[Bijuu] Sasaki Tanaka

Name: Sasaki Tanaka

Gender: Female

Race: Shinigami

Canon/OC: OC



Visual Appearance:



Physical Description: Sasaki is, purely by appearance, a stereotypical studious (or nerdy if the word suits better) girl. She is a relatively tall girl, standing at around 5'6". Sasaki is also notably slim, giving her almost a lanky appearance, depending on the angle. Her posture is impeccable, however. Much more so than many others among the same ranks as her. It's an easy subject of confusion. To see a girl who is seemingly physically not a combat expert, yet her stance and body language speak a different tale. It's a surprisingly effective aspect in combat and it's something Sasaki has learned to use to her advantage.

To further hammer home the perceived notions of her appearance, Sasaki has long, curly, black hair. It's almost never styled and is often seemingly messy, though that's simply due to Sasaki's own dislike of wearing her hair a certain way. Lavish hairstyles are non-existent in Sasaki's world. Even a ponytail is a rarity, though it's the one that requires the least amount of effort, making it an acceptable option if needed. Make-up is a no-go. To her, it has no place in the appearance of a Shinigami, often leaving her wondering why many others bother with it.

Sasaki's most striking feature is probably her gray-coloured eyes, which border on almost silver. Combined with her general demeanor and personality, it gives Sasaki's gaze a sharp and intense feel. Whether she knows it or not, Sasaki uses that to its full advantage, coming off quite intense to almost anyone she's speaking to. She cares very little about her appearance and whatever preconceived notions may have of her by just looking at her.

Clothing/Misc. Items: Sasaki's clothing is as simple as would be expected of her. She wears a standard Shihakusho and is rarely seen wearing anything even remotely different. The most notable aspects of her attire are her rather large, rectangular glasses with black wooden frames and a light brown shoulder/messenger bag. The bag typically contains several books on Kido, Soul Society (particularly its laws and everything related to its military) and the other worlds around them. When not in battle, Sasaki is rarely seen without the bag.

Sasaki also has a list, detailing the various capabilities and powers of her fellow Shinigami, as well as any others she has and may go up against. While the list is far from complete (since she hasn't seen everyone's releases and such), she constantly updates it. She adds their rank, general abilities, Zanpakuto abilities and their threat level.





Sexuality: Asexual

Goals: To uphold the laws of Soul Society and follow them to the letter. Complete loyalty to Captain-Commander Genryusai. Defeat any and all enemies of the Soul Society, no matter who they may be according to the law.

General Personality: Sasaki Tanaka is someone who was seemingly sculpted by hand for the Gotei 13. Determined and unflinching in her resolve to serve the Soul Society and the Captain-Commander. Loyal to a fault and exceedingly strict about the laws set in place, she is viewed by many to be the model Shinigami in most ways. She is essentially the sentient manifestation of Soul Society's laws. Sasaki will always fulfill her given tasks to the letter and will act accordingly were she to fail. That often manifests in punishing herself by either taking on additional tasks often seen as demeaning by other Shinigami or she would thoroughly examine the steps she took that lead to her failure. In many ways, Sasaki's understanding of the Shin'o Academy's teachings is skewed. She views them as more extreme and more dedicated to the system, rather than protecting people, especially those close to them.

She works best when given specific directories and orders, because she then knows exactly what must be done. If something is left ambiguous, Sasaki will refer to the Soul Society's laws (she knows each law by heart) and will act in the best interests of Soul Society, whatever the sacrifice. She will protect her fellow Shinigami till her dying breath if required. She will also leave them if they're a lost cause and if their rescue would compromise the greater Soul Society. This extends to herself as well. Sasaki is and will always be willing to die for the institution she fully believes in. If her sacrifice benefits the greater good, she won't hesitate to take that necessary step. She will actively try to stop anyone from saving her if it meant that everything else would be in peril because of it. In essence, Sasaki's world exists in black and white. Shades of gray are rarely present for her and even then she finds a way to put those shades in those two boxes.

Many find Sasaki extreme because of her ideology. While she is a model Shinigami, it is only in broad strokes. She is considered ruthless, heartless and without a true moral compass. And it's all pretty much true. Sasaki's loyalty to the Soul Society and the Captain-Commander is so resolute that she will do anything to ensure their survival. Her own moral compass is indeed lacking in ways, as she will always try to rationally justify her actions with the law and what is expected of the Gotei 13. She has little room to think about what she herself wants and in truth, the only thing she does truly want on her own accord, is the continued perseverance and prosperity of the system that gave her a purpose. Sasaki's purpose and life is straightforward, in that way. She serves the system and will do so until she expires. But she knows the difference between good and evil.

However, despite her extreme nature, she isn't reckless. Sasaki will always plan out the best course of action that stays within the law's confines. If she is allowed to use any means necessary, she will do so. In that case, even seemingly unlawful actions are allowed in Sasaki's eyes. She will try to avoid such occasions, but if necessary and especially if given a direct order, she will comply. Those orders must come from a superior officer. Be it the Captain-Commander himself, another Captain or Vice-Captain. That way, the chain of command is still in place and Sasaki can do what she must. She also will not dive head first into battle, without knowing what to do. Obedience and ruthlessness must not be mistaken for recklessness. In many ways, Sasaki is also impossibly headstrong. When she knows her task, nobody can convince her of doing anything other than that. Unless, of course, they know how she works and how to manipulate her.

Due to her general nature, Sasaki also speaks in a matter of fact way. Her tone is always stable, almost monotone. She never minces words and is often brutally honest. It doesn't come from a place of malice. She simply lacks subtle social skills. In her eyes, all Shinigami should strive to be the best and finds that emotional investment is only bound to get one killed. She knows that most of her peers aren't like her nor do they share her mindset. She doesn't belittle them for that. She doesn't view them as weak, even if it does sometimes seem so. Foolish, perhaps, but not weak. She is, in her own way, trying to help her fellow Shinigami become the best versions of themselves. Sasaki's vision of that is skewed to most, but it is nevertheless what she believes in. If someone has another way of viewing things, she will let them be. If someone disagrees with her, she won't mind. She will perhaps explain why she doesn't agree, but she won't try to change anyone's mind. Social interactions with Sasaki are mostly simple, in that way. Unless one is opposing the law and direct orders, they won't have a problem with Sasaki. Humor doesn't really work on Sasaki, because she doesn't fully understand the concept. Same goes for any romantic aspirations. Sasaki has never seen anyone in that manner, nor does she have any desires like that.

It's safe to say that Sasaki doesn't really have any friends to speak of. She is too weird, too extreme and flat out frightening to many. It doesn't bother Sasaki. She enjoys solitude and her own mind as company. Thoughts of others have no place within her mind. Petty insults fly right over her head and while she knows what their purpose is, they have no effect on her. She knows her purpose and that's all that matters. Because of that unwavering sense of purpose, Sasaki enjoys battle. Not in the way that the 11th Division does, not simply for the fight itself. More like her purpose has been given an outlet, a physical manifestation. She can enact the order and balance that she so desires. Sasaki knows that when she does perish, it will be either in battle or by ensuring the prosperity of Soul Society in a different manner.




History:


As was the case with many others, Sasaki Tanaka grew up in Rukongai. Unlike those privileged or lucky enough, Sasaki resided in the poorer districts, with Seireitei looming in the distance like a distant memory. While she can remember little of her time there, she knows that she had a loving family. A family who took care of Sasaki and who were actively trying to give her a better standard of life. But somewhere along the line they failed. They resorted to illegal methods because of the lack of opportunities in the depths of Rukongai. She remembers that her life was in danger because of it, multiple times. She remembers being afraid for days on end. She was a little soul in the midst of bigger things that she couldn't understand just yet. Sasaki remembers that fear was a constant state of being back then. She couldn't even fathom the meaning of the emotion then. But it was there. Constantly. It continued for an indeterminate amount of time until it stopped. She remembers blood and the lifeless expressions of people who didn't move anymore. There was a Shinigami, extending a hand to her. She took it and upon standing, saw that her family was dead. There were several other unfamiliar faces, but it was her family that mattered. Yet, it had little effect on her. Children react seemingly unnaturally to death sometimes. But Sasaki just stared at the bodies, until she was lifted and taken away by the Shinigami. The last memory she could recall from that time long past, was the myriad of faces that looked at her as she was being taken elsewhere. Too many expressions to count, but she remembers that her own was one of pure apathy.


Years passed, as Sasaki grew older under the watchful gaze of the Shinigami. Even if she didn't know it at the time, she was being molded into a Shinigami herself. Sasaki recalls how many others looked at her with confusion. She was so expressionless. Her manner of speaking was strange. She gave off a vibe that felt like nothing was there. No true emotion, no real essence of who she should be. But who were they to dictate what she was supposed to be? She was simply someone they picked up from the street and decided to raise. Nonetheless, she obeyed. Sasaki did whatever she was asked to do, with the promise that she would be set on the right path. That she would get stronger and not make the mistakes that her family did. The problem was that their meaning and Sasaki's understanding of it were completely different. She grew in skill and competency with rapid speed, showing a keen mind early on. Her admittance into the Shin'o Academy was a given. As well as her resounding success while being a pupil. At that time, Sasaki grew more aware of who she was and what she was meant to do in this world. It was clearly a byproduct of her messy upbringing and general way her mind worked, but she gained a clear sense of purpose to uphold the law. She honed the skills she saw most necessary to help with her ideology, while still excelling in the others, albeit at the standard Academy level. Sasaki was nearly ready to be inducted to a Division within the Gotei 13. Something she had been building towards her own life. It wasn't all by her own will, but it had now become a part of her being. There was no other way than to obey and thank the system that brought her out of certain death.


Sasaki's first assigned Division was the 12th. Being put in the Division most closely related with Research and Development was an anomaly for Sasaki. Yes, she was absolutely an intellectual person, but her talents weren't best suited for a quiet research job. By that time, Sasaki had developed her own sense of justice and purpose. Meaning that she was always examining people, seeing what their motivations were and seeing whether those motivations equated with the Soul Society in general. Many did, many didn't. Captain Kurotsuchi was part of the latter group, at least initially. His methods, demeanor and seeming uncertainty in his loyalty was troubling. Sasaki knew better than to directly oppose her superior officer, however, especially as an unseated Shinigami.

The more time she spent in the 12th Division, the more she grew to understand Kurotsuchi's mindset. He was doing the very thing she was trying to do, albeit approaching it from a different angle. Whether it was lawful, was debatable, but she was certain that Captains had their own loopholes for such occasions. His curiosity and, even more so, resolve weren't all that different from Sasaki's. However, at a certain point, she requested transfer to another Division. Sasaki had become wary that she may end up becoming too much like Kurotsuchi (even though she was already there, in a way) or that she would become one of his experiments. She did look similar to the Lieutenant, after all. And still, a research division wasn't the best fit for her personally, even if she did learn valuable skills there.

Sasaki's request was eventually granted. After a thorough look at her past, upbringing, skills and everything else pertinent, Sasaki was transferred to the 1st Division. Working under the Captain-Commander himself was an elating thought. "It's ideal." was Sasaki's monotone comment to the news, along with a short, approving nod. If she knew how to properly emote and show her feelings, it would have looked a whole lot different. But what mattered was her mission, for the lack of a better word. Being in a position like that was what she had been waiting for. A place where she could enforce true chance and smite the enemies of the Soul Society. Ever since being stationed to the 1st Division, Sasaki's loyalty to the system and to Captain-Commander Yamamoto has grown. Grown to a degree where she would lay down her life without a second thought. She was much like Lieutenant Sasakibe in that way, but less because of a personal connection and more because of an ideological one. Sasaki Tanaka made few friends along the way to her current position. Even those are largely lost now. But that holds no real importance to her. The cause is what matters. The law is what matters. Sasaki fully knows what her purpose is, at last. Her loyalty, unwavering. Her will, resolute. Her blade, always at the ready.

Faction: Gotei 13

Rank: 1st Division, 3rd Seat - Previously 12th Division, Unseated




Physical Abilities/Power:

Keen intellect/tactician - Arguably Sasaki's biggest weapon (next to Kido) is her keen mind. Having studied tactics, laws and everything related to combat for as long as she can recall, Sasaki is a formidable strategist on the battlefield and off. She can deduct her opponent's skills and their function with relative ease, although that depends on the nature of those abilities. She will set up elaborate plans to most effectively dispose of whoever she's up against. While she isn't an expert in most fields, she does know elements about various techniques and such, so that she can calculate the best way to oppose them. Unless she's facing someone much more powerful than herself, Sasaki is typically able to come up with at least a few ways to turn the tide in her favor. She also has intimate knowledge of the various laws in place throughout the world and will follow them to the letter, unless instructed otherwise by a superior officer. In rarer cases, Sasaki will take advantage of the laws' loopholes, but only when given explicit permission to do so.

High Spiritual Power - As the 1st Division's 3rd Seat, Sasaki boasts a considerable level of Spiritual Power. While still not on par with the more powerful members of the Gotei 13, Sasaki's Spiritual Power is enough to intimidate many. Though a good amount of credit goes towards Sasaki's general demeanor. Sasaki's reiatsu is of a silver color.

Shunpo Practitioner - Sasaki has never put great focus on honing her Hoho skills, even though she views it as an essential tool for a Shinigami. She is skilled enough to effectively use it in conjunction with her other abilities, but Sasaki will always prefer a well thought out plan and skillful use of force over simply being quick on her feet.

Adept Swordsman - Albeit a skill Sasaki uses sparingly, she is well-enough-versed that she can hold her own for a considerable amount of time. She found it more useful when she awakened her Zanpakuto and has since constantly been improving herself. Nothing says law and justice more than an agent well-trained in Zanjutsu.

Kido: By all accounts of measure, Sasaki is adept in the use of Kido. While not at the true expert level yet, she has shown that it won't take long until she reaches that state of proficiency. At this time, however, Sasaki can perform mid-level kido without incantation to considerable effect. She needs to, and frankly prefers, to use incantations for the higher level spells and uses incantations for the mid-level spells often, to fully take advantage of their desired effects. Her talents were noticed by the Kido Corps, but Sasaki herself declined, as she didn't wish to work in secrecy.

Bakudo



Hado



Zanpakuto:

Asamoya - (literally meaning "Morning Haze")

Asamoya in its sealed form is a wakizashi with a white hilt and a circular, golden cross-guard. The guard is adorned with flowing patterns, much like wind. The sword's sheath is of a light gray color, a black ribbon wrapped around its top half.



Inner World

The inner world of Asamoya is stunningly simple. It is, essentially, a vast mountain-chain. The tallest mountain is where Sasaki typically ends up near whenever she visits the inner world. Its upper quarter is always enveloped by clouds and Sasaki has never seen the top nor has she ever been there. The rest of the world is covered by a thick and everlasting mist, though Sasaki has learnt to effortlessly navigate the confusing mountainous landscape. The main path within the inner world is directed towards the top of the mountain, with lights on each side of the path, albeit sparingly. Climbing the path would make Sasaki feel as if it was extending as she tries to make her way up to the mountain. Basically stating that she can never reach the top of the mountain. However, Sasaki knows that in order to reach the top of the mountain, she must master her bankai and show utter devotion. Only then will she be able to witness the stunning sights.



Spirit

In a somewhat unorthodox set of circumstances, Asamoya takes the form of an 8ft armored lizard. His scales and skin have an almost turquoise color to them and he is nearly completely covered in armor. The armor is as elaborate as it is messy in its design. Jagged edges, chains and intricate patterns cover the set of armor. All are there for a purpose, particularly a combat purpose. Only Asamoya's hands, head and tail aren't covered in armor, however his scales are highly resistant to damage, making him the perfect guardian of the mountain. He also carries an unmissable battleaxe, which has a similar design as Asamoya's armor. Should he be in the need to use his abilities, Asamoya can simply control its powers through his hands or his axe. The axe is also the tool that disperses the mist of his ability in the first place.

Asamoya's relationship with Sasaki is one of mutual understanding and respect. Both of them have purpose, a mission to fulfill. They have never quarreled, at least not in the intended traditional sense. They have had disagreements, but their discussions have always been civil. Asamoya isn't exactly like Sasaki in mindset, however. He understands her, but he also sees other ways to do what Sasaki does. Yet he has never abandoned her nor has he ever withheld his power from her. They match better than most would expect and it's safe to say that Asamoya is the closest thing Sasaki has to a friend. Or an understanding peer/acquaintance.


Shikai:

By uttering the release command, the blade of Sasaki's wakizashi evaporates into a thick cloud of fog. The cloud is around 30 meters/100 feet in diameter, enveloping its surroundings in every direction around Sasaki. The fog does not, however, extend that much upward. While it covers most people that are in it, the fog extends upwards by 7 meters/22 feet.

Asamoya's shikai is an area of effect mixed with sensory blocking. Anyone caught inside the fog cannot sense any reiatsu. Be it inside or outside the cloud. The same goes for people outside of it, they cannot sense the reiatsu of anyone inside the cloud. In addition to barely seeing a thing, those inside will experience a general loss of direction. They're not sure which way they should go to get out and are effectively lost inside. Running in a random direction can work, but escape from the fog isn't simple, as Sasaki can stop their escape if she's quick enough.

If Sasaki has managed to keep her desired targets within the fog for roughly 3 minutes, those inside (except Sasaki) will begin to experience auditory illusions. Cries for help, callings of their name, and false sounds of attack from Sasaki. She uses this rather effectively to mask her attacks. Sasaki herself is immune to Asamoya's effects as long as she's holding the sword's hilt. She can see through the fog clearly, sense everyone's reiatsu and she is able to move in complete silence within the cloud. Anyone who touches the hilt and keeps constant contact with it, is able to do the same. The cloud will also stay in place as long as Sasaki is inside it. If she moves outside of it, the cloud will reform back into its blade form. Dissipating the cloud with kido is difficult, as only high-level spells can do so. Naturally, anyone with high enough spiritual power or suitable other abilities can overcome her shikai, at least to a degree.

Asamoya can be reformed back into the shape of the sword at any time, but it will remain in its mist form unless Sasaki decides otherwise. This allows Sasaki to move the cloud to another location without sealing her Shikai completely.

Bankai: Not Yet Achieved.