one in its own right and flay skin from flesh from bone. The configuration of hairs has little bearing on Kijin no Zetsubou's ability to rend - even when in a club-like formation, the hairs are able to slice through matter with terrifying effectiveness. Takasugi himself is not immune to their malicious capabilities.
Unfortunately, all methods of exposing said hairs for combat tend to be extremely painful for Masao. With the hairs themselves having the ability to extend and retract from underneath his fingernails by default, even this most basic of actions inflicts merciless discomfort regardless of how slowly he extends them or retracts them. The hairs may extend from any open wound acquired as a secondary preference, or forcibly burst through Takasugi's flesh as a last resort in dire circumstances. Of course, there is limited space per fingernail for hairs to sprout, and the last option of choosing to manifest the hairs wilfully through unbroken skin would cause a world of hot agony for the Takasugi, making the option of extending them via existing open wounds be the most economic and appealing. Takasugi Masao can make the choice of wilfully exposing himself to less agonising dangers for higher combat effectiveness in the long run, or exposing more hairs from anywhere on his body as the situation requires for a longer, heftier, much more deliberate self-torture.
Wounds created by Takasugi's Shikai prickle uncomfortably, and first hand accounts describe the sensation as not being dissimilar to fiberglass being lodged in the skin. Takasugi's hairs may be detached at will and regrown from underneath his skin immediately, though he loses any control over any he abandons in this way and the hairs remain frozen in whatever configuration they were in last. The hairs are extremely durable, containing a direct link to Takasugi's reiatsu output, and the speed at which they retract and extend is entirely within his control.
Shikai Type: Kidou
🔓 Ability I: Mass Thread Control [Mastered] - This ability is always in effect and governs Takasugi's overall level of control over the hairs of his Shikai. It dictates his overall mastery of maneuverability and delicacy of movement, from controlling a single hair to attack with practiced ease to defending vicious assaults with them en-masse. Takasugi's great mastery over this part of his Shikai allows him the ability to simultaneously direct masses of hair from 8 separate locations on his body at any one time, with him having complete control over every strand as though they were his own limbs. Takasugi is able to perform feats of astounding finesse when required, though this requires the highest level of skill, concentration and expended stamina. Despite the horrifying nature of his release, it is indeed possible to hold something as fragile as a balloon with a single hair without popping it, or stitch a wound in the field without causing further damage.
🔓 Ability II: Soul Sickness [Locked Until Mastered] - Every hair harbors a deep spiritual sickness within it that greedily saps the life energy away from anything with foreign reishi for as long as there is contact. Effectiveness against a soul or soul-sensitive individual varies depending upon the nature of the contact; a single slash with a moment of contact would be almost negligible, but an individual impaled upon a single hair would feel a tangible and immediate draining of stamina. The effect is multiplied by the number of hairs in contact with the target. Soul Sickness may be used against any entity, including but not limited to ranged attacks that contains foreign reishi, such as kidou or reishi arrows. The more hairs interfere with the target, the more the target is diminished.
Bankai (Limited Release)🔒
奇人の完全な絶望 Kijin no Kanzen'na Zetsubō (Utter Despair of the Eccentric)
It is within Kijin no Zetsubo’s nature to demand the total submission of its wielder and be given the highest respect in the form of mastery over the gifts she provides in tandem. Only when these two requirements are met will she allow for her full, complete and perfect Bankai to be called forth. If either of these requirements are lacking, the wielder will only ever be able to invoke Bankai as a flawed Limited Release. An additional requirement for Limited Release Bankai is Mastery over the gift she has already generously bestowed upon Takasugi Masao – Shikai, and all that entails. Limited Release, as such, requires Takasugi's Shikai to be perfected to it's maximum potential.
Bankai Appearance: Takasugi’s arms are drawn harshly behind his back at such an angle his shoulder blades grind together. His palms are forced together in reverse supplication, with wrists and elbows bound mercilessly by dripping bolts of thick, black hair. His legs are bound at ankle and knee in much the same way, and he is risen 1ft from the ground and manoeuvred by tendrils of writhing hair that are sensitive to his reiatsu/reishi output. Takasugi’s head is forced back, upturned to the heavens as though in prayer.
Bankai Properties: Takasugi's Limited Release Bankai retains all the major characteristics of his Shikai, with one major difference - Kijin no Kanzen'na Zetsubō tolerates no other presence on the battlefield other than her own and Takasugi's, and his reach extends to 150 meters. All entities with foreign reishi are immediately seen as an enemy to be eliminated with extreme prejudice, and anything or anybody unfortunate enough to approach Takasugi or, heaven forbid, attempt to interfere in the fight will be actively pursued by furious strands of hair until the target is out of range or torn to shreds. Takasugi has no control over this aspect of his Bankai, and is therefore forbidden from initiating Bankai within the confines of the Gotei 13 without a writ from Central Chambers 46.
Bankai Type: Kidou
🔓 Ability I: Mass Thread Control [Controlled] - This ability is always in effect and governs Takasugi's overall level of control over the hairs of his Shikai. It dictates his overall mastery of maneuverability and delicacy of movement, from controlling a single hair to attack with practiced ease to defending vicious assaults with them en-masse. Takasugi's mid-level mastery over this part of his Bankai allows him the ability to simultaneously direct masses of hair from 6 separate locations on his body at any one time, with him having reasonable control over every strand. In Bankai, every strand has been elevated to a new level of viciousness and brutality, and rather than Takasugi controlling the level of damage inflicted, Kijin no Kanzen'na Zetsubō's attacks are permanently locked at their highest possible damage potential.
🔓 Ability II: Soul Sickness [Locked Until Mastered] - Like with Shikai, every hair harbors a deep spiritual sickness within it that greedily saps the life energy away from anything with foreign reishi for as long as there is contact. Effectiveness against a soul or soul-sensitive individual is boosted, but is still largely depending upon the nature of the contact; a single slash with a moment of contact would inflict a wave of weakening sickness upon the target where an individual impaled upon even a single hair would feel as though flooded with weakness. The effect is multiplied by the number of hairs in contact with the target. Soul Sickness may be used against any entity, including but not limited to ranged attacks that contains foreign reishi, such as kidou or reishi arrows. The more hairs interfere with the target, the more the target is diminished, and this ability in Bankai is especially effective against such targets.
Bankai (Complete Release)🔒
災害食 奇人 Saigai-shoku Kijin (Calamity-Eating Eccentric)
Complete Release, requires Takasugi's Limited Release to be perfected to it's maximum potential. All chits assigned to Limited Release are assigned to their Complete Release counterparts.
Bankai Appearance: Takasugi’s robes turn a ghostly white and Kijin no Zetsubo’s mask appears on his face. He is unbound, his movements almost fluid and otherworldly. He remains suspended above the ground by tendrils of black hair, but they are noticeably less adversarial when idle.
Bankai Properties: Takasugi's Limited Release Bankai retains all the major characteristics of his Limited Release Bankai, with one major difference - Takasugi's hairs deliberately align with will and are completely under his command. There is no longer any danger of unwanted collateral damage, and the hairs appear almost serene in the presence of allies, for Saigai-shoku Kijin has recognised Takasugi's strength as the Soutaicho of the Gotei 13 and recognises all allies as his subordinates. This means to her, all of Takasugi's allies are by extension her property.
Bankai Type: Kidou
🔓 Ability I: Mass Thread Control [Mastered] - This ability is always in effect and governs Takasugi's overall level of control over the hairs of his Bankai. It dictates his overall mastery of maneuverability and delicacy of movement, from controlling a single hair to attack with practiced ease to defending vicious assaults with them en-masse. Takasugi's great mastery over this part of his Bankai allows him the ability to simultaneously direct masses of hair from 16 separate locations on his body at any one time, with him having complete control over every strand as though they were his own limbs. Takasugi is always aware of their precise positioning and actively combines thoughtful strategy with instinct to react and assault with pinpoint precision. Takasugi is able to perform feats of astounding finesse when required. Despite the horrifying nature of his release, it is possible to hold and manipulate something as fragile as a balloon with a single hair without popping it, or stitch a wound in the field without causing further damage.
🔓 Ability II: Soul Sickness [Mastered] - Every hair harbors a deep spiritual sickness within it that greedily saps the life energy away from anything with foreign reishi for as long as there is contact. Effectiveness against a soul or soul-sensitive individual varies depending upon the nature of the contact but is always painfully obvious; a single slash with a mere moment of contact inflicts a horrifying wave of weakening sickness and terror upon the target. An individual impaled upon even a single hair would feel as though flooded with weakness and nightmare. The effect is multiplied by the number of hairs in contact with the target. Soul Sickness may be used against any entity, including but not limited to ranged attacks that contains foreign reishi, such as kidou or reishi arrows. The more hairs interfere with the target, the more the target is diminished, and this ability perfected in Bankai is especially deadly against such targets.
🔓 Ability III (S Rank Required): TBA
🔓 Ability IV (S Rank Required): TBA
Takasugi's Story
Notable RPs & Missions
Key:
⊛ Completed
🞚 In Progress
🗵 Cancelled
✩ Chit Earned
✗ Chit Failed
🞛 Chit in Progress
↬ Story Progression, No Chits Attempted
⇷⇼⇸
Shikai Attainment
Training Spar #1: Takasugi Masao & Caius Kogami 🞛
Mission #2: A Good Night For Rain 🞛
⇷⇼⇸
NPCs
Shiroshiki Tia
7th Division Captain
3rd Wife of Takasugi Masao
Personality: A true paragon of motherly warm-hearted good, Tia welcomes all to her Division with open arms and a patient, accepting ear. Though not timid by any stretch of the imagination, she approaches life with a cautious, almost demure attitude that sees her in the background merely listening in as drama unfolds around her, rather than her being the center.
With a boundless love for all creation, her major passions include tending her herb garden, heading the poverty outreach program for North Rukongai, and giving lectures at the Shinigami Recruit Academy. Tia is an artistic soul and loves to make excursions to the material world to paint the cities, hillsides and mountains, though her favorite muse is, by far, the islands and seas of the world.
Appearance: Tia stands at 5’5 and walks with a slight limp, though this does not seem to hinder her abilities in combat in any way. With long, flowing hair of a bright hay yellow, she switches between a braid that reaches her lower back and a heavy bun, depending on her plans for the day. Her eyes are a deep soulful brown, framed by long blonde eyelashes. She has a rather plain face, mysteriously devoid of scars for somebody of her title and responsibilities.
Tia wears the typical uniform of the Shinigami, and the typical haori of a Captain with no deviations whatsoever, though the occasional smear of colour can be seen when she has been out painting, or when she has been out in her herb garden. She wears her Zanpakutou across her back, as to keep it out of the way but ever present when painting her sunsets and vistas, keeps her nails short, and generally likes to wear a lightly floral perfume.
Zanpakutou: Angel of the Morning (Asa no Tenshi, 朝の天使)
Sealed Appearance: A typical Katana, wrapped with sky-blue silk and complete with a dark blue lacquered sheath. The guard is a simple disc of brass, etched with a relief of clouds and swallows.
Shikai: Rise, Asa no Tenshi
Shikai Appearance: Tia’s Zanpakutou vanishes and takes the form of a brilliant blue short bow that glows with neon radiance. The design seems to be exceedingly simple, but the bright sheen makes it extremely difficult to look at directly.
Passive I: Arrows shot by the bow can take on one of three elements as per Tia’s requirements – fire, lightning or ice. A mixture cannot be shot at the same time, all arrows would have the same element until she switches again.
Passive II: Arrows shot by the bow are especially good at destroying spiritual matter. As an arrow comes into contact with anything containing reishi, it rapidly eats away at it until the arrow passes through in entirely. The closer Tia is to the target, the faster this effect comes into play.
Passive III: The further away Tia is to her target, the more damage the target is inflicted by her arrows, to a maximum distance of 100 meters (roughly the size of a football field).
Bankai: Asa no Hijiri Tenshi (Holy Angel of the Morning)
Appearance: Tia’s shortbow extends to become a magnificent greatbow, though the design remains the same. Her Haori glitters in the light, reflecting the blue shimmer of her weapon, giving her an angelic aura of beauty. Six glowing wings appear at her back, and a golden halo hovers above her head.
Passive I: Tia’s Bankai grants her the ability to fly, with the same speed as a mid-tier shunpo.
Passive II: Arrows shot by the bow can take on one of three elements as per Tia’s requirements – fire, lightning or ice. In Bankai, these can be mixed as Tia requires to create a veritable barrage of mixed element shots. As in Shikai, arrows shot by the bow are especially good at destroying spiritual matter. As an arrow comes into contact with anything containing reishi, it rapidly eats away at it until the arrow passes through in entirely. The closer Tia is to the target, the faster this effect comes into play. The further away Tia is to her target, the more raw damage the target is inflicted by her arrows, to a maximum distance of 100 meters (roughly the size of a football field).
Active I: By turning her bow upside down, the shimmering light of the bow extends to create a disc/shield of brilliant light which scorches the eyes of those unfortunate enough to look at it directly. The more the bow is rotated, the bigger the disc of light gets, with the maximum size being the size of Tia herself. If this stance is held for 5 seconds, Tia may unleash a cylindrical beam of elemental energy (either fire, lightning or ice) from the disc that obliterates and vaporizes anything in its path. This energy beam lasts 10 seconds and travels a distance of 100 meters. Such is the pure destructive power of this attack that her Bankai is immediately sealed afterwards and she must wait a period of 3 days to release it again.
Soundtrack & Art
[A Side]
2. Obfuscate, Kijin no Zetsubō
8. Optional Law
[B Side]
7. Urges