[ Voice ]

[transcendens]

[ For those who are familiar with his habits, that Sousuke chooses the voice option instead of the customary video is indicative of a problem. But his voice is as smooth and calm as ever, as though there’s absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. ]

To those with whom I made plans to spar, I’m afraid I’m going to have to reschedule. [ There’s the

Comments

[yet_shall_live]

[This is the voice of disappointment.]

Whenever. Not like I care.

[yet_shall_live]

[The boken weaves fluidly down and to the side, deflect the sweep outward, so that Kanda can take take a step inside the reach of Aizen's sword. His off hand snaps up, the heel of his palm aimed to strike Aizen under the chin.]

[transcendens]

[ With only one usable arm, and that already engaged elsewhere, Sousuke has no choice but to try to dodge the strike. He's slow, much slower now than normal, and he doesn't manage to twist away fast enough. Kanda's palm catches him along the side of his chin, snaps his head back and staggers him. Lacking a choice, he retreats a handful of steps, bringing the boken up in readiness for another hit. ]

[yet_shall_live]

[When Aizen retreats, Kanda stops. His stance remains solid, but the boken drop to his side, and he just fixes Aizen with a moody look. Bored, irritated, and disappointed, he raises his off hand, palm open for the other boken.]

I'm done with this. See me again when you're recovered.

[transcendens]

[ Eyes narrow, Sousuke doesn't immediately relinquish the boken. Everything hurts. He wants only to go lay down. But being dismissed sits uneasily with him, and he hates being weak. ]

Is that generally how a warrior responds to an obstacle? Give up simply because the task is difficult?

[yet_shall_live]

[Unmoved, Kanda remains where he is, his palm still open.]

A warrior fights with the last shred of his soul. The man who doesn't, isn't a warrior.

[transcendens]

I shattered mine for the sake of my cause, boy. And gave up everything I was.

[ He drops the boken where he stands, eyes cold and hard. He cannot stalk gracefully away, but he turns nonetheless, and begins the slow, laborious trek back to Iki. The last comment is tossed over his shoulder without looking back. ]

Do not lecture your elders on something about which you know nothing.

[yet_shall_live]

[Kanda only snort and watches Aizen go. He doesn't speak until Aizen's out of earshot, when he moves to collect the boken.]

Wasn't a real fight, old man.