Zenji Hatayama, 28th Head of the Hatayama Clan

by **Zenji Hatayama** Sun Jun 14, 2020 8:35 pm

Lieutenant of the 3rd Division

Vice Kidō Chief

Zenji Hatayama, 28th Head of the Hatayama Clan WzpOFEw

Zenji Hatayama

Name: Zenji Hatayama
Apparent Age: 25
Actual Age: 232
Squad: Third
Rank: Lieutenant

Eye Color: Dark Hazel
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 154 lbs
Hair Color and Style: Short, somewhat messy, brown hair.
Clothing and Accessories: Most of Zenji’s attire consists of traditional clothing of the Soul Society. He most often simply wears the Shihakusho of the Soul Reaper but he sometimes wears less formal robes, more in the style of monks, albeit he still prefers the colour black. He often also wears prayer beads around his wrist. He will also sometimes choose to wear prayer cloth, or even rope, around his neck to symbolise his dedication to his Clan duties.
Generalized Appearance: Zenji is a man of relatively average height and although quite athletically built he still looks quite slender under the heavy robes he tends to wear. One aspect of the man, often remarked upon to be similar to his father, is that his eyebrows always make it appear as if he is frowning even when smiling. Although he takes little time to fix his hair in the morning the man does keep himself cleanly shaven.

Spiritual Pressure Analysis: Orange spiritual pressure which, most of the time, passively flows around Zenji’s immediate area. It is like a warm summer breeze carrying with it the scent of the kin-mokusei flower. However when exerted the orange reiatsu is burning hot almost like an open flame.

Overall Personality: To people who only barely know the man Zenji is severe, dutiful, studious and overly concerned with doing things "right". However to those who get to know him better he is a kind man with a lighthearted side who likes to relax as much as the next soul. He is known to love practicing and performing Kido and often uses meditation or plays the flute to put himself at ease. Less well known is that he likes a good, quiet, picnic on a sunny day.

Positive Traits: Honourable, Caring, Studious, Disciplined.
Negative Traits: Serious, Worrier, Tarrier, Pedantic.

Loyalties: Gotei, The Soul Society, the Hatayama Clan

Goals: Preserve the prestige of his House and to establish a Kido Corp/Squad to support the Gotei.

Habits: Slow to action he prefers to meditate over problems rather than act straight away. When bored he will sometimes take out his flute and play random tunes.

Zenji Hatayama, 28th Head of the Hatayama Clan TzDakf1

B A C K G R O U N D

Snapshots
1788 - Born to the Hatayama Clan.
1834 - Attends the Shin'ō Academy.
1840 - Graduates largely thanks to his talent with Kido.
1841 - Applies for admission to the Gotei but is rejected due to Family concerns.
1893 - Zenji’s father, a high ranking officer, is KIA. Zenji is raised to be the 28th Head of the Clan.
1901 - Finally gains admission to the Gotei. Assigned to 3rd Squad.
2006 - Reassigned to 1st Squad.
2012 - Badly injured in an assignment to the World of the Living.

Overarching History
Born into the prestigious, but much diminished, Hatayama Clan, the young Zenji was destined to be the sole heir, being the only son of the current Head, Benkei. The Hatayama Clan which had once produced some of the most powerful Soul Reapers in history had shrunk to only a handful of main family members with a small branch family. Zenji’s father was the last high ranking officer from the Clan, a warrior Monk of the Fifth Division. Like the rest of his clan Zenji was trained in the use of Kido from a young age and, like his predecessors, he had the necessary Spiritual Energy from a young age to utilise the Demon Arts. In truth the Hatayamas, despite being nobility, served more as Monks and Shrine Maidens with even their estate being a home to a Shrine erected in honour of the principles that the Soul Society was meant to stand for. Even their lifestyles largely consisted of meditation and a relatively spartan lifestyle in comparison to the more decadent, powerful and wealthy nobility.

When still relatively young, for a denizen of the Soul Society, Zenji attended the Academy to train to be a Shinigami. He barely worked through his Kido Classes and was easily top of his class in this regard. Unfortunately he barely passed the other classes, only being deemed “passable” in close combat due to his training with the khakkhara, which was a traditional weapon of his family. Unusually for Shinigami, even amongst the nobility, every son of the Hatayama Clan produced similar Zanpakutō and so he had been trained in staff fighting from a young age.

Eventually Zenji graduated from the academy, taking the full 6 years, but when he expected to be assigned to a Division he instead found that his father blocked the notion under recommendation from the Clan Elders. Due to being the only possible heir from within the main family it was decided that he was too “high value” to the Soul Society to risk. The following decades would be nothing but a nightmare of aristocratic bureaucracy which would drive Zenji to boredom and instill in him a strong distaste for his fellow nobles.

A little over a 100 years ago Zenji’s father, a high ranking officer of the 5th Division, was killed in action during an assignment in the World of the Living. Following this news, before he had time to grieve, Zenji was forced to step up and become Head of the Clan.

For almost a decade Zenji existely solely amongst the politics of the Soul Society’s upper class. Eventually using his own authority as the Family Head the man approved his own admission application to the Gotei.

Joining as an active Unseated Shinigami it was soon realised that due to the length of time since Zenji’s Academy training that he was no longer capable of serving in combat. So instead the nobleman was put into a support position within the 3rd Squad where he could use his Kido to support his fellow soldiers.

Through the following Century it was shown that Zenji enjoyed using Kido but had little interest in being a dutiful soldier, although he obeyed any order given. However it wasn’t until he was moved to report to a new Seated Officer that it was discovered that the nobleman had an understated talent for administration. Word of this soon reached the higher ranked officers during a review. The outcome of these reviews occurred in 2006 when he was moved to the 1st Squad.

Zenji was sent out as part of a rapid response unit for a Hollow attack in the World of the Living, an unusual assignment for the quiet Kido User. During the following skirmish Zenji proved himself a valuable combat asset when he used a rapid combination of Hado and Bakudo to protect his more melee focused comrades. However due to his poor reflexes he got caught out by a Hollow and was severely injured.

Luckily Zenji was brought back to the Soul Society for successful treatment and the mission had been a success. After this it was heavily suggested that if the man just put in some training then he would actually be a very valuable support fighter.

Taking this advice to heart, alongside the experience of being injured in combat, Zenji has begun trying to hone his abilities once more although he still focuses on his mystical arts.

Zenji Hatayama, 28th Head of the Hatayama Clan 7OCyFwJ

by **Zenji Hatayama** Sun Jun 14, 2020 8:36 pm

Z A N P A K U T O
Binbōgami
The God of Poverty

Inner Spirit: Binbōgami- Binbōgami is a deceptive, selfish, feminine spirit. Appearing as a tall shrine maiden, with an athletic build and long black hair along with pale skin. Even with her glowing red eyes the women might be beautiful if not for the multitude of scars criss-crossing her entire body. She enjoys power and is willing to help Zenji in whatever way is required to make sure she gets it. Her voice can range from beautifully musical to deep with a skin crawling intimidated tinge.

Zenji Hatayama, 28th Head of the Hatayama Clan HFccspe

Inner World: Binbōgami prefers to show the inner world as a beautiful, well kept, Shinto Shrine in the middle of an endless bamboo forest.

However behind the illusion is it’s true form is still a Shrine but one that is dilapidated with age and looks like it’s been purposely trashed. In its first form there is comfortable tatami matts and hot tea while in the latters there are no such luxuries. Beyond the confines of the Shrine is a dark impenetrable Mist that if Zenji ever entered he could become lost in forever. Binbōgami has never revealed if she can pass through it however or if anything lies beyond it.

Sealed Zanpakuto: The Sealed Zanpakuto takes the form of a shakujō, a ringed monk staff, however this is not unusual as it is the traditional form that all the Hatayama Shinigami Zanpakutos take.

Release Command: Jubaku (Curse)

Released Zanpakuto: Zenji isn’t much of a fighter and his release reflects this turning into a small kaiken that wouldn’t be much use in a sword fight even if he had the skill. The knife is very ornamental in design and looks more like an athame than anything designed for physical combat. When the ability is activated the blade dematerialises leaving only the handle behind.

Release Ability: When first activated the staff breaks apart revealing the kaiken resting within as if residing within it’s sealed form.

To activate its ability Zenji must say “Yaku” (Misfortune) causing Binbōgami to begin to smoke as black mist comes off the blade. The blade eventually transforms into black mist completely spreading out 10 meters in every direction with the weapon's handle at the epicenter. The mist rolls across the ground reaching to about waist level.

Those within the mist become cursed with misfortune which only grows the more the individual is enveloped by the murk. Leaving does not dismiss the misfortune, just limits the amount of exposure, however reentering the mist would simply cause the exposure level to rise.

However Binbōgami is not just a Spirit of misfortune but also poverty. By stating “Nomihosu” (Drink up) the mist will slowly drain the Reiryoku of any of those within and give it to her wielder. This effect is quite minor normally, although exerting Reiatsu can intensify the absorption rate, and would usually only be noticed if the affected person was already tired. However even this small amount of energy can be useful to Zenji as a Kido specialist.

Zenji is only immune to the effects so long as he keeps the handle in his hand and, likewise, he only gains energy provided by Nomihosu if he is in physical contact with the hilt.

When the release is ended then so too will all of its effects.

STATS & SKILLS
SPENT XP/TOTAL XP
2460/2500

STATS: 1500XP
SKILLS: 960 XP

STATS
Reiatsu 200
Power 80
Spirit 60
Agility 20
Durability 40

SKILLS
Zanpakuto Resonance: Basic (90 XP)
Zanjutsu & Hakuda: Beginner (30 XP)
Kido: Master - (810 XP)

Spoiler:

Hoho: Beginner (30XP)

Zenji Hatayama, 28th Head of the Hatayama Clan XIMDqs5

by **Zenji Hatayama** Mon Jun 15, 2020 5:34 am

Family Lore

Hatayama Clan

Zenji Hatayama, 28th Head of the Hatayama Clan PMyRUEQ

The Clan of Balance

Clan Name: Hatayama
Leader: Hatayama Zenji, the 28th Head of the Clan
Status: Soul Society Nobility
Age: Ancient
Prestige: High
Power: Low
Wealth: Diminished

Symbology: The Hatayama Clan has always been symbolised by flower imagery, partially due to the great garden in their estate.

Loyalties: The Balance and the Principles upon which the Gotei was formed.

Reputation:
The Clan is known for:

Caring for an ancient Shrine on their Family Estate dedicated to the Soul King and the Principles of Maintaining Balance.
Have a large Garden open to the Seiretei public, much like the Shrine.
A famous library with archives stretching back millennia.
Producing Kido Experts.
Living Spartan Lifestyles.
Honourable.
Sitting out Political Intrigue.
A long line of Shinigami Officers dating back to the Founding of the Gotei Squads.
Greatly diminished in power and size.
They have a record of adopting Spiritually active Souls from the Rukongai into the Branch Family to employ as Shrine Maidens, Monks or Gardeners.

Resources:
The Clan has relatively little at it's command:

A small number of Shrine Maidens.
A few monks, mostly elderly.
An ancient and respected Shrine
A large and beautiful garden filled with ponds and flowers.
An ancient private library focused on recording the Mystical Arts. From regulated Kido to Arcane Rituals.
A handful of guards to patrol the estate.

Hatayama Family Estate:
The Hatayama Family Estate rests in the heart of the Soul Society, within the Seireitei itself. The Estate is large and beautiful but, in truth, largely vacant these days as it was built for a Clan size which reality can no longer match.

However the Hatayama Estate still receives much foot traffic in the form of those who live within the Seireitei who wish to visit the Shrine within the Clan grounds and, some might say, the Estate really exists simply to house the Shrine itself.

The Shrine lies at the centre of the Clan’s property. It exists not to praise some otherworldly God but rather as a pledge to the principles for which the Gotei exists and expressing gratitude to the Soul King. It is built to serve as a reminder that the Shinigami must protect the Balance and that the Gotei, as well as the Nobility no matter how great, exist for the betterment of the Soul Society.

Another aspect of note upon the Clan’s property is their large and beautiful garden which flowers all year round. This quiet, contemplative, space is open to any citizens of the Seireitei who wish to visit.

The largest building within the Estate itself is the Clan Library. The Library contains texts stretching back to the Founding of the Soul Society and, it is said, even further. Whilst containing records of all kinds it is most famous for the vast collection of Mystical texts. There are even rumours that a secretive section of the archives exists which hides instruction material on how to perform forbidden spells although the Clan has always dismissed this as mere fairy tales.

Zenji Hatayama, 28th Head of the Hatayama Clan TbCKJ2T

Clan Structure
The Clan is divided into two main sections. The Main Family and the Branch Family. Whilst there are still a number of souls in the Branch Family, and they have great freedom in how they live their lives, the Main Family is much diminished. The youngest member of the Main Household is the current head Hatayama Zenji. The rest of the Main House largely consists of Zenji’s Elders, many of whom are retired Shinigami themselves.

The Main Family is restricted to being a direct bloodline which has nearly gone extinct.

Meanwhile the Branch family is much freer in this regard and a large portion of this branch consists of both blood relatives but also adopted souls who serve as Monks, Shrine Maidens are the specialist Gardeners. These adopted souls are taught minor Kido to help them with their duties. If any of these adopted individuals find their Spiritual Power growing to a high level they are offered admittance to the Academy if they wish to pursue the path of the Shinigami.

Short History
It is said that the first Hatayamas were an order of lowly Monks that stood in support of the original foundation of the Gotei and the Soul Society structure we know of today. It was through this act of support that these contemplative Souls were raised to Nobility and formed a single family although, originally, they were not related by blood but by belief.

For millennia the Hatayamas served the Soul Society with many members joining the Gotei Squads and earning places of prestige and honour. Although the Clan itself was neither overly large nor powerful it was well respected.

For the past few hundred years however the Clan has steadily diminished in size and importance. Even their personal wealth has dwindled and their disdain for playing politics has left them sidelined on many important events.

The latest leader of the Clan, Zenji, is known to be a disappointment amongst the Gotei. Although he upholds the honourable and spiritual behaviour of his Clan Zenji has languished as an Unseated Shinigami for over a Century and there is little hope that he can do anything to revive his Clan.

by **Shimazu** Mon Jun 15, 2020 5:08 pm

Looks good here. I’d catch up with the noble meet up that set up how the head of the Suzumei family killed and crippled a significant portion of the nobility. This doesn’t mean your family was affected, that’s up to you, but it’s just a story beat to consider going forward!

by **Zenji Hatayama** Fri Jun 19, 2020 1:09 pm

Spending the remaining 30 XP on Zanpakuto Resonance since Zenji can finally talk to his weapon.

by **Zenji Hatayama** Wed Jun 24, 2020 8:03 pm

REVIEWED REQUESTS

XP

Arc #1 - 600 XP

Mastery

Mastery: Hado & Bakudo - Approved

Release

TBA

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