Zenki

**Zenki** (全気—lit "All energy") is a technique that allows, in most cases, a living being to use and manipulate their own life energy, known as Spiritual Energy. The term "Zenki" is a overall term that refers to anything relating to the manipulation of Spiritual Energy. A person capable of utilizing Zenki is universally referred to as a "Zenki User", while those who cannot are referred to as "ordinary person".

Because Zenki is a dangerously powerful technique, and can result in a variety of abilities for a person to use, it is considered a power that needs to be kept hidden from the public. As a result, under 0.000001% of the world's population can use Zenki to maintain balance and keep peace.

## Zenki and Spiritual Energy

### Spiritual Energy

**Spiritual Energy** (霊力, *Reiryoku*) is the ultimate life force produced by all living organisms and is a main key factor for survival, and is directly linked to the stamina of the organism. Excess Spiritual Energy generated within the Spiritual Core is what the organism uses for in Zenki. Spiritual Energy leaks out through every spot in the body, and this is referred to as Aura (オーラ, Ōra). Aura is seen as a mass of excess Spiritual Energy surrounding the organism. Aura is completely invisible to the ordinary person, and can be only seen by Zenki users. However, ordinary people can feel the intensity of ones Aura if the aura in question is strong and large enough.

Regularly, Spiritual Energy flows throughout the users insides, primarily the Spirit Entity. This happens without the organism's awareness, subconsciously and at a constant rate. This results in extremely harmful consequences as Spiritual Energy leaks out of the body uncontrollably whilst someone tries to utilize Zenki. On the other hand, if someone were to push out Spiritual Energy into their aura at a fast, constant rate, they'll soon be so exhausted to the point where the organism will lose consciousness.

Those who are not trained in Spiritual Control, known as Kanri, will have their aura leaking out of their body similar to that of smoke coming out of a factory. This is felt as water caressing along past the skin, an itchy and tickly sensation. On the other hand, refined auras will look like a fiery mass around the organism, and is regularly felt like a warm fluid. However, the look and sensation of ones aura depends highly on their personality. An example of this is Aurinko Valo's aura, which is seen as a red blaze surrounding him, and feels like one as well, whereas Tsuki Yami's is seen as sharp and icy, and feels cold and chilling to match his personality. Hostile aura generates fear within the opponent, which can cause others to halt in their tracks, their breathing and heart rate to spike, or simply fatigue and paralysation. This happens to both Zenki users and ordinary people.

Since every living organism generates Spiritual Energy subconsciously, learning to sense said energy is a useful skin for those who are trying to track down individuals, gauge their power level, to determine if the individual in question is alive or not. This is referred to as Spiritual Perception, or commonly known as Kanchi. Kanchi also allows users to determine if non-organic objects are infused with spiritual energy, a way to avoid traps set by others.

### Spiritual Core

**The Spiritual Core** (霊芯 *Rei shin*) is the overall source of Spiritual Energy. The Spiritual Core is seen as the underlying main key factor for survival, and every organism, by logic, must have one as stated by Mahoma Hakeem. The Spiritual Core is located deep within the Spirit Entity, and is guarded by many layers. As a result, the Spiritual Core cannot be seen by average Zenki users using Kanchi. Similar to Spiritual Energy, the Spiritual Core is invisible to ordinary people, and cannot be sensed. The Spiritual Core is seen as extremely fragile compared to the Spirit Entity and Spiritual Energy, similar to that of the brain compared to other organs of technical less importance. As the house of Spiritual Energy, which is life force, the core is of extreme importance. If it were to be damaged in any way, it could result in death.

The Spiritual Core is typically situated near the pelvis for humans, and often proportional to the size of the organism's appendix, 6 mm in diameter, 3 mm in radius, 18.85 mm (0.74212598 inches) in circumference, and 28.27 mm² in area. The Spiritual Core is seen as a perfect sphere and the same color as the organism's spiritual energy. Surrounding outer core is an extremely resilient membrane, with small pores to let out the generated Spiritual Energy. The Spiritual Core is not just one thing however, as it has multiple membranes, acting as barriers or gates to more amounts of generated Spiritual Energy. Typically, the Spiritual Core for an organism has 5 membranes, with each of them being 1.5 times smaller than the last. For an example, the outer core membrane has a circumference of 18.85 mm, while the secondary core membrane has a circumference of 12.56 mm, and so on. The outer core membrane has the largest pores of all of them, and the secondary membrane has even smaller pores. With each level, there is more condensed, concentrated, and powerful Spiritual Energy kept inside.

## Three Major Principles

In order to fully comprehend and utilize Zenki to its fullest potential, one must first learn the Three Major/Basic Principles (三大原則 Sandaigensoku—lit "three principles" of  Zenki. Everything else is advanced, or sub-techniques of the Three Principles, **Kanri**, **Kanchi**, and **Tōei**. The Fourth, not seen as a major principle is the combination of two of the Three Major Principles, known as **Zenki Abilities**.

### **Kanri**

**Kanri** (管理 Kanri—lit "*management*") is the easiest and most fundamental of the three other principles, and is seen as the first thing a growing Zenki user most know. Kanri is the process or act of managing or controlling ones spiritual energy, primarily used to keep ones Aura contained as a outline or a shield around their body for stealth and protection. Once maintained, it creates a thin layer around the user, like liquid flowing around them. Once its learned, it cannot be forgotten by any means, like swimming or riding a bike. It is the most elementary principle of all the techniques, and the most important, as it is used to prevent overexertion of Spiritual Energy whilst fighting. Most basic Zenki-users are unable to stop their aura from leaking out completely, as its almost impossible to stop a tsunami of water from drowning a city. However, advanced Zenki users are able to make their aura completely trapped within their body, making them essentially invisible to other Zenki users using Kanchi.

### Kanchi

**Kanchi** (感知 Kanchi—lit "*sensing*") is the second principle learned of the three major principles. Kanchi is the process of act of perceiving other auras and spiritual energy. While Kanri is the act of controlling ones Spiritual energy, Kanchi is used to see, sense, and gauge others spiritual energy. Kanchi

### Tōei

**Tōei** (投影 Tōei—lit "*projection*") is the third and final principle learned of the three major principles. Tōei is the act or process of outputting large amounts of spiritual energy within the users aura, projecting it outwards in a variety of ways. Tōei can be used to enhance the users strength, durability, speed or other attributes using the outputted energy, although at the cost of expending said spiritual energy. If Kanri is used for purely defensive purposes, then Tōei is the exact counterpart, as it is used for purely offensive purposes.

By infusing ones Spiritual Energy with their emotions, a Zenki user can emit their emotions in the form of their aura using Tōei to project said emotions in the form of their aura. Extended exposure to what is referred to as "Murderous Intent", or "Malicious intent" can induce dread, paralysis, unconsciousness, and even death in major cases if not protected with the thin layer of armor through Kanri. In some situations, the force from the projection of Spiritual Energy can break through the armor created through Kanri, causing the opponent to feel the intent and their power forcefully. In addition to this, ordinary people can also feel Malicious intent aura through what's called fear, the unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous and is likely to cause extreme harm of even death. Average of low class Zenki Users, such as Mienai Tatakaimasen have their Malicious intent exerted without their knowledge most of the time, if they even have it. If powerful enough, small traces of the emotion can be left in the physical environment. However, Kanri is a direct counter to this, as controlling ones spiritual energy would keep it inside the users body and keep it from being sensed unknowingly and being left behind like water droplets from a faucet.

One of the ways to avoid overexertion of Spiritual Energy from Tōei is through the Omni Ability 50% Application, an Omni Ability that causes the Spiritual Core to lock up and only cast off 50% of the generated Spiritual Energy. However, The Spiritual Core only casts off about 30% of what it generates, depending on the users species.

### **Zenki Abilities**

**Zenki Abilities** (全気能力 *Zen ki nōryoku—lit "full energy ability")* are abilities created by or used by users of Zenki that are fueled by spirit energy, and is the combination of 2 or all principles of Zenki.

### Specialized Abilities

There are 4 types of Spirit Abilities, Hereditary Abilities, Created Abilities, Born Abilities, and Negative Abilities. Most Abilities require an action to be activated, such as a hand sign, damage, or just user activation. On the rarer side, some Abilities can activate themselves before the opponents attack happens. About 50-70% of Zenki Users use Created Abilities, as this is the most creative ability and are often more powerful. The main 4 Zenki Abilities fall under the Specialized Abilities umbrella. The other class of Zenki Abilities are known as Omni-Abilities.

### Omni Abilities

Omni-Abilities (オムニ能力 *Omuni nōryoku—lit "omni ability")* are a category of Zenki Abilities available to all Zenki users, regardless of their lineage , family background, or individuality. These abilities serve as a universal foundation, offering Zenki practitioners a common set of skills and capabilities. Omni-Abilities encompass fundamental abilities related to Kanri, Kanchi, and Tōei. All Zenki related abilities that are not designated for an individual falls under the Omni-Ability umbrella.

## Advanced Principles

After getting closer to the mastery of the Three Basic Major Principles of Zenki, a student or practitioner is introduced to the advanced techniques, that derive from the Three Major Principles. They grant more variety and sometimes are the key to winning a battle, and are, in most cases, better than using the Three Major Principles only.

### Sesshoku

**Sesshoku** (接触 - lit. "Contact") is the advanced amplification of Tōei, projection. Sesshoku involves the direct physical contact with an opponent's aura or spiritual energy. By making physical contact, a Zenki user can disrupt the flow of the opponent's energy, creating openings for attacks or causing disorientation. It requires precise control to avoid backlash.

When employing Sesshoku, a Zenki user makes deliberate physical contact with the opponent, aiming to establish a direct link between their own spiritual energy and that of the adversary. This contact isn't merely physical; it involves a nuanced merging of auras, requiring precise control to prevent the rebound effect that can harm the initiator.

Sesshoku is a technique fraught with risk, as the merging of auras can expose the initiator to potential backlash. Advanced practitioners must exercise meticulous control to avoid absorbing negative emotions or disturbances from the opponent's aura. Failure to maintain this control can result in unintended consequences, such as temporary loss of spiritual energy or susceptibility to counterattacks.

Skilled Zenki users, anticipating Sesshoku attempts, may employ defensive techniques derived from Kanri (Management) to fortify their aura against external influences. Additionally, heightened Kanchi (Sensing) abilities allow some practitioners to detect subtle shifts in an opponent's spiritual energy, enabling them to evade or counter Sesshoku attempts. Sesshoku can also be mixed with Tōei, along with Kanri to accurately amplify the users speed and strength and project the energy throughout the opponent's body viciously, creating the Omni Ability called **White Rip**.

### Kankaku

**Kankaku** (感覚 - lit. "Sensation") is the advanced application of Kanchi (Sensing). Kankaku involves heightening the sensitivity of one's spiritual perception. Advanced users can extend their sensory range, detecting auras from greater distances and discerning more intricate details about an opponent's emotional state or intent. This heightened awareness provides a significant advantage in battle. This advanced principle extends beyond the basic detection capabilities of Kanchi, offering practitioners a more profound understanding of the spiritual auras in their vicinity.

While employing Kankaku, the Zenki user heightens their senses and focuses deeply on what needs to be seen. To initiate Kankaku, a Zenki user refines their Kanchi abilities, intensifying their focus on perceiving and interpreting the spiritual energies present. This involves a heightened state of concentration, akin to fine-tuning one's metaphysical senses to discern intricate details within the spiritual plane. Kankaku serves as an extension of Kanchi, allowing practitioners not only to detect spiritual auras but also to delve into the qualitative aspects of these energies. Users can discern emotional states, intentions, and even subtle fluctuations in an individual's aura, providing a comprehensive understanding of the spiritual landscape

Skilled Zenki users, particularly those proficient in Kanri, can elevate their defensive capabilities through Concealment Mastery. This technique involves the complete suppression of one's aura, rendering the user virtually invisible to even adept Zenki users relying on Kanchi. This is through Kanri (management), using it to control ones aura to completely conceal it within the users body, along with lowering the users spiritual energy output from the spiritual core, rendering them virtually invisible. Additionally, Kankaku can be infused with Kanri to delve deeper past what the eye can see, and delve into things on a molecular level.

### Sōzō

**Sōzō** (創造 - lit. "Creation") is the combination of two major principles, Tōei (Projection) and Kanri (Management). This advanced technique allows a Zenki user to harness their spiritual energy, projecting it outward through Tōei and manipulating its form with precise Kanri control. The result is the ability to craft intricate and versatile formations with spiritual energy.

To initiate Sōzō, a practitioner first enters a state of heightened concentration, establishing a harmonious connection with their spiritual core. Through Tōei, they project a controlled stream of spiritual energy, the raw essence of their life force, into the surrounding space. Unlike typical Tōei applications focused on sheer force, Sōzō refines this projection, ensuring a delicate balance between output and preservation. The crucial aspect of Sōzō lies in the simultaneous application of Kanri. While projecting spiritual energy, the user employs Kanri principles to shape and mold the energy into physical-like form. This is akin to a sculptor carving a masterpiece, except the medium is the substance of spiritual energy. The versatility of Sōzō is limited only by the user's imagination and mastery. It allows for the creation of various structures, ranging from simple tools to intricate barriers or even temporary companions composed of spiritual energy. The degree of detail and complexity achievable depends on the user's skill and experience with both Tōei and Kanri.

While Sōzō grants incredible flexibility, its execution requires a delicate balance. The user must manage their spiritual energy efficiently, avoiding overexertion that could lead to exhaustion or vulnerability. Additionally, the complexity of formations increases the mental strain, demanding a high level of focus and concentration.

### Kyōka

**Kyōka** (強化—lit "Reinforcement") is the tangible manifestation of Tōei, focusing on the infusion of Spiritual Energy into physical objects, enhancing their physical attributes. This technique empowers the chosen object, commonly a weapon like a sword, by channeling the user's Spiritual Energy into it. The degree of enhancement is directly proportional to the amount of spiritual energy invested.

To execute Kyōka, a Zenki user concentrates their spiritual energy, projecting it into the target object. This process requires a deep connection with the object, establishing a harmonious link between the user's spiritual core and the physical material. As the spiritual energy permeates the object, it undergoes a transformation, gaining heightened strength, durability, or sharpness. The effects of Kyōka can vary based on the user's intent. For weapons like swords, it results in increased cutting power and durability. Other objects, such as armor or tools, can experience reinforced defensive or functional capabilities. The versatility of Kyōka lies in its adaptability to various physical forms. The potency of Kyōka directly correlates with the amount of spiritual energy infused. A more substantial input yields a more significant enhancement.

#### *Kyōka: Ōi*

*Kyōka: Ōi (強化覆い—lit "Reinforced Cover")* represents an evolution of Kyōka, introducing an additional layer of complexity to the reinforcement process. While Kyōka involves infusing spiritual energy within the object, Kyōka: Ōi takes it a step further by enveloping the object with spiritual energy, creating a protective cover.

The enveloping aspect of Kyōka: Ōi serves a dual purpose. Not only does it reinforce the object internally, but it also forms a spiritual energy cover around it. This external layer amplifies the damage dealt to opponents, effectively doubling the impact. The reinforcing cover enhances the object's offensive capabilities. Similar to Kyōka, the effectiveness of Kyōka: Ōi is directly tied to the amount of spiritual energy employed. A higher input not only strengthens the internal structure of the object but also intensifies the impact of the spiritual energy cover. This advanced technique requires precise control and mastery.

While *Kyōka: Ōi* enhances the physical attributes of an object, it does not grant the object inherent abilities beyond its nature. For example, a Kyōka-empowered sword becomes sharper and more durable, but it does not gain the ability to cut through mystical barriers unless the user possesses additional techniques. In addition to this, Kyōka: Ōi takes an immense amount of spiritual energy to maintain correctly and accurately. However, training allows people like Kamoku to hold Kyōka: Ō*i* for entire fights.

#### Kyōka: Noroi

Kyōka: Noroi (強化呪い—lit "Reinforced Curse") represents the pinnacle of Kyōka's evolution, merging the art of reinforcement with a Zenki user's Spiritual Specialized Ability. In this advanced technique, the user embeds their Spiritual Ability into their Spiritual Energy and projects it using Tōei. The result is the implantation of their Spiritual Ability within a chosen physical object, imbued with the user's specific conditions and desires, effectively turning it into a Curse.

To execute Kyōka: Noroi, the Zenki user combines the principles of Kyōka and their Spiritual Specialized Ability. This intricate process involves infusing their Spiritual Energy with the essence of their Spiritual Ability, shaping it through Tōei, and embedding it within a physical object. The user imparts specific conditions or desires onto the object, defining the nature of the curse. The imbued object, now cursed, carries the user's spiritual imprint and the conditions set during the reinforcement process. This fusion creates a potent Curse that can affect individuals who come into contact with the cursed object. The conditions placed on the curse can vary, ranging from limitations on abilities to specific behavioral constraints.

A prominent example of Kyōka: Noroi is Kiri Yami's Curse of All Heaven Necklace. Kiri embedded her Spiritual Ability into a necklace, infusing it with her desire for peace and a prohibition against unlawful murders. When worn by her three children (Moya Yami, Kaiiki Yami, and Tsuki Yami IV), the curse drains their power by a factor of 3 and imposes a literal inability to take a life without their mother's permission.

Unlike standard Kyōka, Kyōka: Noroi extends the influence of the curse beyond the immediate presence of the curser. Curses created through this advanced technique can persist long after the user's demise, maintaining their effects on subsequent generations or individuals who interact with the cursed object.