Hajime Ryu

**Hajime Ryu** is a third-year Sorcerer at Tokyo Technical. A member of the fabled Ryu clan, he is the nephew of Majinkoji Ryu, a sorcerer without cursed energy. He is an expert weapon user and shikigami summoner who has shown valor and courage in the jujutsu space. Some have called him the shining star of the academy, though he can be overly aloof and can at times be prone to unnecessary injury. Despite that, he is determined and has yet to lose his life. That must count for something right?

## **Background**

Hajime shares mixed roots, half his family aboriginal to America, the other from Japan. His mother had run out on his dad, and in time he was too natural causes, or so they say. Hearing about the man's death, his uncle took Hajime under his wing for a time being there was no one else to look after him. Eventually relocating to japan after enlisting in the military. That was his excuse to be stationed in Japan. It was there that he was introduced to the world of jujutsu. His uncle revealed to him that he had no proficiency in jujutsu, due to having no cursed energy. He figured Hajime would be more like his father, a prodigy of sorts. His instincts were right on, as it turned out, Hajime had a great degree of cursed energy housed inside him. He was able to inherit his father's cursed tool, The Ashura Arau (Lit. Non-Heaven Wash), and began his training as a sorcerer. It seems as though he is on the fringe of a Grade 1 recommendation, being Semi-first currently. One more successful mission may just tip him over that edge into Grade 1.

## **Appearance**

Hajime is 5'8" tall, with light brown skin. His eyes and hair are a faded magenta hue, well rolled locs sit in his hair inspired by his uncle. He has mixed roots, being part aboriginal human or as some would say "black" as well as modern Japanese. He wears a hakama, half-worn over black pants with a blue shirt and a solid black bulletproof vest underneath, a gift from his uncle. At all times he has his Mop on him, a special grade cursed tool used to conjure Shikigami of various type through the gimmick of special talisman.

## **Personality**

Haji is a simple boy. He keeps a usual and cool demeanor but has a bit of a comedic side. He can be sarcastic or compassionate given the situation and is usually not afraid to speak his mind. He has little tolerance for scummery of any kind preferring a more honest and open way of being. There is a natural cunning in him that can not be overlooked both in social interactions but also combat-oriented ones. Despite his usually monotone or displeased denemonr, Haji actually enjoys to smile. He has grown somewhat numb to the harshness of the jujutsu world, but true to his nature, he values peace above anything else. Whatever the case, Hajime is dependable as a friend and sorcerer and has no issue putting himself on the lines for an ally or innocent. Never one to blow a fuse unnecessarily, Hajime is as straightforward a sorcerer...no...a man as any.

**Fame Level:**
*Known*

As an established sorcerer and second year, Haji has been on many missions and has proven his strength in a few spaces. As a Ryu, his presence is at least somewhat known throughout his clan and others through their loose relationships. His face has been seen before and a number of his peers have seen his techniques in action. Well...the ones still alive that is.

## **Overall Skill:**

As a young prodigal sorcerer, Hajime knows his stuff. He is skilled in the use of talismans, sealing, and shikigami whilst maintaining a solid physical build capable of contending with stronger foes in hand-to-hand combat. Combing hand-to-hand combat with mid-range weapon skills creates some insane combination attacks in tandem with shikigami of various types. He is a well-rounded fighter who can battle close and mid-range with little issue. Depending on the shikigami, long-range becomes a viable option on the field of battle. He has remained skilled enough to handle missions on his own several times, the academy having more than enough faith in his abilities, though they wonder if he needs some new allies capable of protecting his back. Any sorcerer out there alone runs a risk of losing his life eventually, no matter how skilled. He has the determination to push forward anyway though and usually does without complaint. Usually.

**Intelligence:**
*Genius-Intellect*
Intelligence can round out the rough edges of just about anyone. Hajime is no exception. With a high degree of knowledge of both popular culture, history, science, and jujutsu he can spot out various things with just a glance or two. A shift in energy flow. A visual change. Strategy is in his arsenal of tools and knowing what shikigami or tactic for the job generally comes easy to him. Rarely, he will ever be caught lacking when it comes to the knowledge tip. He only built up his book smarts when he realized natural cunning would not always save him. Despite his intelligence, he makes sure to keep things simple, for convenience, remaining adaptive to changes while keeping a level of positivity even when things are dire. Sometimes, some of his feats seem like dumb luck. His ability to deduce information and react on the fly is impressive, even when he doesn't have it all figured out, he always seems to know the right way to respond, rather than react to minimize a disaster or combat situation. The act of memorization and balancing of various aspects of battle and investigation have been burned into his very essence. And for that he has been heralded as a genius. He has a great command of the mechanics and theory of cursed energy and applies it well. Though, without a cursed technique of his own he still has plenty of room to grow.

**Sensory:**
*Advanced*
As an advanced sensor, he can keep track of targets at various distances. This range extends when Shikigami are at play, as they can spread further out and relay critical information to him at all times. He is able to manage to direct perception of 4 curses at a time, though if he has more curses in play, he is only able to tell if they have died or not. He can detect powerful and potent cursed energy signatures from great distances and can track their general location.

**Strength:**
*Enhanced (1.3)* As a gifted fighter, Haji has spent many years honing his physical strength. His uncle being his consistent sparring partner has hardened him to his core. He is at his strongest whilst swinging his weapon around, though he will not shy away from combining cursed energy with physical techniques. By concentrating his energy on more decisive blows, he can cause fatal damage in just one or two strikes preferring to take down opponents quickly without playing around with them. He would rather not draw things out too long. He is capable enough to dish out solid damage on his own, and hefty blows when supplemented with cursed energy. Haji tears through wooden walls, dents metal and crumbles stone with his core physical stregnth, and when carried forth by cursed energy, his attacks have a higher quality that cause walls to rupture. He can send others crashing several meters away from him and even knock them through walls and windows.

**Speed:**
*Enhanced (1.2)* Swift and agile, Haji is capable of holding his own in most cases. At times moving in faint flickers as he blends in and out of an opponent's blind spot. When fighting alongside Shikigami, it can be much more difficult to keep tabs on him, as he weaves and dances between twin strikes from various of his mediums. He has a keen eye and can even react to opponents' father than him, mitigating damage as best he can when he can hardly react. This sort of speed has kept him alive time and time again. He commands great dexterity in his movements, able to parkour around the environment. His reaction speed allows him to avoid things like projectiles through precise dodges, flips, and dashes out of harms way, and he can use his weapon to deflect things like bullets and other cursed energy based attacks at range. He can keep pace with most users of speed, even without augmentation from cursed energy, able to keep pace with the likes of the Zenin's most prestigious techniques. He cannot always move distances quickly, but his reaction speed is that which keeps him in the game, able to dodge and avoid opponents by a hair. He can also move and perceive with enough precision to summon and maneuver his shikigami in the heat of a battle in constant motion.

**Stamina:**
*Enhanced (1.2)*

**Physical Build:**
Haji has a solid build, mostly thin but with tight and solid muscle structure. He is flexible and able to withstand just as much as he can dish out. He can be much stronger than his smaller size will display, sending opponents several meters when gaining a clean blow. This deceptive power comes from great cursed energy usage that enhances itself at just the right time to catch enemies off guard. Hajime's greatest asset may be his legs. His uncle forced upon him a rigorous workout regiment that focused heavily on the development of ones legs. "A good first step is as good as anything else" he'd always say. Thus, unlike others Hajime can take massive leaps. His kicks may surprise someone who is not prepared. His knee's and shins are well plated and his thigh muscles are compact, yet light. This incredible core training with a man who's body has been afflicted with heavenly restriction has given Hajime Ryujima an vast reserve of cursed energy, alongside a strong pool of physical stamina. Even when his energy reserves are stripped to the barest, he can move and use his body. Wounds slow him, but to a less degree than most. He can hold his mental composure amidst broken arms, fingers and bruised bleeding flesh.

**Durability**: *Enhanced (1.2)*
Hajime's body is well crafted. The Ryujima genetics are supreme, forming physical beings with robust backs and strong legs. They in general have flexible bodies and spines that can bend and resist supreme shocks of force. His enhanced durability can be armored with cursed energy. He has the body of a Dragon, attuned to the pressures of Jujutsu Sorcery. He is bruised before he his broken. Yet his endurance allows him to sustain his life force despite is injuries.

**Unique Skills**
*Sojutsu* is the art of spear use. Though he uses a mop he wields it much like the best spear users, with sweeping strikes and powerful pierces. Despite it having no blade, he can crack through thick walls with a single thrust of his weapon, and crater the ground when using cursed energy to enhance himself.

*Kickboxing*
He picked up a little kickboxing from his uncle and can deliver powerful straight or roundhouse kicks. This is more useful against humans than spirits but every bit of fighting ability counts.

*Talisman mastery*
With vast knowledge on the use of talismans, he can create unique variations using his cursed weapon. There is a various talisman used for things such as explosions, sealing, elemental attacks, barriers & eradication. Their use is limited but can be invaluable when cornered and in desperate need of an opening.
*Absolute focus*
Hajime can enter a state of perfect acuity. This usually comes into play when alone. Knowing there is no one to help him means he must perform with as few mistakes as possible. He is able to pull of special maneuvers that he has never attempted before. when on his own he expels the most of his innate potential. This can also take center stage when backed into a corner. Such as when comrades are down and he is the last man standing.

**Cursed Energy & Cursed Energy Control:**

*Great*

Born with an abnormally high amount of energy, he is looked on as a rarity in the jujutsu space. At only 17 years old he has the grit of a seasoned warrior and the control to match. With so much power at play, each of his strikes packs a punch, and techniques have a refined edge. This control gives him prodigal shikigami usage, allowing for the use of at least two supernatural level Shikigai. Having to manage his cursed tool, alongside several shikgami requires precise management of energy reserves as well as physical stamina. This is a simple task, but not an easy one. Yet Haji has a way of making it look like both, battling for extended periods with what appears to be ease.

His energy reserves are robust enough to carry him through difficult battles. He commands his cursed energy with style and grace, pushing the very limits of his control to dismantle and destroy curses and curse users alike. Despite not having a cursed technique, his use with his Special Grade Tool has been unmatched. He has numerous shikigami that can drain his cursed energy, yet his manipulation of this negative emotion strips his cost to a level that is manageable for one such as him. He can utilize two Supernatural powered Shikigami at once, And can use One Supernatural Shikigami alongside several Enhanced ones, only losing out on directly perceiving through them at longer distances. He is always connected to their energy and knows exactly when they die no matter what happens. This manipulation of energy allows him to jump tiers in physical battle to either empower his speed or strength. Cursed energy is an incredible tool within his hands.

## **Techniques:**

**Shikigami Genius**
Due to a Great amount of cursed energy within, Hajime has be slated to be a genius at the use of shikigami. He can maintain a number of 6 powerful curses, two supernatural and four Enhanced. He can also currently maintain a single basic type of shikigami, one that can be replicated through the use of talisman. He can summon shikigami without a single word, uttering an initial or nickname in his mind, though calling them out verbally can summon them forth a bit faster.

**Sei ikkaku**(Quiet-Corner)
(Supernatural)
The first of his Shikigami is a 7-foot tall physical beast. Armed with two kali sticks on its back, it favors its physical attacks above all else. With large muscular legs, he can take great strides and large leaps to gain distance or retreat. His defense is worthy as well, able to withstand heavy blows and survive mostly unscathed. For extra seasoning, slamming the kali sticks together can produce the properties of *thunder* to create shockwaves with various destructive results. Oddly enough, the coming together of this thunderous display is just about the only time this spirit makes noise. Even as it beats the breaks of an enemy, each of its attacks is dead silent.

**Tetsuya**(Philosophy to be)
(Supernatural)
The counterpart to Shizu-ikkaku, Tetsuya is a 6'5" tall demon armed with a large metal kobo. In terms of raw speed, Shizu outclasses her, however, her raw physical strength eclipses his by a small degree. When paired with one another, their attacks are hard to ignore. How rough is it for A flurry of high-speed blows, to be followed up with a mighty bash either from Tetsuya, or Hajime himself? With both Shikigami at play, Hajime must maintain a large degree of concentration and may have to cut down on the general number of Shikigami he uses at that time. Unlike Shizu, each step she takes is heavy, hulking, and boisterous. One would hear her charging in a mile away. She can generate simple shockwaves with a full swing of her heavy mace.

**Hayate**(sudden, sound of the wind)
(Enhanced)
A Small Humanoid Curse, the first of the Enhanced, Hayate stands at only 3 feet tall. swift and agile this curse can create small square portals and travel through them. This ability came at the cost of higher combat capability. It allows this curse to infiltrate and gather the information which relays back to the user. When fighting, it will sneak in and attack with quick slashes, punches, and kicks and is a wonder when used for distractions. He can shrink himself down to a 6inches tall when needed. This shapeshifting ability also allows it to sharpen its claws into fine daggers, for deep scrapes and gashes. It's enhancement has to do with the fact that some portals are capable of being large enough for Haji to fit in if necessary.

**Ryūji**(Governor Dragon)
(Enhanced)
The Second of the Enhanced Shikigami, Ryuji is a Komainu that resembles a dragon. It is weighed at 500 lbs and standing 5 feet high on four legs, the beast is swift, capable of attacking prey with its powerful jaw or with a rapid swipe of its jaws. It can fire a burst of flame from its maw when necessary.

**Ninpo-Mitsugo** (Ninja art-triplet)
(Enhanced)
3 expert curses fighting as one defines Mitsugo. They are skilled enough that they refuse to break formation, even in death. This allows for some interesting gimmicks that involved advanced level dodges. For example, one may attempt to cleave the curse in half, to which he will notice that the second leaps above the third, just high enough to create space, but without breaking formation for more than a moment. Their hits are strong enough to cause direct damage, the heavy mace will crush and pierce, the lance may jab and slice. Or the bottom may strike with a kick or punch. They each resemble some sort of cat or mole, though it is not yet confirmed which.

**Tsume** (Claw)
(Enhanced)
Tsume is a large sized beast, on all fours it stands at an un-modest 5ft high with more than enough power to lift two or more people on its back. Its body is propelled by mighty muscles and powerful wings which allow it to fly with flawless aerodynamics. With a full powered flap of its wings, great burst of wind can be blown, hefty enough to lift someone violently off their feet. This can be useful for a number of things. In motion, it attacks with slashes from its powerful claws which shred foes while in motion.

**Itsuki-Inu**(Tree-Dog)
(Basic)
This Shikigami, as its name implies, this beast has an affinity with plants, dirt, and nature. It can burrow into the ground using its various mouths, all of which have an insatiable appetite for dirt & The numerous mouths allow the beast to taste the air from all sides, tracking prey through smell and taste alone. It can draw power from organic life of all forms and can attack using its jaws on all sides. Roots are sprouting from its back. They can violently strike and wrap around prey. These roots can burrow underground and be used as a trap if necessary. It is small, only around the size of an average house dog, but they can be replicated using various talisman.

## **Tools**

Ashura Arau (Lit. Non-Heaven Wash)

The Ashura Arau Is a special grade curse tool passed down from *Shiroi Ryu*, to **Hajime Ryu**. It is an old mop that has been used to slay many a curse. The various fibers have two functions, the first is that the user channel cursed energy in order to change its physical properties. One moment they are waving in the wind and the next they have been shaped and hardened into blades. The user can use them to grab enemies and slam them, or use them to slice them apart.
The secondary function is the endless production of Talismans.
By severing pieces, the user can channel the inscriptions onto the map by circulating cursed energy through the tag. Because of this property, should the user lose a shikigami so long has he soaks up its essense, left behind as a mass of glowing cursed energy, or a newly defeated curse, he can eventually produce a brand new shikigami. If the shikigami that is lost is of a higher rank, the shikigami just beneath it will suddenly become that rank. So if tetsuya is lost, Hayate will become the new supernatural shikigami to replace her.
Because of this, it has elements of cursed spirit manipulation and the 10 shadows, however it is limited in that a spirits power only grows when one has been lost to take its place. The newly upgraded spirit does not gain any of the previous spirits abilities. What may occur is that the new spirit my take on some element of whichever curse has been sealed within its bristles or which curse has been salvaged, though it is difficult for the user to decide this. Sometimes only the size or shape may be similar. other times it's color or ability. Hajime believes that by keeping a certain image in his mind, he can influence the next shikigami that is capable of being harnessed, however he does not have enough evidence to prove this. Basic curses can be apprehended easily by creating a tag which seals their imprint, Such is the case with the *Tree-dog*, a basic level curse that can be summoned repeatedly regardless of how often it dies. The talisman depend on the users knowledge of curses, cursed techniques and talisman affinity in general to use to its maximum proficiency.