更木 剣八 // Zaraki Kenpachi.

... So he was after a spar. Not what he usually wanted or cared for, but it would have to make due for the sake of releasing pent up energy. He couldn't even remember the last time he had been in a down-and-dirty fight. Gruesome and vicious until the bitter end; he couldn't recall the last time someone had managed to split his flesh and bone and claim the crimson that washed away as a result. Just trying to remember such rabid and morbid pain and desire made his skin tingle with anticipation, that single iris fixated on Ikkaku as if he were some slab of meat rather than one of his officers. His right arm lifted to hover over the hilt of his zanpakutō, fingers twitching as he forced himself to wait.

Wait for now. Wait until the first strike was thrown--wait to measure him up. It had been some time since he felt Ikkaku's reiatsu fare against his own; it wouldn't be any fun if he got riled up too quickly. If he went too far, then the fight would be over, and he wanted to enjoy this... for as long as it would last. His lips quirked slightly, that familiar roll over his expression that only spoke of violent beginnings and brutal ends. Large and sharp canines gleamed through his scarred lips, head tilting inward as if to gesture for Ikkaku to make the first move. But he was boiling. As much restraint as he forced on himself, already that dim golden fire licked lightly at his skin and threatened to devour his flesh and burn it into a vibrant pyre. The deafening hum weighed down between them, the bulk of his energy chained down and forced away until the real deal started.

"Heh. Make it fun, Ikkaku. Wouldn't expect any less from ya'."

Ripping out the ragged blade from its sheath, the sharp song of metal shrieking burned his ears, he twisted it around until the tip was lodged neatly into the ground beside him. Releasing the tattered hilt, he let it rest there while his arms settled to his side; an all-too familiar position for anyone that had seen him in combat before against anyone who thought they had garnered enough power for the like of Gotei Thirteen's demon to heed them.

"It's been a while, y'know. Since you and I did anythin' against each other. Don't mind if I take ya' for a little test run, do ya'?" Lifting his right arm again, he motioned towards Ikkaku before curling his index inward a few times, egging him to take advantage of the opening. "If not, then hit me with everythin' you got." There was a heavier implication in his words than the simple offer, accompanied with the confident Cheshire smirk of wily intention.

Maybe he might push Ikkaku a little more. Maybe see just what he's been so adamant on keepin' from him all these fuckin' years. Well... maybe. Wouldn't be any fun if the idiot keeled over and died before he could see what it was. Who would Yachiru bother if he let that happen then?