Post by Augustine on Oct 14, 2022 4:59:14 GMT
Tsukiko Wakahisa
Generalities
Name: Tsukiko Wakahisa
AKA:
Age: 23
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Faction: Orochi
Squad:
Role: DPS
Battle Theme: Lust SIN
Rank: D
Red Orbs: 0/1000 (-800 for Exorcism Bow, -200 for Sun-Scorched Arrow)
Blue Orbs: 0/400 (-400 for Silken Armor)
Character Description
Physical Appearance(s): Tsukiko strikes very much the appearance of a traditional, classical Japanese beauty. With beautiful black hair, kept in a bob cut style, one of her striking features is her distinct blue eyes, a rare feature for a girl like her. Her figure is slender, and her height is a slightly above average 5 feet and 4 inches. Her garb is usually some form of kimono or the many similar styles of clothing, typically one that is ever so slightly pink and sometimes with a pattern of flowers along the robe.
When on the job though, she’ll wear a rougher style of kimono, typically a deep blue in color, with a red jacket over it. Beneath the clothes though, one finally sees a flaw in her traditional beauty. She has an extremely fit body, her muscles toned and well trained over years of training and practice since her middle school days.
Personality: To any who meet her, Tsukiko is the very picture of the perfect daughter. She is intelligent, polite and well spoken. She understands courtesy extremely well, and is the very image of obedience to her father. More than that, she is a talented warrior, showing tremendous skill and grace, and maintaining perfect composure against even the most terrifying of devils.
All of this is, of course, a carefully maintained facade.
All of these are things that are expected of her, she must act this way or cast shame upon her family. She must act this way or be treated as an outcast, and potentially denied the role she holds so dearly. The role of devil hunter. The good manners, the ever present, polite smile on her face, the compassion she shows to others, all of it is something she does only to maintain the illusion, and she’s never happier than when she finds herself alone against an adversary she must kill, because then the mask can drop, and the grinning wolf, hungry for blood, can show its fangs.
Every single thing in life, from the finest foods, to the softest pillows, to the most extravagant movies or the most expensive booze, all of it pales in comparison to the thrill of battle, the indescribable feeling of wagering one’s life on the line and coming out claiming another’s. To fight, to take the life of a devil is the most sublime joy one can experience…at least for Tsukiko.
Alas, such things are frowned upon, even among Orochi, were she to be so open in her wanton bloodlust it may cause problems, and so she keeps it under a tight lid. She savors every experience, but always with that polite smile fixed firmly in place, a mask to hide the wolf beneath.
Backstory
Tsukiko Wakahisa was the third child of Ichiro Wakahisa. Ichiro was a man of some standing within a Yakuza family known as Tokinomoto, at the time he was first lieutenant to a family boss, and as a result, a great deal of wealth and influence was at his disposal to give his children an excellent life, and so he did. However, he had great expectations upon all of them. Only her brother, the middle child, was expected to follow Ichiro into the Yakuza; his two daughters, though, still had grand expectations placed upon them. Expectations that Tsukiko met with flying colors throughout her life.
She wanted for nothing, fine food, expensive clothes, private tutors to help with her education, and at the schools she attended, people whispered of just who her father was and what he allegedly got up to, they couldn’t say it outright after all. It wasn’t like Ichiro had ever been convicted, and no one wanted to get on the bad side of the Yakuza. Sure the Tokinomoto were far from a large family, but they were notable, especially in the local area. Even children from other members were wary around her, her father wasn’t just anyone, he was the family’s first lieutenant after all, and no one of similar rank had a child her age. It didn’t seem to bother her much though.
It was in middle school that she began to distinguish herself. Her grades were good, near excellent even, but nothing outstanding. Her athletic ability, however, was very impressive, and she took a particular liking to Kendo and Archery. It became the thing she was known for, becoming the star of her school’s kendo team in particular, leading them to several notable victories, at least for the middle school level of competition. It was in high school though that she’d begin to truly understand just how enjoyable fighting could be.
Up through middle school the institutions were local, chosen by where she lived, and thus her father’s career choice had a good deal of influence on how she was treated. While it had never seemed to bother her, she was expected to excel, and that expectation came with a chance. The high school she applied to was a good distance away from her family home, but was also well known for its kendo club. It was an obvious choice, and she passed her entrance exams easily, and had her father’s blessing. A daughter who was an exceptional athlete was a great credit to any family, especially one who also behaved so perfectly as she did.
At this high school though, not as many people knew who she was. Rumors would spread soon enough, but the people here weren’t as cowed. Sure many were still very wary of insulting or offending her for fear of her father…but not as many, and more importantly? Some seemed to view her status as daughter of an alleged Yakuza as more of a challenge. In particular, several members of the kendo club, who were not pleased to see her. One girl in particular even wondered to Tsukiko’s face if her father had something to do with her impressive middle school record. Even more importantly? They did not hold back in sparring, and this girl in particular was vicious. At times it felt like she was trying to seriously injure Tsukiko, and Tsukiko found herself responding in kind.
Rather than anger at being challenged so, she felt a stir of excitement. All her life she was used to receiving endless praise. Praise for her looks, her grades, her good manners. It had all become background noise, but insults? Someone actively attacking her, verbally and physically? It was new, it was exciting.
One day that girl ambushed Tsukiko after school with another member of the club. One day Tsukiko blithely explained to a doctor that she’d broken her arm climbing a tree to try and free a child’s kite. She was such a well-mannered and good girl, and combined with the story no one questioned why she seemed pleased despite her injury, and besides…
Her injury would heal sooner than that girl’s would.
Upon graduating she immediately entered into the professional kendo scene, and drew a rapid reputation as a fierce and capable combatant. However, there were also issues. Issues of her opponents being injured in her duels. Never to a rule-breaking extent…but some of it really toed the line. Ever did she seek that same feeling she’d had in high school, but the rigid rules of kendo competition simply couldn’t give it to her. Though she didn’t show it, she began to grow frustrated, and sought out underground fighting rings, with less rules. It wasn’t hard for her to find such, with her family’s connections, though she could hardly enter such rings openly.
There were ways though. Tying her hair back, contacts to change eye color, and a completely different style of fashion from her elegant kimono. A few simple changes could make her nearly unrecognizable to any who didn’t know her well, and see her closely. Thus, under a fake name, did she enter illegal fighting rings, underground, and with no protective gear. Still with wooden swords, but a wooden sword could still break bone, do serious harm. It was exhilarating. Her new identity grew a reputation for savagery, for incredible displays of skill and brutality. It was during this that the tears into the demonic realm would open, with Tsukiko having not the faintest clue of it’s happening. Orochi was formed, her father’s Yakuza group part of the ones helping fund and establish it, with Tsukiko none the wiser.
Until one day, a member of the family recognized her, recognized her swordsmanship a few distinctive flairs unique to her, to the Wakahisa, and did a little snooping. Before she knew it, she was called in to meet with her father. He was naturally outraged. She was risking her future, her honor. The things that could happen to her in those places, did she even realize? Then…as they were arguing, the head of the family came. The head of the Tokinomoto group. He’d heard of what happened, or perhaps the man who recognized her had reported to him as well, but Orochi needed strong, talented warriors, and the Tokinomoto family had only a little influence in the Hidaka family due to the assistance they’d given. However, if they could provide a truly stand out warrior to the newly formed Hidaka?
Her father was uncertain, but it was the head of the family requesting it, and while Orochi was a work in secret, it would raise the family’s standing if Tsukiko did well…
And so a new life as a devil hunter began.
A hasty reason was conjured up for her sudden retirement from the professional kendo scene. For Tsukiko it was a dream come true. She never could have imagined that she’d find herself fighting with a proper blade, let alone against creatures of myth and fantasy. So far, in her limited career with Orochi, she’s proven to be an astute and capable demon hunter. She’s discreet, everything a diligent Orochi member is expected to be. As long as she can keep hidden just how much she enjoys her work, as long as no one suspects that one of their own fellows acts more akin to an oni than a human, this beautiful dream of a life can continue, and Tsukiko has no desire to stop.
Traits
Improved Perception
Tsukiko’s eyes are incredibly sharp, and notably, have only seemed to improve as she’s begun properly studying the old myths of swordsmanship passed down through the Wakahisa family. They can keenly pick up on details, and even see marginally well in the dark, although not quite pitch black.
Inhuman Swiftness
A product of Tsukiko’s training in the Gekido style of swordsmanship, passed down in her family, is a certain unnatural speed. While particularly fast for a human, it’s not notable, only when combined with the restraint/release methods of Gekido does her speed truly ascend to something superhuman.
Equipment
Name: “Wooden” Sword
Description: This weapon appears to be nothing more than a wooden blade, suitable for use in kendo, strong and sturdy, it’s a good tool for self-defense or for engaging in some spirited kendo. However, very, very careful inspection of the pommel of this wooden katana will reveal a hidden button, that when pressed, reveals the secret. The wooden 'blade' is actually the sheath, for a real, sharp steel blade. The hidden blade is roughly 80 centimeters in length, a bit shorter than a normal katana, and slightly more slender. In order to keep the user from accidentally drawing the real blade from its disguised sheath, the guard and end of the wooden 'blade' have a locking mechanism, that can only be released via button hidden close to the center of the guard. A useful tool when discretion is necessary and carrying real, proper weapons would be disadvantageous to Orochi's goal.
Upgrade Points: 0
Upgrades: 0
Name: Silken Armor
Description: A useful and handy ‘gift’ from her father. There have been many advancements in the modern day in a variety of fields, and the kimono Tsukiko wears to her duties is a perfect example. Woven from a kind of carbon fiber, it feels like normal cloth, but is remarkably durable. While soft cloth does little to reduce blunt force trauma, it is nearly impossible to cut through, giving its wearer rather valuable protection, if hardly perfect.
Upgrade Points: 1
Upgrades:
Nearly cut-proof: Conventional blades would have a near impossible time trying to slice through this specialized kimono, and even demonic blades have a difficult time leaving a mark upon it. Although taking the full force of a demon’s swing will still leave a nasty bruise to say the least.
Name: Exorcism Bow
Description: A fine, traditional Japanese bow, a Hankyu to be specific, a shortbow, roughly half the length of a normal Longbow. Great pains were taken to make it look as historically accurate as possible, while incorporating many modern elements to improve accuracy and the force by which it launches arrows.
It has also been carefully imbued with magic, that of conjuration, to call upon Yatagarasu, as is Tsukiko’s privilege to do as part of the Hidaka family.
Upgrade Points: 2
Upgrades:
Crow-feather Arrows(Aspect-like)
The arrows for this bow are not fletched, rather, when the arrow is drawn, the bow summons the black feathers of Yatagarasu to fletch the arrow as it is drawn. As a result, the arrows of the bow streak with searing flame, a searing heat to exorcize demons…although in truth, it’s just fire, it’ll sear and harm a human as much as any demon, it just sounds nicer to call it an exorcism tool. The arrows themselves burn until ashen or doused, no matter what they’re made of, so an arrow stuck in a foe can become a serious problem, especially with arrows made of something more durable than simple wood.
Name: Nozarashi
Description:
An old katana passed down through the Wakahisa family. According to their family history, this was wielded by the masterless ronin who eventually joined Tokinomoto Yakuza long ago. Many family myths are associated with it, but were disregarded as mere myth until the revelation that demons truly were real caused Ichiro to second guess that belief, and upon inspection, Nozarashi is clearly not an ordinary blade.
Nozarashi’s hilt is quite plain, black, and bound with white fabric in a simple pattern, the guard is plain bronze, and the blade is well kept but doesn’t look impressive. The weapon is however, surprisingly sharp for its age. It is Tsukiko’s primary weapon, and there is a secret hidden in this curious blade, dormant and waiting to awaken. Sometimes Tsukiko could swear she…feels something from the blade.
Rank: D
Traits: None
Combat Foci
Name: Gekido style Kenjutsu
Description: Kenjutsu is the name for all schools of swordsmanship in Japan, and with Tsukiko using proper blades, it seems only fitting. However, what she uses is a modified version. The Wakahisa family has a somewhat special tradition passed down from the family’s originator, the mysterious Wakahisa Ronin.
This was a key part of many of the tales of the Wakahisa Ronin, but was dismissed as myth or exagerration until very recently. Tsukiko’s father is still uncertain, but after seeing the bursts of speed Tsukiko became capable of after she began practicing the more fantastical aspects more seriously, those doubts have begun to clear.
Gekido focuses on something called restraint and release. The user is meant to inhale slowly, and focus their power inwards, compressing their strength like a spring. The result of success is that the user should have difficulty moving at full speed, they should in essence, be weaker than normal. This is followed by release, unleashing this tension and allowing the body to explosively return to normal, using the moment of release to propel the body to extreme heights.
The most basic teachings of Gekido focus on Iaijutsu, or quickdraw, using the state of sheathed and drawn as synonyms for restraint and release, to help the student learn and grasp the concept. More advanced Gekido however, rarely employs Iaijutsu as at that point the user is expected to perform restraint/release without the aid of a physical metaphor. At Tsukiko’s current level, she’s noticed that her vision feels oddly sharp while restraining herself, and the sheer speed she’s capable of when releasing speaks for itself.
Rank: D
Aspects: 0
Name: Brave Archer
Description: Far more simple in explanation than the Gekido style of swordsmanship, Tsukiko was an excellent archer in school, even if Kendo was her focus. Those skills have been put back to use, a sturdy bow is more than just a ranged tool, and a brave soul can use it even in melee to club an enemy. While not ideal it can be quite a surprise, and a good way to get an opportunity to swiftly knock and loose an arrow at close range! Tsukiko’s preferred style involves a great deal of mobility as well, swiftly loosing and firing rather than taking careful aim.
Rank: D
Aspects: 0
Techniques
Name: Sun-scorched Arrow
Description: With her Exorcism Bow in hand, Tsukiko knocks an arrow and draws, the feathers of Yatagarasu summoned to flech the arrow before loosing, the entire arrow catching alight with supernatural flame, that will continue to burn upon striking a foe, until the arrow is reduced to ash, or the arrow is doused with water.
Focus: Exorcism Bow
Aspects: Crow-feather Arrows