Zetsubō Usuguraiboshi/FC

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"Fear is necessary for evolution. The fear that one could be destroyed at any moment. Thank you, Gin. Thanks to your efforts, I have finally risen to an existence that surpasses both Shinigami and Hollow." This article, Zetsubō Usuguraiboshi/FC, is currently under active construction by the author(s) of whom this article's property falls under.

Zetsubō
Race	Visored
Birthday	31 October
Age	~30 (Physical) 1000+ (Actual)
Gender	Male
Height	197 cm (6'5½")
Weight	88 kg (194 lb.)
Blood Type	0-
Professional Status
Affiliation	First Sky
Profession	Enforcer
Partner	Ikari Muto
Personal Status
Magical Focus
Zanpakutō
Shikai	Sensenkyōkyō
Bankai	Kūkūjakujaku
First Appearance
Roleplay Debut	Hunger and Greed: Interbellum

"You may think of me as a monster. But know that no Soul is born evil. It is the society which creates its own monsters." — Zetsubō

Zetsubō (絶望, "Despair"), born Kaoru Kurohana (黒華薫, "Fragrance of the Black Flower"), is a male Visored and an enforcer of the Archon.

Appearance

A very tall and broad-shouldered man, Zetsubō's physique is as imposing as it is intimidating. Well-built, there is nary a trace of fat to detract from his well-defined, rather sinewy muscles. His complexion is fair. He has got long, unkempt hair of jet black colour, with a thick fringe that tends to partially stick up. The features of his face are unknown, as he does not take off his mask in the presence of others.

Usually, he wears a long, dark purple trench coat with a high collar, wrapped with a number of leather straps and belts. In addition, his attire consists of yoroi hakama, a pair of combat boots, as well as black pearl earrings.

Powers and Abilities

Zankensōki Skills

Advanced Master Swordsman: There are a few factors which contribute to zanjutsu being Zetsubō's preferred method of combat. Not the least of which is the fact that it naturally facilitates maintaining proximity to his opponents. Furthermore, his Zanpakutō is his primary means of expressing himself in battle, and because its releases do not offer any direct boon to his offensive capacity, he employs its physical form as the outlet and implement of torture alike. For this purpose, he skilfully combines the circuitous approach of shōmōdō with the feints and deceit inherent to azamukidō. Patient, elusive, and cunning, he gradually overwhelms the enemy with a plethora of enervating strikes preceded by abrupt shifts in stance and trajectory. His blade seems to be always there, as ready to intercept an evasive manoeuvre as it is to circumvent defences erected in its path. Truly, his skill in swordsmanship is so masterful that in the entire Soul Society only a handful of fighters could hope to match him blow-for-blow longer than for several intense moments. Scythe Mastery: This exceptional skill fully extends to the use of his scythe-like Shikai. Despite it being such an unusual weapon, Zetsubō wields it with the kind of eerie grace and precision as if he were born with the weapon clutched in his hands, and never let go. More than that, its odd shape offers a vast array of strikes that cannot be performed with an ordinary ōdachi, granting him even greater versatility in combat. Shunpo Master: Undeniably fast and nimble, Zetsubō can outpace most Captain-class fighters with little effort. His refined movements are exceptionally well-measured and fluid, granting him a sort of aery grace that becomes intimidating in high-level combat. Many prefer to flee, or at least maintain a safe distance from him, rather than confront him directly. Yet he is always there, nearby, somewhere close, ready to perform another exceedingly swift strike. Senka (閃花, "Flash Blossom"): This advanced technique allows him to incapacitate or outright kill an opponent within the blink of an eye. Zetsubō typically employs Senka to swiftly dispose of enemies who are not worth his attention, or to test one that definitely is. Speed Clones: Approximately a dozen afterimage clones of Zetsubō appear to confuse and distract, capable of talking, moving, and acting somewhat independently for a relatively short while. Whilst they are unable to inflict physical damage upon their targets, they may well help the original one to do so by dividing his foe's attention. Utsusemi (空蝉, "Cast-Off Cicada Shell"): This very convincing afterimage copy possesses spiritual pressure signature indistinguishable from Zetsubō, and the ability to imitate damage sustained in his stead. As such, it may deceive the opponent for a crucial moment required to perform an abrupt counter attack. Hakuda Practitioner: Although he is not fond of direct physical contact, Zetsubō was taught the basics of martial arts so as not to become helpless when unarmed. In addition, he may vary his incredible blade-work with an occasional sucker punch or low kick in order to further surprise the opponent. Kidō Expert: Zetsubō is a highly competent practitioner of Kidō, capable of swiftly and efficiently employing a wide variety of spells in the midst of intense combat. In fact, he is an experienced user of the Eishōhaki method that allows him to cast well-formed spells in utter silence. Although he relies primarily upon the supportive qualities of bakudō, he is known to utilise hadō as well in order to maintain significant presence in ranged combat.

Natural Abilities

Enhanced Strength: The degree of physical strength that Zetsubō displays is substantially higher than average even for a warrior of his class. Whilst he is not a master martial artist, and finds the notion of physical contact uncomfortable, he uses that considerable strength to supplement the strikes of his ōdachi – or scythe. As such, he can cut a bloody swathe through enemy ranks and overpower formidable opponents with a vicious, bone-rattling assault, all the while the ground beneath his feet and the walls around him crack and shatter because of the sheer pressure. Enhanced Durability: In addition, he is highly resistant to damage even without resorting to any specific means of defence. Attacks performed by opponents as strong as Lieutenant-class usually bounce off his body as if it were made of the same tempered steel that the blade of his weapon consists of. Only more powerful blows elicit any reaction from him, and even then a few direct hits may fail to inflict any meaningful harm. Whilst not indestructible, he certainly is able to withstand about as much punishment as he can dish out. Enhanced Endurance: Similarly, his excellent fitness and fortitude allow him to continue fighting should he find himself engaged in a protracted battle. It takes a long time for the first signs of fatigue to begin affecting his performance in any noticeable manner. Especially his nigh-non-reaction to severe wounds allows him to fight on virtually unabated. As much as it impresses, or intimidates, his opponents. Immense Reflexes: Unlike some of the most prominent physical fighters who display the crushing and staying power of a mighty glacier, but about as much manoeuvrability as well, Zetsubō is also uncommonly nimble. He casually pursues his enemies, and evades as many blows as he blocks or parries with his Zanpakutō. This, combined with the illusive powers of his weapon allows him to conduct quite the nightmarish spectacle during combat: a swift, wraith-like figure who is always there, somewhere, ready to strike from behind or emerge unscathed from a supposedly precise retaliation. Highly Perceptive Combatant & Expert Tactician: Furthermore, he exhibits remarkable attention to detail. Not just the technique, but body langauge, facial expressions and tone of voice, including subtle fluctuations of spiritual pressure – they all constitute a source of valuable information he is quick to exploit to better counter, to better torment his enemy. After all, he seldom relies purely on his physical prowess to overcome the opposition. An integral part of his combat philosophy is psychological warfare, as he strives to deceive, taunt, shock, and intimidate, using every scrap of information he can garner to turn against the opponent. Empathy: And while all that he can readily observe and analyse already renders him a dangerous foe, his exceptional ability to sense the very feelings of others bolsters his effectiveness even further beyond. Although a source of psychological torment that he himself has been experiencing for his entire lifetime, it may serve as an invaluable tool when used deliberately. After all, it offers him a window into the hearts of people in his vicinity, so that he exactly knows, and to an extent even shares, their emotions. Lies and feints are almost useless against him all the while his own become so much more successful. Just a short while spent within the presence of someone is enough to establish an ethereal link, a metaphorical string he can use to manipulate others during a conversation and in the midst of combat alike. Immense Spiritual Power: Even when judged according to the high standards of Gotei 13 Captains, the spiritual power of Zetsubō is extraordinary. When he was a child, his spiritual energy would leak out uncontrollably and torment the ordinary Souls who were in the vicinity, forcing him to seek refuge and live in exile. As an adult man, he wields that power with frightening skill. It is sufficient to let him swat many opponents like mere flies, but that is hardly ever satisfying to him. Typically, he uses it to break them psychologically as much as he does physically. When exerted, he produces a ghastly tempest of midnight blue colour. Masterful Reiatsu Control: Yet another instrument of torture at Zetsubō's disposal, he employs the tangible emanations of his spiritual power with cruel precision. Not just to extend the range of physical strikes of his Zanpakutō, but to seep into and invade the minds and souls of his enemies. Whether a chilling aura, cold needles of fear or sudden pang of terror, he is capable of using his spiritual pressure to imitate and supplement the dread-inducing ability of his Zanpakutō. Not to mention that, alarmingly, he can conceal his otherwise oppressive presence with unnerving ease.

Zanpakutō

Sensenkyōkyō (戦戦兢兢, "Trembling With Fear"): The sealed form of the Zanpakutō appears as an ōdachi with a tsuba which has got four jagged, downward-curved tips. The hilt is wrapped in cloth of charcoal colour. Sensenkyōkyō released. Shikai: The release command is "Spin Ever Downward" (永遠に下向きに回る, eien ni shitamuki ni mawaru). Zetsubō outstretches his right arm to the side and holds the Zanpakutō upright, then swings it upside-down. Upon release it becomes a black-and-bone, barbed scythe with a serrated blade. The three dark red eyes located on its base seem to move on their own. Shikai Special Ability: The special ability of Sensenkyōkyō is Shinryō (秋涼, "Autumn Coolness"). In a manner consistent with its nightmarish appearance, the Zanpakutō is as much a weapon as it is an instrument of psychological torture. Obviously, each strike that is blocked, parried, or avoided altogether will inflict no physical damage. However, every swing directed at the opponent carves into their very spiritual pressure. Invades the mind and soul in order to paralyse the body with irrational fear. Soon, the enemy finds their vision unreliable as they begin to perceive ghastly phantoms. Their ears are flooded with unintelligible murmur, all the while their concentration and resolve falter. For Sensenkyōkyō gradually fills them with pure dread, draws them into a nightmarish realm manifested within the confines of reality. Despite the fact that the phenomena which the enemy experiences are not real, they are so highly convincing that they might as well be. Even the most stalwart of warriors find this insidious influence difficult to resist, especially in the midst of fierce combat. Bankai: Kūkūjakujaku (空々寂々, "All Is Void"): Once Zetsubō manages to familiarise himself with a formidable opponent, both via careful observation and the insidious use of his Shikai, he may finally deploy his Bankai. He begins twirling his nightmarish scythe one-handed, with unnatural ease, in a fluid, almost hypnotising motion. Then, with a quiet ripping sound the tip of its blade seems to pierce the fabric of reality itself and, in a series of circular waves, the veil of lies unravels. The world beneath is cold, bleak, devoid of hope, for it is born of true despair. Bankai Special Ability: Kūkūjakujaku is as unique as it is highly specialised and difficult to wield. This peculiar Bankai does not possess a pre-defined shape, and as such cannot be employed outright against an enemy that Zetsubō is not familiar with. More than that, it boasts no attack power of its own. No physical power at least, however, for when used well, it is indeed a psychological weapon of immense might. This is because Kūkūjakujaku is formed from the deep-seated doubts, fears, and despair of whomever is unfortunate enough to warrant its deployment. The worst nightmare, extracted mercilessly from the lowest depths of the mind and given shape. Both Zetsubō and his opponent share what may be best described as a harrowing experience, an extremely convincing, dreadful vision that is impossible to simply escape from. Within that ghastly nightmarescape they face the greatest fears of the Bankai's victim, whether it be a manifestation of some phobia, the agonising deaths of their close ones, or their greatest dreams utterly shattered. True, they might struggle, attempt to fight back, but things such as physical strength or skill in the arts of combat are secondary to the deciding factor that determines the victor: resolve. In whichever shape the vision assumes Zetsubō takes the role of the wraith-like figure from a night terror, the dark and nebulous force of pure dread, the silent and distant orchestrator of horrific events that erode one's will. He may be perceived, he may be confronted, but to fight him whilst drowning in the ocean of one's own despair is an arduous task. It is for this reason that, in spite of its severe restrictions and limitations, Kūkūjakujaku allows Zetsubō to challenge even far more powerful opponents; even among them precious few can emerge unscathed after experiencing their own greatest fears with all the force and horror of vivid reality.

Hollowfication

Hollowfication: Zetsubō dons a Hollow mask that is roughly diamond-shaped, and plain for the most part. It features a single eye slit on the left side, whereas the right side is adorned with three eye-like patterns. Notably, he seems capable of sustaining his Hollowfication indefinitely, and is hardly ever seen without his Hollow mask. Power Augmentation: While wearing the mask, Zetsubō's Hollow powers supplement his Shinigami powers. This grants him a substantial boost in combat performance. Bala (バラ, bara, Spanish for "Bullet"): An ability rarely displayed by Visoreds, Zetsubō is capable of condensing his spiritual energy into a bullet-shaped projectile. Although typically used as a way to augment and extend the reach of his punches, he can also channel the technique via the blade of his Zanpakutō. Cero (セロ, sero, Spanish for "Zero"): The primary long-range technique at Zetsubō's disposal, in spite of his proficiency in Kidō. Whatever he cannot reach with the circuitous swipes of his Zanpakutō, he can blast with a potent beam of spiritual energy. Notably, his Cero barely requires any charging time, and can be unleashed almost as abruptly as a simple Bala. Gran Rey Cero (グラン・レイ・セロ, guran rei sero, Spanish for "Grand King Zero"): Owing to a very high degree of compatibility with his Hollow powers, he is also capable of employing this advanced technique usually reserved to Espada-class Arrancar. Catalysed by a trickle of his own blood, the space-warping Gran Rey Cero is much more devastating than the ordinary variant. Descorrer (デスコレール, desukorēru, Spanish for "Drawing Opening"): This technique allows Zetsubō to safely travel between the Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, as well as the Material World. The portal is easy to open, and the interdimensional pathway stable.

Statistics

Offence		90/100
Defence		80/100
Mobility		100/100
Reiryoku		90/100
Intelligence		90/100
Strength		80/100
Total		530/600

Trivia

• The name of Zetsubō's Zanpakutō is a yojijukugo, a four-character idiom. Moreover, the name of its special ability is a kigo, a word associated with a specific season – autumn, in this particular case.

Appearances

• Hunger and Greed: Interbellum
• Silent Night