Post by FreudTastic on Oct 3, 2023 20:47:52 GMT
"What are you talking about? We're still fighting! One of us will die before it's over!"
Name:
Ikkaku Madarame
Gender:
Male
Race:
Shinigami
Canon/OC:
Canon
Visual Appearance:
Physical Description:
Ikkaku is a fairly muscular individual who stands at a total height of 182 centimeters (6 feet) and weighs around 76 kilograms (168 pounds). He is a fair-skinned person with red markings over his eyes, and he is completely bald, but he'll grow extremely offended if you call him out on it. He prefers to refer to himself as 'clean-shaven'. He also has a large scar on the left side of his chest after fighting with Ichigo Kurosaki.
Clothing/Misc. Items:
In his usual Shinigami uniform, he wears the standard black shihakusho outfit as regular Shinigami do, but with the exception of not wearing any tabi socks with his sandals.
When he peruses the mortal realm of Karakura Town, he likes to wear really modern and 'punkish' attires, usually defaulting to short-sleeve shirts, slick form-fitting pants, and a lot of belts and other accessories.
Sexuality:
Pansexual
Goals:
To serve the 11th Division and his captain, Kenpachi Zaraki, with all of his abilities. He also wishes to get even with Ichigo for cheating him out of a 'proper' fight, but he has repressed that urge for so long that he's almost forgotten it.
General Personality:
If anyone could ever hope to potentially match a fraction of immersing themselves in the carnage of battle and the joy of slaughter as much as the 11th Division captain himself, it would definitely be Ikkaku. Ikkaku lives and breathes for one thing; he wants to have as many good fights as possible, which makes him battle-obsessed, excessively violent, socially awkward and outwardly rude towards people at first glance. The amount of battle-lust Ikkaku has is to such a point where he absolutely refuses to walk anywhere without a sword, be it his own zanpakuto or a wooden bokken sword where he can't bring an actual blade.
He considers combat and fighting a joy, and will want to throw himself into battle as much as possible to maximize the 'fun' he has. He even, to his own detriment, will do anything to extend the length of a battle, sometimes limiting himself to only utilizing his sealed zanpakuto for the whole fight, not utilizing his Shikai until it's considered a last resort, and even limiting himself from using his Bankai unless he's at the very edge of death. This is a huge risk to his life, but he does not care. So long as he has fun, that is all that matters.
He has an immense loyalty to his captain Kenpachi Zaraki, and he would follow the man to Hell and back if he was asked by Kenpachi himself. He also holds extreme loyalty to the 11th Division in general, but specifically towards his captain, and his fellow 5th Seat Shinigami Yumichika Ayasegawa. His loyalty to Kenpachi is so high, that he does not desire to ever be promoted to captain-rank himself, not even after having achieved Bankai. This has made him make anyone who's witnessed his Bankai to swear to never tell anyone about the fact, especially not Kenpachi himself, for then he'd run the risk of instantly being promoted to captain.
History:
Street Ruffian
Ikkaku came from the streets of Rukongai. At some point, he met Yumichika Ayasegawa, and the two became friends. The two would frequently go from village to village, looking for opponents for Ikkaku to face in combat.
They had an encounter with Kenpachi Zaraki and Yachiru Kusajishi before they entered Seireitei. Yachiru told him messing with Zaraki while he was in a good mood was a bad idea, but Ikkaku did not take the warning seriously. When face to face with Zaraki, he, becoming alarmed by his Reiatsu, was happy to finally have a real challenge. Zaraki attacked with enough force to crater the ground under Ikkaku, which somewhat alarmed Yumichika. Due to Zaraki's strength, Ikkaku, forced on the defensive, held off his relentless strikes. The two continued to battle, with Ikkaku trying to overwhelm Zaraki, though unable to wear him down, only succeeding in receiving wounds while Zaraki remained untouched by his blade. Stating he was having fun, Zaraki decided to finish Ikkaku with one strike, resulting in Ikkaku losing the fight.
As Ikkaku became mad Zaraki would just walk away without finishing him off, Zaraki, telling him he had no interest in weaklings who cannot fight, states he did not have any obligation to finish Ikkaku off. When Ikkaku, thinking he was toying with him, demanded Zaraki kill him, Zaraki, losing his patience, grabbed hold of Ikkaku. Asking why he was screaming for death if he loved to fight so much, Zaraki explained to him a philosophy to follow for people like them: only admit defeat after death, and when you survive, consider yourself lucky and only think about killing the man who failed to kill you. Smiling at him, Zaraki stated it was not like he went easy on him; he was just lucky to escape death. He said Ikkaku should live and come back to kill him. As Zaraki left, Ikkaku, asking him his name, was told he was Kenpachi from Zaraki.
Afterwards, when he had rehabilitated from his wounds, Ikkaku, searching everywhere for Zaraki in order to challenge him, could never find him, until one day when Yumichika came to him with some news. He had heard Zaraki had beaten the captain of the 11th Division of the Gotei 13 in a single blow, which made him the new captain of this division. Taken aback by this revelation, having seen protecting others as not really Zaraki's style, Ikkaku set out to find his old opponent.
They had an encounter with Kenpachi Zaraki and Yachiru Kusajishi before they entered Seireitei. Yachiru told him messing with Zaraki while he was in a good mood was a bad idea, but Ikkaku did not take the warning seriously. When face to face with Zaraki, he, becoming alarmed by his Reiatsu, was happy to finally have a real challenge. Zaraki attacked with enough force to crater the ground under Ikkaku, which somewhat alarmed Yumichika. Due to Zaraki's strength, Ikkaku, forced on the defensive, held off his relentless strikes. The two continued to battle, with Ikkaku trying to overwhelm Zaraki, though unable to wear him down, only succeeding in receiving wounds while Zaraki remained untouched by his blade. Stating he was having fun, Zaraki decided to finish Ikkaku with one strike, resulting in Ikkaku losing the fight.
As Ikkaku became mad Zaraki would just walk away without finishing him off, Zaraki, telling him he had no interest in weaklings who cannot fight, states he did not have any obligation to finish Ikkaku off. When Ikkaku, thinking he was toying with him, demanded Zaraki kill him, Zaraki, losing his patience, grabbed hold of Ikkaku. Asking why he was screaming for death if he loved to fight so much, Zaraki explained to him a philosophy to follow for people like them: only admit defeat after death, and when you survive, consider yourself lucky and only think about killing the man who failed to kill you. Smiling at him, Zaraki stated it was not like he went easy on him; he was just lucky to escape death. He said Ikkaku should live and come back to kill him. As Zaraki left, Ikkaku, asking him his name, was told he was Kenpachi from Zaraki.
Afterwards, when he had rehabilitated from his wounds, Ikkaku, searching everywhere for Zaraki in order to challenge him, could never find him, until one day when Yumichika came to him with some news. He had heard Zaraki had beaten the captain of the 11th Division of the Gotei 13 in a single blow, which made him the new captain of this division. Taken aback by this revelation, having seen protecting others as not really Zaraki's style, Ikkaku set out to find his old opponent.
Joining Division 11
During an address to his division, Zaraki was greeted by Ikkaku and Yumichika, who had become Shinigami and joined the division. Ikkaku told Zaraki he had come back just as he had suggested, which prompted Zaraki to smile. Later, they were present when the division battled a caterpillar-like Hollow. After the division lost several members, Ikkaku, showing up to fight it, was stopped by Zaraki, who decided to kill it himself. After the Hollow was dispatched, more came, which prompted Ikkaku and Yumichika to join in the fight. Initially against it, Zaraki was persuaded upon realizing the two had fighting traits similar to his.
Sometime later, Ikkaku, while walking around the 11th Division barracks, was greeted by Renji Abarai, a fresh transfer from the 5th Division. When Renji asked Ikkaku to train him, the two battled. Impressed by his new student's eagerness to excel. Ikkaku asked Renji why he wanted to become strong so badly. After Renji stated he had someone he wished to surpass, they continued to train well into the evening, advancing as far as using their Shikai against each other. Ikkaku told Renji they had finished training, and if he wished to learn any more, he would have to figure it out on his own, for Ikkaku did not want Renji to end up mimicking his style. When Renji asked him if he had Bankai and why he did not use it, Ikkaku, stating he had his reasons, alluded he was chasing someone as well. Telling Renji his name, he instructed him to remember it, for the next time they fight will be to the death. Explaining to him why he gives his name to his opponent, Ikkaku left as Renji thanked him.
Sometime later, Ikkaku, while walking around the 11th Division barracks, was greeted by Renji Abarai, a fresh transfer from the 5th Division. When Renji asked Ikkaku to train him, the two battled. Impressed by his new student's eagerness to excel. Ikkaku asked Renji why he wanted to become strong so badly. After Renji stated he had someone he wished to surpass, they continued to train well into the evening, advancing as far as using their Shikai against each other. Ikkaku told Renji they had finished training, and if he wished to learn any more, he would have to figure it out on his own, for Ikkaku did not want Renji to end up mimicking his style. When Renji asked him if he had Bankai and why he did not use it, Ikkaku, stating he had his reasons, alluded he was chasing someone as well. Telling Renji his name, he instructed him to remember it, for the next time they fight will be to the death. Explaining to him why he gives his name to his opponent, Ikkaku left as Renji thanked him.
Invasion of Soul Society
Ikkaku and Yumichika Ayasegawa encounter Ichigo Kurosaki and Ganju Shiba upon their intrusion into the Seireitei. Doing his Tsuki-Tsuki dance to give Ichigo and Ganju time to exit their sand pit, Ikkaku becomes irritated when they just stand there looking at him. After Ichigo and Ganju get into an argument about possibly fighting, Ganju runs away. As Yumichika chases after him, Ikkaku is left to fight Ichigo. After resolving why Ichigo did not run away as well, Ikkaku attacks. After clashing, resulting in both of them receiving small cuts near their eyes, they exchange names. After applying ointment from the hilt of his sword to stop the bleeding and telling Ichigo he is not sure what to make of him, Ikkaku asks Ichigo who his teacher is. When Ichigo reveals he was taught by Kisuke Urahara, a surprised Ikkaku states if he is Ichigo's teacher, it would be very rude of him to kill him so easily.
After Ikkaku releases his Shikai, he and Ichigo clash once more. When Ichigo thinks he has the upper hand, Ikkaku, swinging his Zanpakutō at Ichigo's head, says a second release command, causing his Shikai to split into a three-sectioned staff, forcing Ichigo to react before the spear head can hit him square in the face. As he blocks with his forearm, creating a deep wound, Ikkaku states Hōzukimaru isn't a spear, but a sansetsukon. Though he believes Ichigo will be unable to use his wounded arm any longer, Ikkaku is forced to dodge when Ichigo attacks. As the wall behind him is destroyed by Ichigo's slash, Ichigo states it seemed like Ikkaku finished talking, but he does not know Ichigo's sword, and next time, he will be the one who will not be able to hold his weapon.
As they continue to battle, Ichigo notes he is getting used to fighting against his weapon. When Ichigo cuts Hōzukimaru in half, cutting deeply into the center of Ikkaku's chest at the same time, Ikkaku, laughing, tells Ichigo he should give up since he can still hold his sword. Spinning the bladed end, he advances, prompting Ichigo to yell at him to put it away, having already lost. Refusing, Ikkaku states he will only lay down his weapon when he is dead, and he will never walk away from a fight like a coward. The two collide, resulting in Hōzukimaru breaking further, and a grievous wound is dealt to Ikkaku's arm. Falling to the ground, an unconscious Ikkaku states Ichigo was too strong.
After Ikkaku wakes up, he is greeted by Ichigo, who reveals he used the ointment in Ikkaku's Zanpakutō to heal their wounds. As a surprised Ikkaku becomes irate at the thought of having been saved by his own enemy, Ichigo asks him where he can find Rukia Kuchiki. After laughing at the notion of 5 people and a cat saving Rukia, Ikkaku, telling him where she is being held, tells him if he is the strongest in his group, he should watch out for his captain, Kenpachi Zaraki, who will surely be looking for him. When Ichigo asks Ikkaku if his captain is strong, Ikkaku states he will know if he sees him, and he will know his strength if he survives the meeting.
While recovering from his injuries at the 4th Division's headquarters, he is given an unsanctioned interrogation by Mayuri Kurotsuchi, whom he tells no details of his fight. Disturbed Ikkaku has nothing to offer as far as information, Mayuri, stating he will need to be punished for his behavior, is stopped by Zaraki, who asks him when has he had authority over members of other divisions. As Mayuri leaves, Ikkaku, telling Zaraki about what direction Ichigo went and why he was there, describes him and how he told him who Zaraki is. Stating his strength is great, he says he will most likely keep getting stronger.
When the 11th Division decides to help Orihime Inoue, they are met in resistance by the captains of the 7th and 9th Division, along with their respective lieutenants. Intervening, Ikkaku and Yumichika wish to fight against the lieutenants, for they think they are not good enough to take on Zaraki. Ikkaku is called out to fight by Tetsuzaemon Iba, who states it has been some time since they last saw each other, and his insulting loud mouth has gotten sharper. Stating he is one to talk, Ikkaku notes Iba left the 11th Division because he could not become lieutenant. The two leave to fight elsewhere.
Later, Ikkaku and Iba, resting after their battle, drink with each other. When Ikkaku comments on a lightning strike, Iba, scolding him for being ignorant, states it was not a lighting strike, but Kidō, and it would not have reached them, for it was a targeted attack. When Iba states Ikkaku has not improved one bit, for he still knows nothing of Kidō, Ikkaku, telling Iba he was never interested in Kidō anyway, states unlike him, his mother did not make him a "do it all" type of guy. Iba explains he was not always so good, but instead of focusing on one thing, being well rounded means a better chance at a promotion to lieutenant. After engaging in a small argument about Iba always drinking too much of Ikkaku's booze, they fight again.
Soon afterwards, Ikkaku hears the message from Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu about the traitorous actions of 5th Division captain, Sōsuke Aizen.
Sometime after Aizen's defection from Soul Society, 6th Division lieutenant, Renji Abarai, approaching Ikkaku, asks him to take the vacant captain's position of the 5th Division. When Ikkaku refuses, an adamant Renji states there are not any other lieutenants who can use Bankai, and even if there were, he would be the only one qualified. When he affirms Ikkaku could have any vacant spot and should be the next captain, Ikkaku reminds Renji he already told him he has no intention of telling anyone besides him and Yumichika he is capable of Bankai, for if it got out, he would have others telling him the same thing. Stating he has no intention of becoming a captain because it would mean he could no longer fight under Captain Zaraki, Ikkaku says just as Renji's desire is to surpass Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, his is to fight and die under the command of Captain Zaraki. He tells Renji if he understands, he will not ask him again.
After Ikkaku releases his Shikai, he and Ichigo clash once more. When Ichigo thinks he has the upper hand, Ikkaku, swinging his Zanpakutō at Ichigo's head, says a second release command, causing his Shikai to split into a three-sectioned staff, forcing Ichigo to react before the spear head can hit him square in the face. As he blocks with his forearm, creating a deep wound, Ikkaku states Hōzukimaru isn't a spear, but a sansetsukon. Though he believes Ichigo will be unable to use his wounded arm any longer, Ikkaku is forced to dodge when Ichigo attacks. As the wall behind him is destroyed by Ichigo's slash, Ichigo states it seemed like Ikkaku finished talking, but he does not know Ichigo's sword, and next time, he will be the one who will not be able to hold his weapon.
As they continue to battle, Ichigo notes he is getting used to fighting against his weapon. When Ichigo cuts Hōzukimaru in half, cutting deeply into the center of Ikkaku's chest at the same time, Ikkaku, laughing, tells Ichigo he should give up since he can still hold his sword. Spinning the bladed end, he advances, prompting Ichigo to yell at him to put it away, having already lost. Refusing, Ikkaku states he will only lay down his weapon when he is dead, and he will never walk away from a fight like a coward. The two collide, resulting in Hōzukimaru breaking further, and a grievous wound is dealt to Ikkaku's arm. Falling to the ground, an unconscious Ikkaku states Ichigo was too strong.
After Ikkaku wakes up, he is greeted by Ichigo, who reveals he used the ointment in Ikkaku's Zanpakutō to heal their wounds. As a surprised Ikkaku becomes irate at the thought of having been saved by his own enemy, Ichigo asks him where he can find Rukia Kuchiki. After laughing at the notion of 5 people and a cat saving Rukia, Ikkaku, telling him where she is being held, tells him if he is the strongest in his group, he should watch out for his captain, Kenpachi Zaraki, who will surely be looking for him. When Ichigo asks Ikkaku if his captain is strong, Ikkaku states he will know if he sees him, and he will know his strength if he survives the meeting.
While recovering from his injuries at the 4th Division's headquarters, he is given an unsanctioned interrogation by Mayuri Kurotsuchi, whom he tells no details of his fight. Disturbed Ikkaku has nothing to offer as far as information, Mayuri, stating he will need to be punished for his behavior, is stopped by Zaraki, who asks him when has he had authority over members of other divisions. As Mayuri leaves, Ikkaku, telling Zaraki about what direction Ichigo went and why he was there, describes him and how he told him who Zaraki is. Stating his strength is great, he says he will most likely keep getting stronger.
When the 11th Division decides to help Orihime Inoue, they are met in resistance by the captains of the 7th and 9th Division, along with their respective lieutenants. Intervening, Ikkaku and Yumichika wish to fight against the lieutenants, for they think they are not good enough to take on Zaraki. Ikkaku is called out to fight by Tetsuzaemon Iba, who states it has been some time since they last saw each other, and his insulting loud mouth has gotten sharper. Stating he is one to talk, Ikkaku notes Iba left the 11th Division because he could not become lieutenant. The two leave to fight elsewhere.
Later, Ikkaku and Iba, resting after their battle, drink with each other. When Ikkaku comments on a lightning strike, Iba, scolding him for being ignorant, states it was not a lighting strike, but Kidō, and it would not have reached them, for it was a targeted attack. When Iba states Ikkaku has not improved one bit, for he still knows nothing of Kidō, Ikkaku, telling Iba he was never interested in Kidō anyway, states unlike him, his mother did not make him a "do it all" type of guy. Iba explains he was not always so good, but instead of focusing on one thing, being well rounded means a better chance at a promotion to lieutenant. After engaging in a small argument about Iba always drinking too much of Ikkaku's booze, they fight again.
Soon afterwards, Ikkaku hears the message from Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu about the traitorous actions of 5th Division captain, Sōsuke Aizen.
Sometime after Aizen's defection from Soul Society, 6th Division lieutenant, Renji Abarai, approaching Ikkaku, asks him to take the vacant captain's position of the 5th Division. When Ikkaku refuses, an adamant Renji states there are not any other lieutenants who can use Bankai, and even if there were, he would be the only one qualified. When he affirms Ikkaku could have any vacant spot and should be the next captain, Ikkaku reminds Renji he already told him he has no intention of telling anyone besides him and Yumichika he is capable of Bankai, for if it got out, he would have others telling him the same thing. Stating he has no intention of becoming a captain because it would mean he could no longer fight under Captain Zaraki, Ikkaku says just as Renji's desire is to surpass Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, his is to fight and die under the command of Captain Zaraki. He tells Renji if he understands, he will not ask him again.
Faction:
The Gotei 13
Rank:
3rd Seat of Division 11
Physical Abilities/Power:
Master Swordsmanship
Even when ranked a 3rd Seat officer, his skills are of near-captain level. He uses a fighting style noted to be rough, but powerful, using complex movements which allow him to lunge with his sword from the left and defend with his sheath at the right, though he is ambidextrous and can switch between the two techniques. Ikkaku commonly fights with his sword held in a normal grip and the sheath held in reverse grip, showing his mastery of the two variations of sword-fighting. He uses misdirection in his attacks, and even though doing so allows for holes in his defense, he can make up for it with surprise attacks.
Naginatajutsu Master
Ikkaku's Zanpakutō is a naginata-type weapon while in Shikai. Ikkaku uses it perfectly against other sword-type weapons.
Bojutsu Master
Though Ikkaku's Zanpakutō is a naginata-type weapon while in Shikai, it can split apart into a three-sectioned staff and back into a naginata. While in its split form, he is highly proficient in the use of techniques similar in use to that of bo to take advantage of its versatility.
Hakuda Expert
Before he became a Shinigami, Ikkaku was always roaming around looking for fights. Most opponents did not have swords, so he frequently fought barehanded. He won against everyone he fought, and upon seeing his strength, most people fled from him.
Shunpo Practitioner
Ikkaku is proficient with Shunpo, though he only uses it to keep up with stronger opponents so he can fight more.
High Spiritual Power
As a 3rd seat of the Gotei 13, Ikkaku boasts a high level of spiritual power. His spiritual energy is red.
Enhanced Strength
Ikkaku possesses a high level of strength. Several of his opponents have commented on the strength of his blows, able to shatter the ground with his attacks, having sent them flying several meters away and through solid rock with a single attack. His muscle control is highly developed, for after having a joint dislocated, he can reset it by flexing his muscles.
Enhanced Endurance
Ikkaku has an incredibly high level of endurance, able to ignore most injuries without noticeably affecting his performance.
Kido:
N/A
Zanpakuto:
Hozukimaru(鬼灯丸, Demon Light)
Though Hozukimaru resembles an ordinary katana, its hilt is hollow to store a small vial of healing ointment, which Ikkaku can access by removing the hilt's pommel. Its tsuba is an oval, with what look like three small teardrops in relief on both the top and bottom end. Rarely wearing it at his side like most Shinigami, Ikkaku usually carries Hozukimaru's sealed form in his hand to enable him to quickly access it in battle, and wields its sheath in his other hand to serve as a secondary weapon.
Hozukimaru's physical manifestation takes the form of a large, very muscular man with brown skin. He has long orange hair, which reaches down to his legs, styled into three large spikes around his face and a beard which reaches to his pectorals. He also has tufts of orange hair on his wrists, and wears a white robe as a skirt with no shoes. He has a large, black, dragon-shaped marking which stretches horizontally across his upper chest, and has dark brown eyes with light red markings underneath them.
Shikai:
Its Shikai command is "Grow" (延びろ, nobiro). The Shikai of Hozukimaru is unusual in that Ikkaku slams its hilt (and sometimes its pommel) into its sheath to activate it when saying the command phrase. Once released, Hozukimaru takes on the form of what initially appears to be a Kikuchi Yari (spear) with a wax wood shaft. The pommel has a red horsehair tassel.
The Shikai of Hozukimaru makes it seem like an ordinary combat-based zanpakuto, but Hozukimaru actually has another use while in its Shikai form. Ikkaku can use the command "Split Apart" (裂けろ, sakero), to separate his yari into its true form, which is a Sansetsukon (三節棍, Three Sectional Staff), after which the sections can independently reconnect and separate again at will. This special ability surprises his opponents when they first attack. These chains can extend a fair length, allowing Ikkaku to swing his weapon like a flail for mid-range attacks.
Bankai:
Ryumon Hozukimaru (龍紋鬼灯丸, Dragon Crest Demon Light)
To activate it, Ikkaku slams the two broken pieces of his Shikai back into the spear-form and says Bankai. Its two main weapons are a Chinese Monk's spade and a standard guandao. Both have a traditional horsehair tassel at the hilt, and a long, cylindrical weight for a pommel. The pommels are connected by a heavy chain to the center section, which resembles an axe blade, with a parallel handle forged into the blunt end and a dragon crest on one side of the blade. Ikkaku usually holds one blade in each hand and lets the central portion float behind him, though he will occasionally spin the entire configuration about using the center handle as a pivot.
Ikkaku's Bankai, like his Shikai, is quite unusual. Aside from the increase in power, his Bankai does not offer any special abilities or special defensive properties, but releases some Reiatsu, which starts to grow in strength. Ikkaku treats Hōzukimaru different than other Bankai users treat their Zanpakutō, for they just let theirs slumber and use it when they want to do Bankai. If he forces it to awaken suddenly, cutting the enemy and not getting cut becomes a lot harder to handle than it should be, so his Bankai gets increasingly more powerful as the fight drags on. After he activates his Bankai, Ikkaku's Reiatsu rises as the dragon crest slowly fills with crimson dye. It fills faster when he spins Ryūmon Hōzukimaru with the center handle. Ikkaku states his Zanpakutō is very lazy in battle and needs to be woken up through causing or receiving injury. When the crest is completely filled, Ryūmon Hōzukimaru is at its full power.
RP Sample:
HIIYYAAAAHHH!"
The war-cry echoes across the training grounds of the 11th Division as yet another slew of Shinigami trainees are being swept off their feet, quite literally, by the 3rd Seat who swung his released Zanpakuto around, the spear twirling in his hands before he'd stop and point it forward, tip buried in the dirt floor of the arena.
"C'mon now squad, is that all ya got?! And here I thought giving myself more opponents was gonna give me a challenge! But I guess you're all just a bunch of wimps!"
It was all in jest of course. Even the 11th Division Shinigami around him knew it was, but it still was felt as a jab to their fighting prowess, and so they'd respond in kind. Once more they leapt onto Ikkaku, about half a dozen of them with swords drawn and ready. But Ikkaku quickly twirls his staff around once more, and immediately smacks two of them out of the air, narrowly evades the sword of the third to then palm-strike him away. Leaning his head forward and then thrusting it backward for a reverse headbutt to the fourth assailant, and finished off by a 360 degree swirl of his spear-weapon to conk the remaining two over the head with the butt of the spear. Once more, Ikkaku being the only one standing, as he rubs his nose with a self-satisfied grin.
At least this was fun, still!
