Onimaru was born within a small family of anthropomorphic canines. Originally hailing from a separate dimension, the Mitsuhara dared to invade the Seireitei in an attempt to expand and merge worlds. Skilled in the art of hand to hand combat and sensory perception, it was the Miyamoto family that were assigned to stop them. With their impressive skill in the techniques of the Onmitsukido and their mastery of Shunko, it was easy enough to wipe majority of the clan off the face of the planet. Saving a spare few, the Mitsuhara asked for a pact in order to save their life. The unfortunate compromise was a mere trade. They would sacrifice their life, something they essentially had already lost, in exchange of eternal servitude of the Miyamoto. Interested by this concept, the noble family agreed, setting forth a lifetime of loyal companions bound by their word alone.

The Mitsuhara were a loyal folk. If such pledges were created, their existence would be maintained for eternity. Such is what made the dobermans such great slaves. The Miyamoto used them for many purposes. Some were sent to hunt the finest of foods within all of Seireitei, trained to utilize their wondrous noses to its greatest extent. Some were literal guard dogs who were trained to use their precise hearing to monitor their grounds and maintain proper security at all times. The rest were simple maids and butlers who sole purpose was to make sure the Lords and Ladies of the clan maintained proper care and requirements that came with their Nobility. Onimaru was born within this specific branch of his family. As a young pup, Onimaru was noticeably rowdy and quick tempered. For such behavior, he was frequently punished and beat until the brink of death. He essentially was a dog who didn’t wish to receive the love that a child craved.

Miyamoto Chizuru noticed this very fact. A girl just a few hundred years older than Onimaru himself, she was the only one who seemed to cared about him. As he laid there in a pool of his own blood, Chizuru would extend a hand filled with healing energy and placed it right across his the doberman’s shoulder. While he winced and growled in response, the girl didn’t even flinch. She had a caring aura about her, and for the first time in what he felt in forever, the dog was able to relax around the very clan he was meant to serve. “You know that they will keep lashing out at you if you keep acting like that,” spoke the girl quietly. “Mommy told me not to help you, but I couldn’t help it. I think you have a kind heart hidden away within your chest. You just need to experience love to find it. If you act as my servant, I can make sure you’ll never get hurt again. Will you do that?” Frankly, the cub didn’t know what to think. Never had he experienced something such as this. While he contributed the warmth that radiated in his chest from the kaido that radiated from her palms, Onimaru couldn’t help but nod his head in a “yes” and reply the same answer.

After Onimaru made a complete recovery, the two became essentially inseparable, attached at the hip so to speak. Just like children, the two played almost constantly. And although it was technically forbidden, Chizuru showed the canine the very games that were designed how to teach the Miyamoto the art of combat and stepping. The most frequent between the two was that of tag. For hours they would run about the clan’s estate, bouncing around the garden at high speeds. Whenever they managed to get close to one another, a small bout of hand to hand was always engaged. The object was to tag the target on the heart through whatever methods necessary. Essentially, it was whoever got to parry the other first came out to be the winner. Though he tried and tried again, this normally resulted in Chizuru coming out the victor. She just had more training, a result of her private tutoring. Even more forbidden of these little games was the girl showing Onimaru how to utilize kido. Every night after everyone had gone to sleep, the two would crowd under the sheets of her bed and practice their spells on one another. First it started with the very kaido she used to save his life.

“Its not too difficult. Just think about warmth and compassion and project it from your hand. Here! Try it on me!”

With a simple motion that she didn’t hesitate with, the girl pulled out a small knife and slit across the top of her hand. Onimaru’s eyes perked open, panicking to grab something to compress the injury. She merely pulled it away. “Heal.” Looking at the other nervously, he nodded and extended his furry palm until it was just overtop of Chizuru’s. Trying to replicate what the girl had explained previously, the doberman closed his eyes and exhaled from his nose. He felt his spiritual energy gather before finally radiating out from his palm. As he peeked an eye open, he watched with hesitance as nothing happened at first before the bleeding finally stopped. Within a few moments, it was healed completely. “Wow...that was easier than I thought,” chuckled the canine. But at that very moment, his ear flicked. Someone was approaching. With a literal flash, the dog dashed to his corner bed and pretended to be asleep. The guarding Mitsuhara looked at the two “sleeping” children before shrugging their shoulders. “Must be her time of the month,” muttered one of them as they disappeared. Once gone, the kids couldn’t help but to laugh. That was a little too close for comfort!

As life continued on, Chizuru’s little trainings grew a little more intense. But the more intense the more risky it was to reveal such events were even taking place. Still, this little game continued on and as the girl began to teach him the mechanics of Bakudo #4 Hainawa. It was a fairly simple spell, far easier than Kaido #11 Byakugaiko. The only thing he disdained about it was the fact this spell required an incantation. It slowed combat down for him, forced him to think and recite verbiage just to utilize the technique. Though as he summoned forth the energy to begin its use, a sudden fist struck out against his cheek. Rolling to the side and shifting away into combative position, the dog was surprised to see two guards staring down at him. They preached that under the laws of the pact of his clan, it was forbidden for him to utilize his spiritual energy or learn the combative arts of the Noble family. For such treason, he was to be instant arrested, tried, and finally executed. Although Chizuru pleaded, the guards did not listen to her words and merely began their offense.

While skilled, the years of Onimaru’s secretive training gave him a good standing against the two Onmitsukido members. While a normally offensive fighter, the doberman knew first hand that such tactics would not work on two men at once. He had to force them to submit, to turn their very strength against them. A difficult challenge indeed. They were able to use Shunpo, the Flash Step. Their speed was of such a level that his eyes could not follow. With ever step, they zipped and flashed around the canine. But that was something special about being the dog that he was. He didn’t have to rely on sight like the Shinigami did. With excellent stance and his ears perked up, the Mitsuhara utilized the very senses he was blessed with to keep a combative edge. His ears were able to see what his eyes could not. They could follow the sound of air currents vibrating as they moved. He could smell the adrenaline pumping through their veins. As the first one unsheathed his katana and went to strike him from the rear, the male responded quickly. Spinning on his heel, his hand launched forward and gripped the man by his wrist. Using the man’s very momentum against him, he would toss him over his shoulder and slam him into the ground. That was not all though. Using his height advantage, his wrist would twist, snapping both radius and ulna, grabbing his falling zanpakuto just in time to have it clash blade to blade with the other guard.

Growling menacingly, he stared at the opposing guard with murderous intent. He was literally fighting for his life. He was not going to give up! Just as they broke the swords apart, jumping back to prepare another strike, a whistle cried out throughout the garden. Instantly, as if on cue, the both of them entered a bowing state, head held low in respect. It was the very leader of the Miyamoto clan and head Gundanchou of the Onmitsukido. She was a proud and strong woman, with hair once luscious turning ivory from age. She had a powerful presence to her that forced respect, whether one wanted it or not. “Mitsuhara Onimaru, I see my granddaughter has taught you well,” she spoke as she approached the canine, a withering hand extending to grasp his chin and gently guide his sight upwards. “I must say, as one of the original Miyamoto to fight against your people, your skills show promise. To single handedly take out one of my guardsmen is an impressive feat indeed, especially one as young as yourself. The fact remains pup, you are inclined to serving the Miyamoto. Normally your pact states your training in such combative forms is illegal, but I shall make one exception and one exception alone. Chizuru needs a personal guard. But in your current state, you are far too weak for the big leagues. I will fund your expenses to attend the academy. It is your responsibility to pass the entrance examination. If you fail, I will mount your head on my wall. Understood?” How could you refuse an offer like that? Though intimidated to a point he felt his mouth go dry, the male nodded. “Understood Miyamoto-dono.”

And it was done. There was really nothing you could say to an offer such as that. To refuse such from the very head of the Miyamoto was rude and immoral. It would result in his assassination. The choices were certain death by saying no. Or potential death by failing the academy. The woman was kind enough to give him access to their private library and allowed him two weeks of studying before the difficult exam was to be given. Though it was quite the challenge as he never had received education before, Chizuru always stayed by his side and quizzed him over and over again. He had to learn the history of the Shinigami, what pluses were, what a menos was...even mentions of the bount and quincy were mentioned. Some of this he knew, but most was just blown out of the water. The fight for survival was important though. It was what pushed him forward and the chance to act as the personal guard to one of the nobles was an honor in itself. That’s why, as he approached the Shin-Oh academy, he did so with pride. He was going to graduate. He was going to become the fine shinigami that he wished to become. And so, he did. As exams were turned in, the doberman placed surprisingly high on the results. “Welcome to the Academy,” one male said smiling, handing him his uniform.

Classes began the following week. Because of his skill with spiritual energy and the influence of the Miyamoto, Onimaru was placed within on of the finest accelerated programs the school had to offer. In addition, a signed letter of recommendation requested that the doberman be trained within the arts of the stealth force. From day one, he was placed through intense physical requirements. He was trained to fight better than before, to utilize kido of levels he never could dream, and learned just where to hit a target to inflict the most damage. While he received his zanpakutou within the first few months of schooling, the canine used it only when necessary. Though he knew it was a physical manifestation of his very soul, it reminded him of his young past and how the guards would harass him with their blade, slicing small incisions into his flesh until he was too weak to stand from blood loss. Though he managed to school high in every regard of the academy, Zanjutsu always was his worst skill. That was no matter though. You didn’t need a sword to be a member of the stealth force. You needed speed and power. That was exactly what he possessed as well.

As the male prepared for his graduation an admittance into the stealth force, Onimaru couldn’t help but to feel something was not right. As he made his way towards the graduation site, there stood Lady Miyamoto and a few members of her personal guard. But that was not all who was there. Tied by advanced kido techniques was Chizuru. She looked defeated and signs of tears had dried on her face. Bark out he did not though. There was something more to this scene that met the eye. Making his way into the small room, he stood with proud form. The olden woman merely looked at him with a curious gaze. It didn’t take much training to see that she was wondering how the scenery before him was to be played out. Frankly, that was a question the doberman held himself. What was Lady Miyamoto plotting? And why was Chizuru here? Bowing before the Lady, he maintained his respect until she instructed him to raise.

“You’ve made yourself shine over the past few years. We have watched your studies and monitored your combative abilities. I have been impressed by your improvements. For such facts, I deem that you are not worthy of the Mitsuhara name. Such a name defaces your talents for it is the name of our servants. Young Onimaru, I offer you a trade. Kill Chizuru and you may take her position within our family. Though it was her actions who resulted in the many steps that lead you on your current path, such actions are still illegal. For that, her crime is death.” A familiar request it seemed. Where they really going to play the kill or be killed game again? Anger swept through the canine’s heart. But one fact remained. As a member of the Stealth Force, every order must be obeyed. Once the head Gundaichou draws their sword, an execution order has been made. Even with the love he held for Miss Chizuru, his servitude to the organization took precedence over his mentality.

Tightening his claws tightly into his palm, the dog made a slow movement towards his friend and best friend. Kneeling down beside her, he looked at her with love filled eyes before cupping her head in his soft hands. “Thank you Chizuru for teaching me what love is. For that I will forever be in your debt. But for that, I must apologize. A true warrior does not wear their heart upon their sleeve. Pride must be swallowed and blood must be chilled. My empathy can not override the duty I must act upon. Goodbye Chizuru. I will always cherish your memory.” As her eyes widened in shock, the dog merely flicked his wrists and snapped the woman’s neck. As her body fell lifelessly to the ground, Onimaru looked up at the Miyamoto. “Are we done here?” The woman merely nodded. “Welcome to the Onmitsukido, son.”

As months passed since the day he took Chizuru’s life, Onimaru had a fairly rough time adjusting and recalibrating his life. The woman he loved was gone, taken by his own hand with a selfish act to spare his own life by taking hers. It was rough for the canine, but he knew time would pass and her memory would always carry on. His early time within the Stealth Force was mostly spent using these emotions as a motivators to increase his effectiveness on the battlefield. From the Ways of Onmitsu to the mediation required to peer into his soul and unlock shikai, the next ten years of his life was merely one of growth and resulted in him climbing through the ranks. His greatest asset as a warrior was his ability to hear over vast distances and follow the scent trail of spiritual pressures. Its for these reasons that Onimaru nearly was originally placed within the Keiraitai.

One of his first jobs within the Patrol Troops was a reconnaissance mission within Hueco Mundo. Hearing word that hollows have begun evolving in a strange and particular way, his team was entitled to gather data for these claims, prove or disprove it, and return back to Seireitei safely. The first few weeks within the deserts of eternal night was fairly calm. They had a few hollow attack them, but most were simple scavengers that were easily dealt with. It wasn’t until the twenty-fifth day that they noticed what they were sent to find. And what they found truly shocked them. Some how, the hollow had ripped majority of their masks off, revealing a humanoid body as if they had regained their former self. In addition, they had a blade most quickly identified as a zanpakuto. Something wasn’t right. Fearing the worst, they began quickly jotting down whatever readings they could find. But, that’s when a certain frequency caught Onimaru’s ear.

It was a sound the dog had heard once before. It reminded him of the sonar that whales and other marine mammals produced within the human world. But, before he could warn his colleagues, two of these beings appeared with a production of sound. Immediately, the squad took a defensive action. The team split into two different groups: three would take on one Arrancar while the other two would go after the other. Placed within the “two” team, Onimaru was the first to strike. Engaging in hand to hand combat, the male managed to knock away his opponent’s defense and directly strike him cleanly in the chest with his left palm. Though it knocked the arrancar back, Onimaru immediately felt one of his bones in his hand break. “Careful. Their skin is like iron. Hand to hand may not work against them,” he announced out to everyone as he backed away and drew his blade in a reverse.

The male would quickly admit that this placed him in a fairly bad spot. He would be the first to admit that his talent with his zanpakuto was nothing outstanding. However, killing himself by smashing his fists into that hard skin would not be favorable. Comboing together with his ally, the two gave their opponent quite the run for the money. However, no matter how many times the got a blow through, the only injuries they were able to dish out were very small. That, and it was wearing down the sharpness of their blades. They were fighting a losing battle and soon one by one did their resources fall. Within the next five minutes, it was soon just Onimaru left capable of fighting and quite frankly, he didn’t know what to do except commit a onmitsukido taboo: release his zanpakuto. Pressing the both of his fists together, he muttered “Tick Away, Inreki.” Shifting his sword into its knuckle-weapon form he readied himself for battle.

The moment the first opponent attacked him, however, he disappeared from view. Nothing but some fabric remained as he moved and hid from sight. He had to calculate this battle very carefully. He had a duty to Seireitei to make it back alive. Running wouldn’t work against these creatures. They seemed to be able to track from sound alone. Before that sound would find him, he’d have to strike. Focusing his reiryoku, he would draw a triangle before launching his first strike: Shitotsu Sansen. The Bakudo surged forward, pinning one of arrancar to the sand as he shunpo’d to attack the one he was fighting previously. Truly, Onimaru was lucky. His shikai was fit just for these situations. It allowed him to weaken defenses and strike a target directly. And, as this foe blocked with an arm, his edged knuckles easily snapped right through both ulna and radius. Its screaming in pain allowed enough distraction to finish the deal and crush its airway with a punch to the throat. One down, one more to go.

By this time, the bound opponent had now freed himself. Brushing her body clear of sand, he stared Onimaru down. “Impressive for a shinigami. I never figured you’d be able to kill one of us. But, you aren’t the only one that has a release,” she muttered with a sinister smile. Gripping her blade, she traced her hand across the blade while muttering “Radiate, Luciérnaga.” This caused her sword to glow a bright light as her entire body shifted into some strange insectoid creature. Onimaru’s eyes squinted at the intense light. But, even after the transformation was complete, the light didn’t fade. It seemed this was her ability. She could produce light. Backing away while closing his eyes, the dog focused his perception towards his hearing and sense of smell. This hollow was unlucky. Not only could he punch through her defenses, but he didn’t need eye sight to fight either. The battle proved fairly one-sided. She trusted too much in her blinding abilities and fell shortly once that was overcome. He was lucky in this outcome, but, his team wasn’t so lucky. They were all too injured to make it through the night.

Collecting their last wills and testaments as well as as much data as he could carry, he made his way back to Seireitei. The Onmitsukido almost immediately sent him to report directly to the Gotei. This information was quite important, and needed the details told by someone who had experienced it all. Standing before an audience of the thirteen Captains was intimidating. They all held such vast spiritual pressure that it was almost difficult to breathe. Bowing politely before them until permitted to stand, the male would begin to introduce himself. “Greetings Captains of the Gotei 13. I am Miyamoto Onimaru, a seated officer within the Keiratai of Onmitsukido. Myself and a team of four were tasked with a reconnaissance within Heuco Mundo to confirm or disapprove claims of a new state of hollow evolution. For three weeks we found nothing but standard hollow. As we planned on ending the mission, we were attacked by strange hollow. It was as if they had removed their mask and returned into a humanoid appearance. They have skin as hard as iron and is resistant to most attacks. I even broke my hand while fighting one. While I can not confirm this until the Twelfth Division researches our data, I assume whatever hollow powers they had are sealed in a zanpakuto-like weapon that they can release similar to bankai.”

For the most part, silence filled the room. Large amounts of discussion was to be made and even more questions required to be asked. Onimaru did his best to answer them but he honestly told all that he currently knew. Bowing with respect, he left to allow the captains to ponder this information. The heads within the Onimitsukido found the report and the canine’s ability to survive and take down two unknown opponents impressive. Truly, it was not a shock to anyone that he was awarded an increase in rank. He was now one of the higher officers in the Keiratai and capable of leading his own squads during missions. Truly, quite an honor indeed.

Through the aid of the medical division of Gotei and their wondrous Kaido, Onimaru was able to make a quick and speedy recovery. But, in many ways, his pride was still injured. Despite dispatching these foes and being rewarded with a great promotion, he still felt weak. His hakuda and stealth were his pride as a member of the Onimitsukido. He had devoted nearly his entire life to such combat styles and to have literally all of that stripped away through confrontation of a new race was frightening. His fists that could dispatch shinigami and hollow were vulnerable against the armoring their skin had gained. No matter how much he replayed the battle in his mind, he could only consider one thing: he was lucky. It was his shikai that saved him but, it may not be able to in the future.

Taking a brief sanctioned leave from service, the canine made his way back towards his home to seek the advice of his elders. Perhaps Lady Miyamoto could hold some insight towards his uncertainty. But, as he made his way into her office, he pumped into a familiar energy. It was a fellow member of the Miyamoto nobles and the current head of the Nibantai, Miyamoto Xion. “My apologies Xion-dono,” renounced the canine as he lowered his head in respect. It was an action instilled in him from his years as a servant. Even after his adoption and ascension into nobility, old habits died hard. The male merely chuckled lightly and brushed his formality away. For someone of such high status, he seemed fairly calm and collected and didn’t have the stern nature he normally associated with the family.

Inviting the canid to tea, Onimaru followed the male idly behind and conversed in simple conversation. Xion stated he was impressed by his feats and report from Hueco Mundo. He recognized the other’s skill and despite not being of blood, he honored his grandmother’s decision and wholeheartedly accepted his position among the family. It was only then that the lowly seated officer stated his concerns. He wanted to hear the experienced shinigami’s opinion in the matter. After some moments left to ponder his answer, he merely stated that there would always be one out there who held their talents to a higher caliber and that it was his job as a warrior to keep his skills sharp and prepared for the offset chance that they might clash with said individual. Though he didn’t know what those “arrancar” honestly were capable of, he praised that they might have been of a higher rank and grander quality than the majority.

These words placed a smile across the male’s thin anthropomorphic lips. Hell, it even earned his tail a few wags. For the first time since Chizuru, he found someone that made him feel like an individual and put his normal tension at ease. He could relax in this man’s company and spend the rest of the day consuming high quality teas for all he cared. As long as he was in his presence, he was fine. But, Xion had other intentions in mind. “I have something I want to show you. Meet me this evening within the old Miyamoto training room around nine this evening.” Curious by this action, Onimaru didn’t get question what was occurring before the Captain vanished from sight, disappearing with the speed and grace expected of his bloodline.

Dressing himself in his traditional onimitsukido uniform, Onimaru snuck through the grounds and made his way towards the bottom most floor of the Miyamoto castle. This was a long forgotten room, previously used to keep trainings secret. The thick walls that encased it prevented spies from overhearing or sensing bursts of reiatsu but had wilted away into a dusty and decrepit room. Arriving after the Captain, he offered a light nod as a greeting.

“I am glad you could have joined me Onimaru. I suppose you are curious as to why I have called you here this find evening. I deem you worthy of learning a secret technique that I have developed not that long ago. Should anything happen to me, I am entrusting you with carrying on its legacy and strength. It is something I refer to as Shunko, the Flash Cry. It is combining spiritual actions of kido with the physical applications of the body. While I am unsure your current spiritual might and body are able to effectively control it, we are here to guide your through the requirements. If I judged you correctly, I expect at least a basic application of Shunko to be shown.”

After a graciously thanking the man for his high impression of him, Xion directed his attention to two nails that were resting on their heads, sharp end pointing upwards towards the heavens. “These will be our training tools for the night. Yes, I figured you would be a bit confused. Shunko is a combination of both energy and physical strength. For such, you will need to learn how to utilize both at once. This is not like kido. Far from it. There is no incantation to channel your energies. Nor is their a physical outlet for your energy to be released. You must utilize both simultaneously otherwise it might explode directly in your face.” Releasing a light cough, the male would move up to one of the nails, lean forward, and set his fingertip right on the pointy edge. “What I request of you is this. Using your spirit energy, I want you to hover above the nail while using your balance to maintain your position.”

And just as he explained, the captain effortlessly gathered a small aura of energy around his fingertip before balancing in a one finger “handstand.” It was impressive. This showcased the toned physique of the captain’s musculature. High and proud did he pose. Frankly, he had to admire the technique and gaze off in simple awe. That only allowed the man to chuckled at him and joked out a “What are you waiting for?” With a brief apology, Onimaru would approach the nail and peer down at it. What he asked of him seemed impossible, but at the same time he knew it wasn’t. Hell, live evidence that it was hovered just to his side. The other’s glued gaze on him was making a sensation of nervousness to sweep through his body. Oh, what the hell. You have to try at some point. Focusing his reiatsu into his fingertip, the dog would mimic the noble’s motions and soon would attempt raising himself off the ground with the strength of his core. Feeling a burn almost immediately, he looked down to watch the energy flow around that nail. It was a difficult feat to say the least. But one he accomplished.

“Good. Now we will stay in this position for three hours. We need to build up your endurance. If you fall, we will start over. Maintain your energy flow at a steady level and this won’t happen. Mediate. Your body will be able to do it if your mind is calm enough to perform it.” And with that, silence fell upon the room. It didn’t matter how sensitive his hearing was. The only vibration he could hear was the beating of his heart and vibration of their spiritual pressure. Closing his eyes, Onimaru allowed his mind to enter a quiet state. It was times like this that he loved meditation. It calmed his nerves and made him feel alive. His body always felt empowered, like he achieving a greatness beyond his normal capabilities. Perhaps that was why he was even able to hold such an uncomfortable position without much complaint. Though he felt the strain of his musculature and the rush of blood into his ears, he was just as able to ignore it as well. For hours they held that position. Though he had some shake to some of his arms as muscles tried to snap and loosen from strain, Onimaru held firm and did not plan on letting go any time soon.

Holding his ground, the canine maintained his form. Though he had not known how long this position had been held nor did he know how much longer he possessed, he was safe to say just how empowering his body felt. It seemed Xion knew what he was trying to accomplish. He felt it. Hell, it had become part of him. This energy that surrounded his finger seemed to be the source of it. Maybe shunko was easier to achieve than he had imagined? His mind began to slip from its meditation as it pondered this simple question. Focusing his energy towards his digit, he let out the intention for it to grow. As it swept up his arm, his eyes suddenly bolted open as it practically exploded across his body. The wave of spiritual pressure caught Onimaru off guard as he literally lifted him up off the nail and pushed him back a good couple of feet. The Miyamoto, sensing this sudden discharge jumped back to his own safety as he examined the damage the doberman had released upon the room. The nail that he had been balancing upon was gone, probably crushed within the sizable crater his effort had left behind. Shifting his focus over onto the canine himself, Xion was in shock to find his clothing in tatters. The dog had done it so it seemed.

“Good job Onimaru. While I wasn’t going to have you expand on this concept until your next training, I see your bright mind has come across it prematurely. Well done,” smiled the captain as he moved over to the male and helped the other up to his feet. “What you did was Shunko, theoretically. It is a wild and unpredictable energy that most will not even master. It is not something to take lightly to any degree. That is why your robes were blown off. It covers your entire body and empowers it to such a degree that any and all strikes you make gain the explosive power of magic. But this strength proves to be its greatest aspect when among the Onmitsukido and is the main reason I envision it will be practiced only among Onmitsukido’s strongest members. I want you to practice this energy Onimaru. Learn to control it and fight me with it.”

The canine would nod. While he really did not wish to fight against a noble, he knew it must be done. Ripping off the rest of his tattered shihakusho, Onimaru would focus that same energy once again. Starting at his fist, it would ripple across his body and flood it with a white reiatsu. Though it was far from perfected, he could feel the energy sweep through his body. It felt amazing. With each step, the floor literally cracked and crumbled. Was Xion actually sure that he wanted them to spar together? Taking in a deep breath, the dog would push off with his toes and zoom towards the other with high speeds. Once right upon him, his leg would arch up and attempt to kick the man from the side. Filled with power, he was surprised to find that he was even able to block it. That was a reflection of his rank, he supposed. Wincing from the strike, the Lord merely responded with a shift of his arms to suddenly toss the dog right over his shoulder and onto the ground below. As the impact rippled through his body, his eyes opened wide at the following attack: an axe kick aimed right for his head.

Responding quickly, his arms would cross and catch the leg within their Reiatsu-filled hands. Gripping tight, he would twist to knock the man off balance before pushing up with his arms. Practically hovering above the ground for a brief moment, a fist would launch forward. Though it didn’t directly connect, the power that flooded it did and sent the Noble flying back against a nearby wall. Coughing out a curse, Onimaru would continue his assault and would take advantage of the weakened defense. In a literal flash, he would be begin throwing punch after punch towards his superior. After a mass volley of strikes, he was a bit surprised with the aftermath. Something didn’t seem right. As the dust cleared he instantly knew why. He was not there. Shiho no San, Utsusemi. He knew that technique. It was one of the signature techniques of Onmitsukido, a technique that allowed you to leave behind a tangible afterimage behind. Most used it to create an opponent and that’s why he was not surprised to feel an elbow slammed directly into his kidney.

Wheeling back with pain, he turned to try to defend against the returned assault but it was no use. He was so much faster than himself, even after the boost granted from his Shunko. It was to a point that he couldn’t even block the strikes and merely had to result to covering his vitals and take each hit like a bitch. He struck him with such ferocity that he lost his control of the flash cry. As it faded away, the Captain merely spun upwards and released a powerful kick to his gut and sent him flying. Smacking hard against the wall, coughing up the blood caused possibly from a broken rib or too, Onimaru looked weakly over at Xion. He merely nodded at him with respect. “Get yourself cleaned up and healed in the springs. We will resume our training tomorrow. I expect you there at the same time. We will make sure you have a mastery over Shunko by then. Is that understood?” The canine would only nod in response. As the other left him, he rested there for a brief moment before stumbling to his feet. His energy was practically gone and his body literally burned from over excursion. Frankly, as he limped at a slow pace towards the healing waters of the Miyamoto compound, he could not decide if it was from his use of Shunko, the training he put him through, or the beating those fists made across his fur. “Whatever the case...I’m not letting him do that to me again,” he muttered weakly as he sunk into the warmth, eyes shutting as he let their properties take hold.

For the next few weeks, the two meet each night in various places dependent on time, schedule, and availability. With every session, Onimaru could feel himself grow stronger. His spiritual pressure skyrocketed from the constant training and control Shunko forced him to engage in. In many ways, the two became equals on the battlefield. Their fists collided with the same strength and kicks shook entire forests as they fought for dominance time after time. The normal benefactor came from Xion’s experience. He always managed to find that one crucial opening in his tight defense to eventually come out on top. Every defeat was not taken too seriously. It was a learning lesson that only reinforced his technique and forced into his memory with the pain of a fist or fractured bone. Lady Miyamoto noticed his progress. As her age finally reached its climax, her will appointed him as her successor. Finally had the title of Gunbantai was achieved and the honor his clan had lost long ago was beginning to restore.

Due to the trust and respect he had earned from Xion, he was eventually awarded the honor of joining the forces of the Gotei 13 as his very own Lieutenant. For once, the dog was able to wear the flowing robes of the standard shinigami in addition to the ninja-esque gear of the Keigun. The path they were paving was one of unity. Soon enough, the Court Guard Squads and the Stealth Force would be an organization unified by the might of the Miyamoto Noble House. And, in many ways, Onimaru was leading such path.