Kenpachi, Shishiku: Zanpakutou

Name: Zankunshu [lit. Beheaded Sovereign]

Sealed Appearance: Of all the Zanpakutou within Soul Society, even amongst the legendary captain-class weapons, the Kenpachi's sword stands in a class all its own. Zankunshu is a weapon with as many heroic myths attached to it as both its owner and the title Shishiku carries. Some say that when it was forged, a piece of the Spirit King was added to the metal, giving it powers and an edge far beyond that of any other zanpakutou. Others believe that as it killed more and more, it became brighter and sharper, until eventually Shishiku killed his own wife with the blade to perfect its power. While all of these stories amount to nothing more then children's tales, Zankunshu's reputation is not without its merits. Its unique powers, combined with the feats it has performed and the evocative history it has written, have led to zanjutsu scholars researching data on the blade for almost one hundred years now. Books have been written on its abilities, and old theories on the upper limits of zanpakutou have been revolutionized by the conclusions found.

A majority of this research began when it was revealed that Zankunshu was neither a blade that is sealed, nor a blade that is fully released. All soul cutters, when forged, are done so as asauchi. Even the Captain-Commander's legendary zanpakutou, Namidaame, was a nameless katana before it transcended all known bounds. When Shishiku came to the Shinto Academy, he came with his zanpakutou in hand. The mysterious origins of the blade have led many question him as to how he achieved a level of half-release, which less then a handful of a shinigami in the history of Soul Society have ever had. The answers, for the most part, are unclear. Some say that it is his immense spiritual power which renders any seal placed on Zankunshu no more than a napkin holding back a waterfall. Others believe that it is kept as such because of the nature of the Eighth Kenpachi. He is a man who faces danger at every turn from political enemies in the Seireitei and powerful hollow in Hueco Mundo. Sealing Zankunshu when surrounded by foes could easily be a signal for them to attack. Despite the decades of interviews done with Shishiku, as well as the data research, no conclusions have been reached.

Zankunshu's shape, being stuck in that of a half-release, is not the one-sided edged katana blade that most would expect. It is closer to that of a jian, the Chinese long sword. It is three and a half feet of silver-finished steel, longer than the average katana but not so long that it becomes too unwieldy to hold with one hand. Both sides are edged and taper into a half-diamond shaped tip. When Zankunshu catches the light its metal seems to gleam an otherworldly green hue. This is due to Shishiku's spiritual power. In Hueco Mundo, where oftentimes the only light is that of the moon, soldiers often say that Zankunshu can shine brighter than any lighthouse in the western Rukongai. While the tale is exaggerated, as long as the Kenpachi is in battle the luminosity of his steel increases tenfold. In this way, especially in the dark of Hueco Mundo's infinite dunescape, it appears as a sword of light that literally cuts away at the shadows around it.

The guard of Zankunshu is no less extravagant when compared to the various tsuba of its zanpakutou kin. It, too, is much like that of a jian's, being a long shape instead of a wide one. It is a black piece of metal that is made of two separate pieces, both outlined in jade. The first and smaller piece is attached directly to the hilt and is shaped like a small cup. The second piece is a long line of obsidian on top of the cup. It, too, is outlined in jade, though the outline continues into two horns that stab up at an angle facing away from Zankunshu's edge. The blade's collar is fashioned out of the same gemstone that outlines much of the sword. The jade continues down the length of the hilt as well; a handle which is eight-and-a-half inches of black leather and steel separated in the middle by two circlets of gemstone. On both sides of the hilt are two green lines--the only markings on the leather--both three inches in length and ending in at the four jade pegs that keep the full-tang design of Zankunshu in tact. At the opposite end of Zankunshu hilt lies the pommel. The hilt is capped with jade just as the rest of the weapon is outlined in it. Much like the horned guard, the pommel takes a shape reminiscent of a bull's skull, with two small horns stabbing outwards at an angle. From both horns falls a vibrantly green chord, three feet in length.

Just as the blade burns bright when Shishiku enters into battle, so does every ornament of the guard, hilt, pommel, and even the tassels themselves. This turns Zankunshu into what is considered one of the most beautiful blades within the Seireitei; a weapon as noble, as grand, and as almighty as its wielder. Despite the knick's, scratches, mud and blood splotches, and rust the blade gains over constant use, Shishiku is always careful to keep his blade clean. With a burst of spiritual power, anything marring any part of the zanpakutou is cleansed away in a flash of green light. When in combat, the vibrant radiance it adopts creates a similar function. Blood does not stick to Zankunshu's edge, almost as if it were denying such ignoble things from marring it. When an opponent manages to scratch the blade or guard, or even sever the tassel, the damage is undone in the blink of an eye. This phenomena owes itself to both the Kenpachi's ridiculous spiritual power, as well as it's half-released state. After all, whenever a shinigami pours reiatsu into his or her shikai, it returns the weapon to its full functioning form. With a well of energy as great as Shishiku's own, this process is sped up far beyond its usual constraints.

Zankunshu is kept sheathed along the diagonal of Shishiku's back, the hilt popping up just past his right shoulder and the pommel leveling with the top of his head. The scabbard was forged with practicality in mind.  It is made of the same spiritual armor that Shishiku wears, making it almost indestructible as it drinks his spiritual power. It is also heavy enough to deal critical blows to whoever its metal meets. It is black in color, with both a green cap at one end and a green lip at the other. Over the years, it has had many different things painted and etched into its length. Originally it was a picture of a lion chasing masked-prey. Then it become a picture of a man stabbing at a large hollow. Now it depicts a massive beast similar to the ushi-oni--the ox-octopus combined monster of Japanese legend--etched deep into the steel and colored in jade green and ruby red paint. Shishiku, as both the Kenpachi and the leader of the Seii, keeps Zankunshu with him at all times, no matter the situation. It has become as much apart of his appearance as his ethereal eye, black haori, and tattooed chest.

Zanpakutou Spirit and World: Lying within the Kenpachi's soul is a world that embodies the two aspects of Shishiku's personality. It is both a rampaging and dangerous plane, one where no survival expert or seasoned warrior could hope to live in. Likewise, it is a beautiful and pristine realm, calm as could be. No matter what state it is when Shishiku appears, there is a powerful atmosphere there. It is heavy and filling, as if it was forcing a man to his knees and demanding him pray. In this aspect, the true world of Kenpachi Shishiku and his Zankunshu is shown to be one that not only embodies the duality of a soldier's heart, but the faith as well.

Whenever Shishiku arrives within this land, he is standing on top of a large black rock that juts out of a jade sea, as if it were some jagged black tooth. It is the only piece of land in the entire world. At all sides, the ocean extends on for an infinite distance, and no amount of swimming would ever bring Shishiku closer to any shore. The rock he lands on is covered in grass, and whenever he is summoned his armor is always cast away, as well as his sword. Above, the sky is bright with a noon sun that never sets. It reflects off the waters beautifully when the world is calm. In these moments, Shishiku's inner world is a sanctuary for him. It is where he can meditate and be at peace, and the only place he can escape the hectic danger of his day-to-day life.

Still, it is still the soul of a soldier, and thus the inner world is not always at peace. In times of stress, despair, passion, or anger, the seas are no longer calm. They turn black as night and smash against the little rock Shishiku stands on with great towering waves, larger than any man or spirit has ever seen. When the water breaks, it turns into the gemstone that colors it, smashing and breaking and pelting against both the Kenpachi and the grass he stands on. It is during these times that he sees what lies beneath the ocean's surface. In the darkness swims the dead. They are as numerous as the stars in a midnight sky, and they jump from the water in futile attempts to climb the rock Shishiku is summoned upon. During these times it is his duty to keep the last sacred piece of land free from the regrets, sins, and murders he has committed in the past. Only by meditation will the corpses fail to ascend to the grassy peak. And it is only when he has calmed both the sea and himself will Zankunshu appear before him.

Zankunshu is an impossibly gargantuan beast of a spirit that rises from the murky depths like the leviathan that he is. It takes the form of the ushi-oni, the legendary beast of folklore that rampages along the shores of Japan. It's body is black flesh covered in jade fur. Its head is much the same, with bright eyes of green light that can be seen even underneath the jade sea. Rising with it are eight massive tales from the depths below. Despite their immense sizes, each the size of the rock Shishiku meditates upon, Zankunshu claims that they are so long that they rise from miles below. Atop his head sit two obsidian horns, long enough and thick enough to tear a man in half should he ever want too. Various scars go up and down its body, some that are open wounds that bleed crystal blood.  Its breath is hot, steaming the water around it and creating a jade or obsidian cloud above its head similar to that of a halo. In the distance of the inner world more of these clouds are visible, marking places that Zankunshu has recently been.

Regardless of the state of the jade sea or Shishiku's mood, Zankunshu only has one tone of voice and apparent attitude: screaming and anger. Every word he says, no matter how gentle he means it, is voiced in a sickening timbre that the mixture of a man dying and a beast roaring with rage. At first, Shishiku was unable to make sense of it. Zankunshu's voice was so powerful and disturbing that no matter how much he said his name, Shishiku simply could not understand It was not until the Kenpachi unlocked his true power could he hear the words his zanpakutou was saying to him And he learned that, despite its rage, Zankunshu is an incredibly wise spirit. Though his words may be harsh, the sage-like advice he offers reflects the sharp guiding instincts a soldier must have on the battlefield. Above all else, he values power and a calm mind, for without power a soldier is dead and without a calm mind power is useless. In this aspect, Zankunshu is the principles and intelligence of a war general made manifest. Shishiku respects him a great deal as a result, and gives him the value he deserves.

Shikai Appearance: For the first long while of Shishiku's life and service in the Eleventh Division, most thought that his zanpakutou was locked in a constantly-released state. Given his incredible spiritual power, rivaling that of a captain when he first enter into the academy, it would have made sense, despite the absurdity of the core reason. However, many observed in his battles and his day-to-day activities that Shishiku actually had a very fine level of control over his spiritual power. This led to the questioning of what exactly his zanpakutou was. Many thought that if it was not always released, then the power Shishiku could attain was beyond logic. They were right. When he faced the Seventh Kenpachi in the duel for both title and the position of the Eleventh Division's Captain, Shishiku revealed exactly what Zankunshu was: a blade so powerful that, despite the talent he had, never be completely sealed.

After its initial release, Zankunshu's reputation became far darker than what it once was. Though Shishiku is once again seen as a hero, the powers of the blade are no less brutal. Many thought it was an evil sword, much like the legendary third Kenpachi whom was said to be able to control the dead. In truth, Zankunshu is not an evil blade, but it is one Shishiku is loath to release. It's raw power is so great that he has difficulty fully manipulating it. Though few know this, he never intended to kill the Seventh Kenpachi in their duel. But the raw power Zankunshu holds made it a vain attempt to spare the man's life. For these reasons, he only activates his shikai in full when he is in a battle where there are few options left to him. When such a moment comes there is no need for ceremony, but he goes through it all the same. This is usually to both respect Zankunshu as much as it is to warn his allies to back away. Grabbing both handles, Shishiku pulls them apart while calming saying:

"Rampage, Zankunshu."

The initial blast of spiritual power is so tremendous that he had his armor forged just to hold back the raw force of his release. The ground underneath Shishiku caves in and craters regardless if it is soft mud or hard stone. The platform he and his predecessor stood on in their duel was completely obliterated when Zankunshu was summoned--a glimpse into its true power. In Hueco Mundo, the blade is known to create localized sandstorms, kicking up with a ferocity that blows away weaker shinigami and hollows alike. Along with this incredible burst of power comes a veritable nova of jade light. Similar to the Seventh Division Captain's bankai, it blinds those who stare at him if they do not hold their own captain-class reiatsu. Many have been heard saying that they can hear the roar of some terrible beast within this mighty display, and they would not be wrong. Zankunshu roars when it is summoned, a piercing cry that devolves into a guttural, blood-curling scream. This war cry is a warning to all those who choose to face Shishiku when he is released; it finds ways to inspire feelings of doubt and fear in any who dare stand against the Kenpachi. Those who witness Zankunshu's awakening often state that they feel as if they have been cut down, regardless if they are friend or foe.

When the light and reiatsu subside--a display that lasted only a few moments but feels to many as if it took hours to complete--Zankunshu is revealed in his full monstrous form. The hilt is now four times the size of before, almost three feet in length. It is thicker too, so wide that the Kenpachi's hands can only just barely close round it. There are eight segments to the hilt now, each separated by a jade ring, and each one carries the same line and pegs that it's sealed form did. Likewise, the handle is still wrapped in a black leather, shining if caught under the proper light.

Capping the hilt is the same pommel from before, though just like the rest of the weapon, it too is larger in size. The jade skull of the ox is the size of a man's hand, with eight horns instead of two. From each one comes a chord, flapping in an invisible wind and each being five feet in length. The guard is much the same, only larger still. Now it is of a size big enough to cover Shishiku's face should it be a mask, the jade thicker and the obsidian blacker than ever before. The cup underneath it seems to be gone, and the jade teeth of the bullhead stretches down to cover the first segment of the new hilt.

The most startling change to Zankunshu, and the one that intimidates foes the most, is the blade. The steel is gone, and the horns of the guard far longer. They shoot out at angles like before, before suddenly turning inwards and meeting six inches above the guard. From there they extend upwards as five feet of jade-forged blade, two and a half inches thick and sharp on both ends. Unlike before, this crystalline blade need only to catch any light to glow as bright as it did when sealed, though the new composition of the sword means that it reflects off in hundreds of different ways. Given the width of the blade, it is perfect for the slicing motions that characterize both the name of the blade and the style of Shishiku's fighting. Likewise it's tremendous length give it an impossible reach; and with a hilt so long, the Kenpachi is able to derive terrible force from its slashes. Many have made the mistake of assuming that their shields, shells, or barriers could withstand an unenchanted blow from Zankunshu, and many more have died with this belief. His brutality is almost contradictory to his beauty, though is no less the reality of the release.

Shikai Abilities

Oni-Shuuraba (Ogre Scene of Carnage): Shuuraba is the sole ability of Zankunshu, and an ability so strong that a single stroke of it was capable of annihilating the previous Kenpachi. Shuuraba is the reason Shishiku is hesitant to ever fully unleash Zankunshu. When the blade is swung, anything it comes into contact with, including gasses such as air and even raw energy, illicit as explosion of force from the blade's edge. This force brutalizes whatever it hits, tearing it to pieces. As it moves through the air this creates sonic booms as it slices towards the target. This power is born from the raw strength of its wielder, the Kenpachi, who is said to be the most powerful of shinigami. It takes the full force of his reiatsu and physical prowess, localizes it along the edge, and then focuses that same brute strength into whatever it hits, crushing it to dust more often than not. By simply stating the name of the technique, the shockwave released is increased in magnitude eight times over. It was this full forced blast that not only killed the Seventh Kenpachi, but shattered his zanpakutou, turned his body into minced meat, and obliterated a large portion of the stadium they were in and the city beyond for a dozen blocks. Shishiku has even claimed that if he wanted, he could cut towards the horizon, killing anything in between. When used in Hueco Mundo, it has batted away hundreds of hollow with a single swing and has left pieces of mountaintop scattered along the landscape as if they were shards of broken glass. Only the strongest defenses can survive a hit, and captain-class opponents usually barely survive a direct blow, as it leaves them crippled and broken if they are not prepared for it.


Bankai

Bankai Name: Zankunshu Fugutaiten [Beheaded Sovereign that Cannot Allow the Enemy to Live in this World]

Bankai Appearance: While releasing Zunkunshu is something that Shishiku will do as alast resorts, falling into bankai would require either a cataclysmic situation to occur or an opponent as strong as the Commander herself to appear. He has only used it twice in his entire life--both times in Hueco Mundo, and both times to devastating effect. It is considered by the Seii to be their greatest weapon of mass destruction. The first time he used it, Zankunshu Fugutaiten tore down an entire mountain range. The second time, Shishiku was able to completely eradicate an army of ten thousand hollow in a single slash. Normally such tales would be considered too exaggerated and dramatic to be true, but the Kenpachi’s Bankai has long since become legend made reality. While it has never been seen within the Soul Society, the Central 46 has acted on the stories of its incredible power, putting a strict ban on its use. Only in times of mortal danger--something many think impossible for the Kenpachi--or when the fate of a crucial battle is at stake is Shishiku permitted to forgo caution and to unleash his final weapon in the Soul Society.

Should such an apocalyptic day ever dawn where nothing else can kill the enemy, Kenpachi Shishiku will begin his final release. To do so he does the one thing no foe would ever expect; he takes Zankunshu, flips it around so that the edge faces the ground, and sheaths it hilt deep into the earth before letting go. The eight tassels, normally forever caught in an invisible wind, suddenly turn rigid and dig into the earth as if they were anchoring the blade down. Shishiku's spiritual power begins to steadily grow as he steps away from his zanpakutou and bows his head, whispering but a single word:

"Bankai."

If before the Kenpachi's spiritual rise in Shikai was an explosion, then now it is no less than an atomic bomb. The jade flames of his soul spiral out in every direction, carrying with them enough pressure to force even captain-class opponents to their knees if they do not go into their own final stages. All around Shishiku the landscape is torn apart for hundreds of feet, though that pales in comparison to what is happening underneath the earth. Like hoarfrost spreading along a lake in winter, cracks splinter outwards from where Zankunshu is sheathed. It is the epicenter for a catastrophic earthquake, one that can be felt for thousands of miles so strongly that buildings began to collapse and glass shatters. From the fissures rise a steam turned green by a quickly growing light. That is when Shishiku often looks at the enemy, or enemies, that he wants to kill and says the last two words they often ever here:

"Zankunshu Fugutaiten."

Erupting from the ground, just as he does the sea in Shishiku's inner world, is the fully released form of the Kenpachi's bankai. Just as the spirit it embodies, the monster is absolutely beyond any reasonable size. It is one hundred meters in height, all thick black muscle and jade fur that cover its arms and back, with gemstone scales covering its chest and lower torso. Shaped like the ushi-oni of yore, its head is that of a bull's own, covered in an obsidian skull with a pair of round jade eyes looking beyond. Sprouting from its head are eight horns in a circle like a crown, each one thirteen feet in length and sharp enough to puncture almost any known substance. A black robe covers its lower half, the edges frayed but hemmed. Woven in green silk are images of battle; men fighting great wars against armies of masked monstrosities; massive creatures rising from jade seas to crash, rampage, and ravage the land; demons roaring at mountains, with their voices becoming swirls of wind and water. From underneath these robes its hooves are visible, large enough to smash buildings with ease and glowing not unlike Zankunshu in its shikai form.

Most intimidating of all are the eight tails of Zankunshu Fugutaiten. Each one is similar to an octopus's own, rising from the end of its spine as skyscrapers three hundred meters in length. They are black as night, covered with jade sucker cups. When they move, the gusts they create blow away man and beast alike. When Zankunshu Fugutaiten breaths, the steam he releases is scolding hot. Most intimidating of all is his cry: a piercing screech that flirts between the sounds of a dead man's last scream, a raging beast, and the manic laughter of a lunatic. Those that have seen and heard the ushi-oni have drawn the creature, painted it, and told exaggerated tales about how its shouting drove lesser men insane. Shishiku allows these to persist, if for no other reason than to hopefully deter people from trying to force its use.

Bankai Abilities

Indestructible Body: Zankunshu Fugutaiten is one of the few bankai in history to be recorded as indestructible, though the title is widely misused. The ushi-oni can be damaged and even torn apart by attacks strong enough--a likelihood, if Shishiku has decided to use it. However, anytime it receives any amount of damage, its tentacles piece is body back together. Through the use of Shishiku's insane reiryoku reserves, he is able to not only keep his bankai in one piece, but capable of healing the wounds as the tentacles stitch together the body. Though this takes an absurd amount of power, with the supply at Shishiku's disposal, he is capable of doing so more than a dozen times if need be. Additionally, should Zankunshu Fugutaiten ever be largely vaporized, melted, or made impossible to put back together, as long as a single tentacle remains then the Kenpachi is capable of re summoning the beast. It sprouts from the limb like a budding plant, rapidly growing back to full size and power within seconds.

Enhanced Oni-Shuuraba: The powerful shikai ability is not lost in bankai. Any blow Zankunshu Fugutaiten makes with any part of its body, be it fist or tail, carries with it the crushing power of the Oni-Shuuraba, only now it's baseline state is equal to the full power of the shikai version. A single fist is capable of shaving a large amount of rock off the side of a mountain, and a tail-swipe can create tsunamis of sand that can bury and drown hundreds of hollow. Should Shishiku ever say the name of the technique, Zankunshu Fugutaiten roars in answer, releasing the Oni-Shuuraba through its voice instead of its body. This enhanced version drains far more reiryoku then it takes to put the ushi-oni back together, but the payoffs are well worth it. One roar containing the power of Oni-Shuuraba was enough to completely shatter and obliterate an entire mountain, sending the pieces flying in every direction. It was with this strength that Zankunshu Fugutaiten was capable of tearing down a mountain range during the course of a single battle, and is part of the reason why it is forbidden to be used within the Soul Society or Mortal Realm. In either world it could forever change the environment, killing tens of thousands as it did so.

Mental Control: As one of the most powerful bankai in existence, and having taken the form of a living creature, Zankunshu Fugutaiten has a will of its own. As long as Shishiku stands within the crown on its head, he can completely control the beast. Should he not, however, it begins a violent rampage that could not be replicated by almost any other shinigami past, present, or likely future. It goes wild, attacking friend and foe and laying waste to everything around it. The chaos it causes is another reason why Shishiku never considers releasing it unless all other options have failed, and why he himself suggested to the Central 46 that it's use should not be allowed in any realm save Hueco Mundo.

Danzainen: Enmadaiou (Decapitation Edge: Judge of the Afterlife): Danzainen: Enmadaiou is Shishiku's greatest technique. It was what characterized the second use of his Bankai, and is seen as the true weapon of mass destruction as opposed to Zankunshu Fugutaiten's rampaging form. He begins its execution by leaping from the crown on the ushi-oni. As he does, he swipes his hand once through the air as he lands and calmly states the name of the technique. Moments later the ushi-oni's throat explodes, as if cut. The jade blood it spews descends as a waterfall, becoming narrower and narrower as it reaches the Kenpachi's hands. Soon the rest of the beast turns into this same substance, and the jade shifts to obsidian. After just a few seconds, Zankunshu Fugutaiten has completely changed forms. Gone is the ushi-oni. In its place is a simple katana, the blade black with a jade edge. It lacks a proper hilt, tsuba, and pommel. Instead the tang is wrapped in green fabric, which eight strips falling off the end. They flap like the chords in Zankunshun's shikai, though they are only a couple of feet in length. Despite it's small size, the power of the sword, nicknamed by many "the Oshimaitou", or Sword of the End, supersedes anything the ushi-oni could manifest. It's blade can cut through any substance, including sekkiseki, the stone that can repel spiritual power. Should he desire it, this force can even be released outwards. The shock wave created extends for almost a dozen miles, razing anything caught within to the ground. What's left is a barren wasteland stripped of all life, and a massive cloud of ash and debris--the remains of those caught within. And as long as the blast rages so too does the scream of Zankunshu Fugutaiten, who roars as the power of the Danzaien beats down on the world. It was with this technique that Shishiku wiped out an entire army with but a single slash. The power to manifest it is just as tremendous as the power released, however. The Danzainen: Enmadaiou can only release the shockwave four times before it loses both the ability to, and a great deal of the edge's raw sharpness. Luckily for Shishiku, four times is more then enough to wipe out any number of opponents.