[DornKoon] Sasakibe Chōjirō Tadaoki

Name:
Sasakibe Chōjirō Tadaoki
Gender:
Male
Race:
Shinigami
Canon/OC:
Canon

Visual Appearance:

Physical Description:
Chōjirō has pupilless eyes, short silver-grey hair and a small black handlebar moustache with lightly tanned skin. He is a man with a well-trained body, often hidden under his uniform.
Clothing/Misc. Items:
He wears a white jinbaori over a standard Shinigami shihakushō with long white arm guards. He also wears a white turtleneck under his uniform and wears his lieutenant armband on his left arm. His jinbaori, which he made himself, is also meant to give him a more Western look.

Sexuality:
Asexual
Goals:
Chōjirō only goal has ever been to be of use to Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni. His loyalty to this pursuit is so strong that he has turned down several offers to take on the position of Captain, and even after the vacancies left after the treason of Aizen and his co-conspirators, he remains steadfast in this devotion.

General Personality:



Chōjirō is the definition of steadfast loyalty. He is fiercely loyal to Yamamoto and has been his steadfast subordinate for several thousand years, even before any divisions or a Gotei. In his youth, he swore an oath to serve as his lieutenant for as long as Yamamoto was alive. He is soft-spoken, observant and an ever-calm presence in the 1st division. He is well aware that he, more so than even the other captains, has the ear of the Captain-Commander but would never dream of abusing this trust. Chōjirō is hard-working and devoted to his captain and the whole of the Gotei and, by extension, the Seireitei. He is willing to do the things Yamamoto is unable, or sometimes unwilling, to do himself, never wishing to be like his Captain but to complement him by being himself.

He cares little for the machinations of the nobilities, nor does he have much respect for the politicians who claim to run the show. In his mind, the only reason a Seireitei still exists is due to the sacrifices made by the Captain-Commander. Of course, he is also a man who knows not to share these personal thoughts, but he has done things to undermine the nobles in the past. However, in such subtle ways, it could never be called even close to treason. Still, he can be more underhanded than most Seireitei would ever guess. Just because he doesn't make a show of himself doesn't make him less; if anything, it makes him more. Less is more, as the saying goes.

His loyalty aside, he is not on the same page as Yamamoto regarding everything; one big difference between him and his captain is his fondness for Western culture and cuisine. During missions to the Human World, English society significantly impacted him. Unlike most of the Gotei, he has taken a lot of inspiration from the Western world, especially England. Chōjirō has a habit of making tea with his own personally grown black tea leaves, sometimes with drastic results, such as blowing up a tower by trying to turn on a boiling machine.

Lastly, Chōjirō is humble. He is humble about his significance in the Gotei and would never claim to be anything more remarkable than a Lieutenant. Despite his seniority to everyone except two, Captain-Commander Yamamoto and Captain Unohana, he still treats the Captains and fellow Lieutenants with all due respect. This respect extends to Kurosaki Ichigo and his friends because he recognizes their capabilities.

History:

The First Lieutenant



Not only is Chōjirō Lieutenant of the 1st Division, but he is also the First Lieutenant of Soul Society. Before there was a Gotei, he was a young man with grand ambitions. He wanted to be Yamamoto's first-hand man, earn his trust and be loyal to him. Chōjirō pestered the older Shinigami a lot during this period, visiting his school almost daily. He was stubborn, persistent, driven and, above all else, not one to give up. Chōjirō routinely visited Yamamoto at his school, constantly referring to him as "Eijisai-dono", a reference to the scar on his forehead. This annoyed Yamamoto, and he apologized for doing so but insisted that using Yamamoto's real name would be wrong. He declined an offer to become a student as he thought he would copy Yamamoto. After all, he wanted to compensate for anything Yamamoto could not do.

Finally, Yamamoto told him that only someone strong could become his right-hand man, a challenge Chōjirō was more than willing to accept. Yamamoto did not see him for a month after that, under which time Chōjirō trained tirelessly. He would not relent, and upon his return a month later, he had learned to use Bankai. Eager to prove himself to Yamamoto, he told him this news. At Yamamoto's behest, he tried to defeat Yamamoto with his Bankai. Though he failed to beat him, he left a permanent scar on Yamamoto's face.

Even if Yamamoto called the Bankai that of a Child, this would not discourage Chōjirō; if anything, he agreed, but that meant he had room to grow stronger still and would spend his life improving it to benefit Yamamoto. Which he did, and he never relented in his devotions or loyalties.

Chōjirō was there when Yamamoto took the name Genryūsai and founded the Gotei 13 with some of the powerful but also dangerous shinigami. Chōjirō became Yamamoto's lieutenant, a position he has held ever since. He helped Yamamoto restructure Soul Society, creating the structure that still stands today.

The First Quincy War

The Quincy proved a danger to the balance of the world because their powers destroyed the souls of Hollows instead of sending them to Soul Society. This could have threatened to cause the end of the world, and since The Quincy refused to listen, the difficult choice was made to destroy them. This resulted in an all-out war between the Shinigami and Quincy. The Gotei were a different beast in those days, made out of some of soul society's most deranged killers, and they had little qualms about falling to extremes.



Lieutenant Sasakibe fought beside his captain during the war. He turned out to be the deciding factor in their victory when he managed to sneak up behind the so-called "Quincy King" by hiding among the dead bodies, driving his Shikai through his back, and giving Captain Yamamoto the necessary opening to destroy him using the power of his Bankai.

Lieutenant Sasakibe

Though Chōjirō was able to master his Bankai before Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku did, he did not participate in battles and did not use his Bankai in front of others. He did not wish to climb the ranks, declining to act as a substitute captain when a position as captain became vacant due to his loyalty to Captain-Commander Yamamoto. He did not want to be Captain and was content to be simply Lieutenant. He was sometimes insulted because of perceived weakness, but only by the foolish or ignorant. Most of Soul Society came to respect Lieutenant Sasakibe deeply.

Time passed, and over the years, most Captains and Lieutenants changed and replaced on more than one occasion. But not Sasakibe; he remained where he always had been, standing beside his Captain, a steadfast rock for the other Lieutenants and an example for them to look up to.



He also never stopped training and always strives to grow stronger.

Ryoka Invasion and Murder of Aizen


During the invasion by the Ryoka wishing to rescue Kuchiki Rukia, Chōjirō rarely left his Captain's side, as their presence troubled him greatly, even more after the murder of 5th Division Captain Aizen Sōsuke. Yet, the situation did not sit well with the Lieutenant, mainly because he found the orders from Central 46 to have Kuchiki Rukia executed to be more than a little odd, and he disagreed with Captain Yamamoto's stubborn refusal to see it.

Still, it was not his place to judge; Chōjirō accompanied Captain Yamamoto to Kuchiki's execution on Sōkyoku Hill, where he stood by as Yamamoto asked Rukia if she had any last words. His feelings would not go away, and he knew that Captains Ukitake and Kyōraku were up to something the moment they arrived, and part of him was glad at their intervention.



When Kurosaki Ichigo arrived and rescued Rukia, he followed Yamamoto's order to pursue Lieutenant Abarai and prevent him from escaping with Rukia. He gave chase along with Isane Kotetsu and Marechiyo Ōmaeda, but Ichigo appeared in their path. Now, Chōjirō seriously wanted to get past Kurosaki; there was a high chance he would have been able to do so, as he had always been on the level of a captain. Instead, Chōjirō saw in those split seconds that Kurosaki might be the solution. So, as the other two Lieutenants went down from his attacks, Lieutenant Sasakibe chose to do nothing and only did a half-hearted attack that he knew would be dodged before letting himself be taken out by a punch to the jaw. He knew Yamamoto was too upset with his former students to pay attention, so he never questioned how the Ryoka could so easily defeat his second-in-command.

Still, in the end, he is awake upon learning of Aizen's true nature and treason. As Aizen escaped Seireitei, he watched beside Yamamoto and listened as the treacherous captain bade them farewell.

Faction:
Soul Society, Division 1
Rank:
Lieutenant

Physical Abilities/Power:

Immense Spiritual Power

Lieutenant Sasakibe's spiritual powers are among the strongest in Soul Society, and he could have been made a captain several times. Chōjirō was powerful enough in his youth to fight side-by-side with the first Gotei 13 captains, considered the strongest generation. Most remain largely unaware of this fact because he is a master at hiding his spiritual pressure, seeming less than what he truly is. His spiritual pressure is said to be very measured and "static," and his Reiatsu is golden yellow. He gained his Bankai in a month of training and has not grown weaker in the last 1000 years.

Perhaps his most impressive feat is remaining close to Captain-Commander Yamamoto with his Bankai active and assisting his Captain in combat where most Shinigami would be overwhelmed.

Kidō Expert

Sasakibe is an expert at Kido. His expertise is focused on the use of Hadō, but he is very proficient in Bakudō, too.

Master Swordsman

Chōjirō was training with his sword since before there was a Gotei at all, and he refused to let anything get in his way of being noticed by Yamamoto; he was a progeny even as a child and are now among the most skilled swordsmasters in all Divisions. Having placed much focus on Western styles of fencing, which has often given him an edge in combat against foes more used to fighting the other, Shinigami focused more on the Eastern styles of swordplay. He can utilise his speed and experience to effectively counter and outmanoeuvre his opponents.

Shunpo Expert:

Lieutenant Sasakibe is highly proficient in Shunpo. Repeatedly in battle, he can block and dodge dangerous attacks.

Subterfuge:

A combination of being light on his feet and his masterful impression of his spiritual pressure has turned Sasakibe into a very subtle Shinigami who can move unnoticed. Some would think him a former member of the 2nd Division, but that is not the case. He only learned this to complement his Captain's more domineering presence; they could turn several battles in secret as Yamamoto acted in the open.

Kido:

Hadō
1-88

Bakudō
1-81

Zanpakuto:

Gonryōmaru - 厳霊丸, Stern Spirit

In its sealed form, Chōjirō's weapon is an average katana with an ornate double-fanned hand guard and a yellowish-green handle.

Shikai:

SPOILER: Click to show

Upon speaking the command "Pierce", Gonryōmaru transforms into a rapier. It is a Shikai that can generate and manipulate golden lightning and electricity. He can restrict an opponent's movements by surrounding them with lightning or attack them from afar by firing lightning bolts from his sword. Stormy weather significantly increases his power over lightning. Additionally, Sasakibe can enhance the power of his physical attacks and speed by channelling electricity through his sword or body while attacking.

The Spirit of the Storm

One of Gonryōmaru's primary powers, as well as its most potent. It allows Sasakibe to control the weather in the immediate vicinity, specifically the positive and negative charges in the surrounding atmosphere. The ability is usable in both Shikai and Bankai. Sasakibe has had a long time to master this power, and he can easily control what targets he strikes.

Electroreception

One of the more subtle powers granted to Sasakibe is the ability to locate objects around him without seeing them. Sasakibe can sense the weak bioelectric fields generated by living beings and use them to find them. These electric fields are generated by everything "living" due to the activity of their nerves and muscles. This can give Sasakibe an edge in a fight as he can sense the location of an enemy without needing to see them, making it difficult for him to be snuck up on. Even if someone hides their spiritual energy, not many would think to hide their brain activity.

Piercing Nerve Overcharge

By focusing the lightning into the tip of his sword, Sasakibe can pierce an opponent and send a surge of energy to overload their nervous system in an attempt to cause temporary paralysis as it causes the signals between the brain and body to crash. Depending on the opponent's power, the effect can range from mild cramps to human statue syndrome.

Bankai:

Kōkō Gonryō Rikyū



Kōkō Gonryō Rikyū is a Bankai that can exert a very powerful Reiatsu. It can affect the weather on a grander scale than his Shikai; its power is geared toward thunder and lightning storms, bringing forth dark clouds to facilitate its use. Using gestures with his blade, Chōjirō can direct powerful lightning bolts to strike his opponents from the sky, which can be done at a remarkable distance and with great precision and power. Sasakibe can create, shape, and manipulate lightning within the upper atmosphere, making it a much more potent version of his Shikai in a much larger area.

Lightning Infusion
By moving the blade of Kōkō Gonryō Rikyū alongside the lightning pillars, Chōjirō can infuse his sword with immense amounts of lightning as he moves to attack his opponent with it.

Atmospheric Charge

A passive effect of using Kōkō Gonryō Rikyū is that as long as the Bankai remains active, it will continuously charge the air with more positive and negative energy, which shows itself in an increase in statics. As such, the storm clouds in the sky become more saturated with this energy over time.

Heavenly Raid

One of Sasakibe's techniques discharges all the pent-up energy from the clouds, raining down upon the battlefield as a raid of lightning bolts. The downside of this power is that Sasakibe has no control over where these strikes land, and they can hit both friends and foes alike; the only safe place is in an area around the one holding Gonryōmaru.

Golden King's Cage

Inspired by Yamamoto's Jokaku Enjo, Sasakibe developed this technique. It creates a lightning cage around a targeted area, trapping enemies inside. It does not have the same raw power as his Captain's Ryujin Jakka, but it can help contain opponents for a period.

Lightning Clone

As a way of defence, Sasakibe can create a clone of himself made out of lightning and seamlessly switch places with it in case of emergency. If the clone is injured, it will revert to its natural lightning state while electrocuting whatever makes contact with it. This is generally only usable once against a foe, so the timing must be right for the greatest possible effect.

RP Sample:

"I know you've something to say, Chōjirō, so out with it."

Lieutenant Sasakibe looked to his Captain, having positioned himself on the regular spot slightly behind Yamamoto. Present, but never too close, and never in the way. Still, it seemed like the Captain Commander had a sixth sense of these things. Chōjirō knew it would be a waste of time to lie, and doing so would cause Yamamoto to become more annoyed.

"I was just thinking about the current situation with Kuroksaki-san and his allies, Genryusai-dono." He replied, keeping an even voice and volume that was only high enough for the two of them to hear it. "I was sure I had met him before. I would not wish to make assumptions, but did you not get the same feeling?"

"I did," Yamamoto replied, reaching out to collect his calligraphy brush. "I believe he is related to the Shiba Clan, but I did not need to tell you that, did I, Chōjirō?"

"Indeed, I made similar observations. Logic stands there is only one possible option-"

"Isshin Shiba."

"Yes, Genryusai-dono"

" By his lack of recognition, I suspect young Kurosaki are unaware of this, and I sense it is not our place to unveil it. So, for now, put it out of your mind, Chōjirō."

"As you say, Genryusai-dono"

Silence followed, with the only sounds being the soft brushing as Yamamoto painted and water running from the nearby garden, combined with the soft rustling of paper as Chōjirō was reviewing the latest report from 3rd Seat, Sasaki Tanaka. Her language was efficient, if a little stilted. Still, the matter-of-fact approach was appreciated. He calmly collected a pen and started to write a few notes commenting on her report, enjoying the silence. It was not an uncomfortable silence but rather a calming one. The Captain Commander could have that effect, as being in his vicinity was enough to make one feel safe.