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Akihiko Maebure (前触れ暁彦, "Harbinger Boy of the Dawn") is a Shinigami/Sōzōshin hybrid and a former Balancer of Souls. He later adpoted the surname of his wife, Mewokuramasu (目をくらます, "Radiance"), to sever ties with his ancestry.
Akihiko is a tall and lean young man with somewhat toned physique. He has long, jet black hair styled in a braid, and grey eyes. The features of his face are rather gentle and give off a friendly disposition.
His usual clothing consists of a modified variant of the standard Shinigami Shihakushō reminescent of elegant robes. Notably, it sports white as the primary colour, whereas black parts are mostly hidden, opposite to the Shinigami uniform.
Personality[]
Aloof and strict at first glance, Akihiko is in truth a very gentle and amiable person. Even though a nobleman through and through, he does not exhibit the same arrogance and hubris his father did. A pacifist at heart, he is very kind and benevolent, always trying to provide assistance to people in need. He sees himself as a guardian of the innocent and despite his typically nonviolent attitude, he never hesitates to actively protect them from harm.
Still, in large part due to the difficult times he was born in, he is not without flaws. The influence of his father and the events that took place during his life have turned him slighly embittered and conflicted. When under high or sustained stress, his composure may break down to reveal a rather temperamental person who is no longer so sure about his goals and motives.
Master Swordsman: Due to the nature of his Zanpakutō powers Akihiko relies primarily on Zanjutsu as his means of offence. He is a masterful sword-fighter notable for his gentle, swift and economic style highly reminescent of his father's. His technique consists of steady, accurate swings and jabs devoid of unnecessary motions. Together, the attacks form an intricate yet comprehensive pattern of highly precise strikes usually intended to cripple rather than outright kill the enemy. Due to his pacifist tendencies, Akihiko has become remarkably skilled at targeting crucial weak spots which allow him to incapacitate the opponent in the most efficient manner possible. While he lacks the ferocity of a true warrior, he may compensate for this to an extent with his superbly honed skill.
Chūyōdō (中庸道, "Way of Moderation"): As a proficient adherent of the default form, Akihiko employs a fighting style characterised by versatility and balance. This solid, comprehensive set of basic and intermediate moves constitutes the common basis shared between the more defined styles. Even though it lacks any meaningful advantages there are also no drawbacks present to readily exploit. Additionally, it involves frequent usage of other fields of combat, such as Hakuda or Kidō, in order to supplement the swordsmanship. As the basic and most well-rounded form it complements Akihiko's cautious and deliberate approach to combat.
Ketsugidō (決議道, "Way of Resolution"): This passive form of combat is the preferred style of benign combatants who are unwilling to eliminate their foes. Focussed on perseverance and economy of movement, it emphasises defensive techniques performed with the employment of tight bladework and subtle dodges. The nigh-constant and efficient swings of the sword are intended to cover a wide area and offer substantial protection with little effort on the fighter's part. Composure and focus are essential. Akihiko incorporates the principles and moveset of this form into his fighting style to round up the balanced chūyōdō with specialist defensive manoeuvres that let him outlast the more aggressive opponents with impressive resilience and efficient delivery.
Fūken (風剣, "Wind Sword"): Zanpakutō is a palpable extension of the wielder's soul. However, its reach is limited due to the physical form of a sword. This means that, relatively speaking, it is easier to evade a sword strike than a Kidō spell. Proficient users of Hohō may pursue their targets and close the distance quickly, albeit this might not be sufficient under certain circumstances. As such, Akihiko has trained a way to "extend" the reach of his blade with skilful application of spiritual pressure and willpower. Thus, the Zanpakutō becomes a direct outlet for his intent which renders distance insignificant. Provided that his determination is strong and that he can perceive his target, Akihiko may strike enemies from afar.
Haori (刃織り, "Blade Weave"): Every move included in the extensive roster of swordsmanship techniques is not a rigid and separate technique, but a flexible element of a whole. Devoted practicioners of the art train in order to be able to maintain a seamless assault. In consequence, Akihiko seldom performs any move in isolation for every strike is readily calculated to form a part of an intricate pattern. The incessant onslaught sustained by a whirring blade is extremely comprehensive so there are no openings for the opponent to exploit and no time to catch one's breath. The resultant fighting style is remarkably deliberate and thorough, the sign of a true master swordsman.
Hakuda Expert: As a part of his comprehensive training in the arts of Zankensoki, Maebure has learnt the fundamentals of unarmed combat and as such, become a proficient fighter even without the use of his Zanpakutō. His primary fighting style resembles Taekkyeon. Frequently, he resorts to Hakuda in order to disarm and immobilise his opponents without the need of excessive, and in particular lethal, violence.
Chirima (塵魔, "Dust Devil"): Akihiko jumps upward and rotates quickly to perform a roundhouse kick to the enemy's face.
Kazaguruma (風車, "Windmill"): The user throws his body into the air and performs an upward shearing motion to deliver a powerful kick.
Kirikabu (切り株, "Stump"): Under certain circumstances the ability to perform an ordinary punch may be hindered. Thus, Akihiko may employ an elbow strike instead to quickly deal considerable damage despite the relative lack of room.
Seifuku (征服, "Subjugation"): Whilst the enemy is performing an attack, whether a sword thrust or a punch, Maebure deflects that attack with one arm and uses the other to grab the back of the enemy's head. Then, he may force them to the ground to either incapacitate the opponent or inflict considerable damage to one's face.
Hohō Expert: Whereas Akihiko does not excel in advanced Hohō techniques, he is nonetheless a quite competent user capable of easily keeping up with combatants of an average Captain-class in terms of speed. His aptitude is normally sufficient to confront low- and mid-level foes with relative ease. However, he tends to rely on his Zanpakutō powers as far as mobility is concerned when fighting powerful spiritual entities.
Senka (閃花, "Flash Blossom"): Supplementary technique that requires great precision. Akihiko swiftly moves past the target and performs two lightning-fast strikes during the transition. He favours the manoeuvre for the ability to quickly incapacitate an enemy in a non-lethal manner.
Kidō Expert: Even though he is not as gifted in terms of spellcasting as his father, Akihiko still displays respectable knowledge of Kidō. He may efficiently employ low- and mid-level spells in combat situations, but has notable difficulties with controlling high-level ones. Most often he performs mid-level Bakudō spells in order to pacify his enemies, but in dire situations he may resort to use Hadō as a means of ranged offence.
Eishōhaki (詠唱破棄, "Incantation Abandonment"): Chants ensure the stability and full potential of standard Kidō spells. However, the time required to recite them might prove to be a significant hindrance in the thick of battle. In consequence, many Kidō practitioners decide to forgo incantantions to reduce casting time. Only competent specialists, though, are capable of using the technique to great effect and without fault. Nevertheless, Akihiko might reliably cast functional low- and mid-level spells that retain most of their power despite the lack of incantation.
Natural Abilities
Great Strength: Thanks to the Sōzōshin genes he has inherited from his father in conjunction with comprehensive training, Akihiko boasts increased physical strength.
Great Durability: Somewhat surprisingly, Maebure is a rather sturdy individual as well. He can withstand fairly powerful direct hits with relatively little indication of damage.
Great Endurance: His stamina is somewhat greater than average for a trained spiritual being so that he may continue fighting for longer periods of time.
High Intellect: Furthermore, he possesses respectable intellect which helps him determine the best course of action and employ tactics adapted against his enemies. Learned and astute, he is not one to easily fall for tricks.
Immense Spiritual Power: As the son of a powerful Sōzōshin and a Shinigami noblewoman, Akihiko boasts an enormous reservoir of spiritual energy, substantially larger than the average for a Captain-class Shinigami. His Reiatsu is noted to emanate a friendly and warm, but at the same time firm aura when exerted. It has a royal yellow colour when visible.
Masterful Reiatsu Control: In a fashion consistent with his signature composure and resistance to stress Akihiko is highly adept in the art of controlling his spiritual pressure. This allows him to spend energy efficiently and suppress the natural output in order to hide his presence.
Komorebi (木漏れ日, "Sunlight That Filters Through The Leaves"): The sealed form of the Zanpakutō appears as a tachi with a hexagonal tsuba and a gold hilt. There is an orange gem embedded in its pommel.
Shikai: The release command is "Enlighten" (啓く, hiraku). Akihiko assumes a defensive stance, grabbing the hilt with both hands and holding it vertically. Then, he lifts it high and the blade emits a soft hum before it transforms into a constantly shimmering edge of royal yellow light.
Kirameki (煌めき, "Glimmer"): A passive property of Akihiko's Shikai which turns the blade of his Zanpakutō into condensed energy of royal yellow tint. Consequently, its cutting power is significantly increased due to its highly concentrated heat.
Mabataki (瞬き, "Flicker"): This fast movement technique allows Akihiko to vanish in a brief flash of light and quickly reappear in a location of his choice. The ability allows him to move somewhat faster than even a masterful user of Shunpo, though it has a short cooldown period.
Shōmei (照明, "Illumination"): A very versatile and efficient healing technique. Akihiko places the blade over an injured or otherwise afflicted individual and channels his spiritual energy to heal them. The technique seems to be able to remove any adverse effects, be they physical or mental. However, its power has some limitations, as it is not capable of restoring lost limbs or healing severe mental trauma.
Bankai: Taiyōnimukatte Chūshi (太陽に向かって注視, "Gaze Into the Sun"): Akihiko lifts his sword above his head in a one-handed grip, the tip pointed skyward. Then, there is a bedazzling flash of light. The ambient energy that permeates the environment, as well as a portion of Maebure's own, coalesces into a sizeable sphere of star-like properties. The sphere emits a gentle hum and is difficult to look at due to the magnitude of its glow. During combat, the sphere remains suspended above Akihiko and follows him as he travels across the battlefield. Additionally, dark spots, not unlike sunspots, gradually manifest upon the surface to indicate his depleting stamina.
Natsu no Tsuki (夏の月, "Summer Moon"): Akihiko generates an orb of condensed energy. The sphere can then be thrown or launched in order to cause a sizeable explosion upon impact.
Samidare (五月雨, "Midsummer Rain"): A powerful offensive technique, Maebure first selects a target. Subsequently, the orb suspended above him emanates volleys of beams of spiritual energy that follow the enemy. Each beam causes a detonation upon impact.
Yūyake (夕焼け, "Afterglow"): Akihiko casts an emanation of incredibly strong white light from the large sphere. The intensity of the glow is great enough to threaten with permanent blindness after only a brief direct exposure and few impromptu methods are capable of blocking the light to any meaningful degree. Maebure can maintain this effect for a short period per use and is himself unaffected by its properties. More than that, the emanation may include an exertion of his spiritual pressure so as to momentarily supress the enemy as well.
Statistics
Offence
80/100
Defence
100/100
Mobility
100/100
Kidō/Reiatsu
80/100
Intelligence
80/100
Strength
70/100
Total
510/600
Trivia[]
Hikari Maebure's "traitorous" son and his blood relationship to Haruka Mewokuramasu had been mentioned as early as the beginning of the Spectre of the Past story arc, long before he was given a name and turned into a full-fledged character.
Unlike his father, who speaks with the (albeit mockingly so) polite teineigo, Akihiko prefers the respectful tone of sonkeigo. In addition, he refers to himself with the humble 僕 (boku) pronoun.
Akihiko never learnt of his elder half-sister, Kimiko Kōtaku, although she knew about him. The author thinks they would have got along with each other if they had had the chance to meet.
