[Application] Gakiya, Hangaku

Reiatsu
110
Strength
20
Defense
20
Speed
30
Spirit
40
Below is a few key points / plot hook my character concept could help bring to the story and how she would interrorgrate with the overall plot I have seen on discord.

Key Points
  1. An elder (1000+) Shinigmai who has naturally manifested their zanpakutō spirit.
  2. Acts as a motherly figure to all, but especially to those in her divison.
  3. Once was an insturctor of Shin'ō Academy, teaching basics of Kidō.
  4. Specializes in Bakudō or Kaidō (not sure 100% which one yet).
  5. A history of being a front line fighter / having a more gung-ho and aggresive personailty that has seemingly mellowed out with age. Older Shinigami know of her fierce past, coaxed in bloodshed.
  6. Lost her husband (ties to nobility/who had ties to nobility?) / partner recently and has not dealt with this conflict very well at all.
Tropes that represent the concept of my character
  1. Cradle of loneliness - Someone who cannot deal with the loss of a loved one, she carries around a possesion of his at all times. The grief is a consuming factor that is currently affecting her physically, mentally and spiritually. She hides this sadness behind a facade of smiles though in recent times it has been shown to crack.
  2. Big Brother Mentor / Mentor In Sour Armor - A nurting soul, she is willing to teach all she knows to the next generation of Shinigami, even if they represent a differnce in ideals, she judges them quietly but will do her duty still and impass wisdom when needed.
  3. Different World, Different Movies - Seireitei is changing rapidly with the current worldly events, not fully agreeing on the creation of Asauchi and forcing numbers through the acadmey to bolster ranks. An old guard in a new guards world who has concern of how everything is being run but currently does not have a way to voice such concerns outloud.
A few paragraphs exploring my concept in a tad more detail, though I haven't used a name so far I'm thinking of using the name Gakiya, Hangaku but for refrence it is a place holder currnetly. Most of these paragraphs are brief synopsis that explains part of the character, I'm happy to answer any questions and flesh anything out that is uncertain so please feel free to ask about my concept so I can elaborate on anything needed.

Synopsis of Human life
In the midst of the turbulent 13th century, as the Mongol invasions ravaged both Korea and Japan, Hangaku became entwined in a complex tapestry of deception and disloyalty. Her once revered and noble family became embroiled in internal conflicts that ultimately led to their downfall. As the Mongol forces advanced, Hangaku not only faced the formidable might of the enemy, but also confronted the bitter sting of treachery from within her own ranks. Betrayed by individuals she had once trusted implicitly, she fought valiantly, resolute in her mission to shield her comrades and uphold her code of honor.

Synopsis of life within Rukongai / Becoming A Shinigmai
While her early years were marked by the struggles of everyday life, Hangaku held an unwavering desire for something more. She yearned to escape the limitations of Rukongai and make her mark within the Seireitei. Drawn by stories of honor, duty, Hangaku aspired to join the ranks of the shinigami, those charged with maintaining order and protecting the balance between the living and the dead.

Driven by her ambitions, Hangaku dedicated herself to intense training and discipline. She sought out mentors and wise souls within Rukongai who possessed knowledge of the shinigami arts, learning the intricacies of combat, spiritual energy manipulation, and the ways of the soul. Through years of hard work and determination, Hangaku's skills blossomed, catching the attention of the shinigami recruiters who scouted for potential candidates within Rukongai.

Synopsis of her time as a teacher within Shin'ō Academy
Her teaching style was marked by a perfect blend of strictness and compassion. Hangaku held her students to high standards, pushing them to surpass their limits and excel in their studies. She instilled a sense of discipline and respect, teaching them the weight of their responsibilities as defenders of Soul Society. At the same time, she offered guidance and support, understanding the challenges they faced as they navigated their own paths towards becoming shinigami.

Hangaku's influence as a teacher extended beyond the classroom. She became a mentor, a role model, and a source of inspiration for many of her students. Her unwavering dedication and unwavering belief in their potential motivated them to strive for greatness and embrace their own unique strengths.

Thoughts on Asauchi
Her objections stemmed from the conviction that true mastery and harmony between a shinigami and their zanpakuto could only be achieved through a deeply personal connection. Hangaku reasoned that by rushing students through the academy, they risked neglecting the introspective journey necessary for a genuine understanding of their own spiritual essence. In her eyes, this hasty approach sacrificed the authentic development of a shinigami's spiritual abilities and compromised their potential to reach their fullest potential.

Hangaku's perspective was driven by her unwavering belief that the balance and equilibrium of souls within Soul Society were not only influenced by sheer numbers but also by the quality and depth of each shinigami's connection with their zanpakuto. By urging for a more measured approach, she sought to preserve the integrity and sacredness of the bond between shinigami and zanpakuto, ultimately fostering a stronger and more harmonious collective force against the imbalances plaguing the realms.

Her conviction resonated with those who recognized the intrinsic value of self-discovery and spiritual growth. While her views were met with resistance from those prioritizing the immediate need for more shinigami, Hangaku remained steadfast in her belief that rushing the process would ultimately lead to a weakened and unbalanced soul society. Her unwavering dedication to preserving the sacredness of the shinigami's journey set her apart as a stalwart advocate for the profound significance of introspection, self-understanding, and patient mastery.



What is Hangaku like now? How have current events affected her?
The devastating loss of her beloved husband dealt a shattering blow to Hangaku's heart, leaving her reeling in grief and desolation. The weight of her sorrow began to twist and distort her once compassionate nature, transforming her into a person consumed by conceit and judgment. Blinded by her pain, Hangaku became convinced that the rush to push new shinigami through the academy was the underlying cause of her husband's untimely demise. As a result, she withdrew from her role as a teacher, unable to bear witness to what she deemed as a callous disregard for the sacred bond between shinigami and zanpakuto. Despite her withdrawal, Hangaku still remains a presence within the Seireitei, albeit a distant and aloof one.

People could approach her, seeking solace or guidance, but her interactions were marked by an air of superiority and a critical eye, as she believed that only she truly understood the consequences of rushing the forging of that vital connection. In her quest for justice and understanding, Hangaku's grief had warped her perspective, leaving her both an outcast and a beacon of cautionary judgment.
 
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Reiatsu
130
Strength
50
Defense
40
Speed
20
Spirit
20
I obviously have no say in this matter, but as a general suggestion; Shinigami that old, 1000+ years, tend to have only stayed alive for as long as they have on the basis of exceptional skill and tend to be of the captain-class almost universally. That being said, I understand why you lean into old age with this character; the matronly, “loving teacher” sort of vibe she brings is super unique and I think having her be older could be super cool, but maybe just not quite THAT old as I’m sure even at 350-500 years of age you can capture that same perspective in an interesting way. Beyond that, the concept is cool and I love how you’ve pitched her with the way she can interact with the current setting as your focus while still fleshing her out.
 
Reiatsu
110
Strength
20
Defense
20
Speed
30
Spirit
40
I obviously have no say in this matter, but as a general suggestion; Shinigami that old, 1000+ years, tend to have only stayed alive for as long as they have on the basis of exceptional skill and tend to be of the captain-class almost universally. That being said, I understand why you lean into old age with this character; the matronly, “loving teacher” sort of vibe she brings is super unique and I think having her be older could be super cool, but maybe just not quite THAT old as I’m sure even at 350-500 years of age you can capture that same perspective in an interesting way. Beyond that, the concept is cool and I love how you’ve pitched her with the way she can interact with the current setting as your focus while still fleshing her out.
That's entirely fair- when making the scope of the character I defiantly leaned towards older, you are right in that she could be younger in age but still much older.

I noticed when reading others app most of the current approved PCs are quite "young" so was trying to pitch a more diverse range of age.

I do like the stark difference between old guard shinigami vs new guard shinigami, its one of the major points I was really drawn to when the post about the asauchi being created was put up on discord. I think there's some really cool points that can cause growth and conflict within it so the main goal of saying 1000+ was more so to have reasonable grounds to look upon the newer generation with scrutiny and for it to make sense.