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Ritsu | |||
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サカキ リツ Sakaki Ritsu | |||
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Debut | |||
| Appears in | Anime, Manga, Novel | ||
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Personal | |||
| Birthdate |  March 19th
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| Sex |  Male
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| Species | Human | ||
| Age | 23 | ||
| Status | Alive | ||
| Height | 188cm | ||
| Weight | 98kg | ||
| Bloodtype | AB+ | ||
| Kekkei Genkai |  Boil Release
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| Kekkei Mōra |  Santaigan
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| Classification | Sensor Type | ||
| Occupation | Head of the Sakaki Family Mechanical Systems Engineer | ||
| Affiliation |  Land of Springs and Geysers
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| Team |  Nishino's Special Forces
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| Clan |  Sakaki Family | ||
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Rank | |||
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Ritsu Sakaki (リツ サカキ, Sakaki Ritsu), a man who's legacy is one marred by suffering, treachery, and the sting of unfulfilled dreams. Hailing from the Land of Springs and Geysers (湯間欠泉の国, Yukanketsusen no Kuni) of the overseas Nishino (西野, literally meaning: The Western Plains), he descends from a family of overstrung inventors whose magnificent steam designs and constructions paved the way for an Industrial Revolution that changed their once rustic and tradition steeped home into a modernized nation. Thermal engines, awe-inspiring aircrafts, the wonders of electricity - it became a pillar of production, commerce, and luxury, where many minds settled to make their own mark on the world or to satisfy their every desire. That was the promise of Nishino, first established by his family and adopted by many.
Ritsu, however, promised something different. A pariah within the Sakaki, he grew to use his gifts for martial matters, a decision almost considered sacrilegious as they were not the ways of his people - a waste in their eyes. Nonetheless, his prowess became undeniable and his name grew to convey strength, resilience, even liberty as he showed those with preconceived notions of his future that he dared to go his own way. That was, until it was besmirched by the very one who pushed Ritsu to break through his shell, a friend, dare he say brother, and brought to the brink, destined to only be remembered as a traitor; the fool who would stand in the way of what was meant to be.
When it seemed he would take his final, dying breath, Ritsu was met at the spiritual crossroads by a deiform being, a god who looks down upon the very cosmos - a fated alignment of the stars. He was liberated from the grasp of death and raised from the depths of oblivion to once more tread upon the myriad worlds. But one does not encounter the divine and remain the same - he was bestowed eyes that would reveal to him the truths he sought and unloose a preternatural might within that may herald the end of the very stars. While he does not know the true nature of his savior nor why he was so chosen and favored, Ritsu is the linchpin in which his desires are henceforth preserved as his Voice Hearer (声聞, Shōmon), which none besides the god may ever truly know.
Background[]
Straying From The Path[]
Ritsu's birth was amongst the hustle and bustle of the Sakaki Family's latest and greatest invention that would forever change Nagoya, the capital of the Land of Springs and Geysers, a true yet tired statement used for nearly all their creations. As such, it was not one that garnered much attention although his parents were thankful for that; it was meaningful time away from the grindstone in a family that for some reason prided themselves for adhering to the "all work and no play" philosophy. When he was five, he was enrolled in the most mentally rigorous courses that nearly all Sakaki endured to learn the family practice and "properly" use their Kekkei Genkai according to their work. While his mental acuity indeed exceeded that of the average child, a trait also rumored to be bloodline based in nature, throughout the years it became evidently clear, despite passing the courses, that Ritsu was by no means a prodigy in their innovative ventures like his father. He much preferred the outside world compared to the oily, mist slick walls of laboratories and using Boil Release for unrelated pursuits, initially much to his father's dismay.
At nine, Ritsu's mother passed away from cancer. His father had a difficult time processing her death, having lost his best friend and love of his life, and typically hid himself away in his laboratory, finding comfort in gears and wires. Often left to his own devices up to his mid-teenage years, Ritsu developed thoughts and opinions that misaligned with the Sakaki paradigm and took more interest in using his gifts quite differently. He made poor choices, fell in with questionable crowds, and got into legal trouble at times. In particular, he became involved in a fight club orchestrated by the elites of the society during the night in an underground arena, away from the Chancellor's prying eyes. He was pulled into this world by a fellow youth named Banri, the son of the minister regarded as the Chakravartin (転輪聖王, literally meaning: Wheel-Turning Sacred King): an ever-busy politician who was making waves. Despite their initial differences, they soon became partners in crime, both in and outside. Unlike countries found on the other side of the world, there were no hidden villages, academies, nor shinobi system for that matter. Learning the art of battle and applications of chakra was largely a private endeavor unless one enlisted in Nishino's centralized Armed Forces - for Ritsu, it was in the heat of the fight club. The two participated in this for quite some time: as a Sakaki and Boil Release user, he was highly popular amongst spectators and opponents alike. For the first time Ritsu felt he found something he was good at.
By fifteen, Ritsu and Banri were arrested one evening on their way for their next tag-team match. The head inspector of the military police, who interrogated the two young men, believed their talents were wasted fighting for the enjoyment of greedy patricians and the city's self-indulgent citizens. Not to mention unquestionably illegal. Such a crime was not one that is let off easy - so they were offered two options: be at the mercy of judiciary system or be inducted into Nishino's military. They would be free and see the world, learn, and achieve things that ordinary men could only dream of. Whether or not it was unethical for them to be given this ultimatum was irrelevant as their rights were essentially forfeit and this offer was one they could hardly reject. Ritsu henceforth became regarded as the black sheep of the Sakaki Family - his forsaking of their inventive tradition and incessant mistakes brought shame upon them. Despite this, he was determined to prove to them that his success could not be confined to the principles they set.
The Land of Earth - Blood and Stone[]
In the years that followed, Ritsu and Banri completed the intensive training of the Armed Forces with high marks and earned placement in Nishino's Special Forces branch, one of unconventional warfare, reconnaissance, and diplomacy. They travelled the globe, embarking upon several missions and witnessing the state of the world - it's division, it's suffering, the rise and fall of both people and nations. It was the first time he had left the comfort of home and been properly exposed to the reality that was this life. To what ends, he wondered, does suffering lead one to? What of our desires? Why must they and change be so closely intertwined with pain? Such questions occasionally occupied his mind and he wished to search for the answers, but his duties, no matter his conflicting perspective, always came first.
Among these places was the Five Great Shinobi Countries, which Nishino's government took great interest in, especially after the conclusion of their Fourth Shinobi World War as it bled into their own territory. One of Ritsu and Banri's greatest assignments was an inconspicuous journey to this continent with updating objectives - the first being to gather intel on the Shinobi Union. With their advanced technology and prowess, it was a simple errand that revealed the tenuous state of their international alliance during a Continental Summit, particularly the growing division in the ideology of what a shinobi's role is following their last: are they destined to fight from birth unto death, a conflict that keeps things in balance or could they truly rise above such a base thought? This knowledge led to their next task - infiltrate the Land of Earth and thus Iwagakure, a hidden village that has long acted for its own best interests, and learn more of their daimyō's previous vie for expansion and the secrets they hid.
The beginnings of Rock Rain (岩雨, Gan'u), despite its simplicity, was nonetheless always a sight to behold. In the months Ritsu and Banri spent in the Land of Earth, they gradually integrated themselves with its citizens and uncovered many clandestine projects led by high profile figures. The most prominent was the prototype creation of Akuta under the Third Tsuchikage's supervision. The men surveyed one of several underground facilities housing these operations for a time before receiving orders one night to advance and obtain a specimen as well as any scrolls or other information. No witnesses. The events of that night became a blur for all in attendance. What started as an unseen operation escalated as one distinct shinobi working directly under the Third Tsuchikage's activated the Akuta in response to the threat. It evolved into a massacre as the Akuta defied their makers and the Nishino operatives capitalized on the chaos, enshrouding and collapsing the facility in on itself, thus killing everyone within. From this event and later demonstrations with the Akuta, the Fourth Tsuchikage, under guidance of the Shinobi Union, banned any further developments to maintain good faith in the alliance. Their captured specimens unfortunately died over the period of a few days, but they did obtain documents that answered many of their commanding officer's questions.
The Land of Lighting - Thunder's Cry, Mist's Silence[]
The Land of the Moon - An Unlikely Alliance[]
The War At Home[]
Politics is a difficult game and playing dirty is often the way ahead. While away from home, the Land of Springs and Geysers descended into a tumultuous state of government affairs. Unrest and bedlam surged through the lands as the current Chancellor was stepping down and many sought to take the seat, Chihiro no Kimi being the top candidate. The Chakravartin's influence was almost hypnotic - it was believed he was sure to win. But corruption and biases had different ideas and he, the clear victor, was passed over for one far less deserving. Outrage and rebellions sparked across the nation as thousands rallied behind Chihiro with no regard for anything else in their lives; not family nor friends. It was as if they were compelled to fight for him, losing their sense of self and identities. All that mattered was lifting up Chihiro no Kimi, who was proclaimed to not only be the savior of Nishino, but also the savior of the world. No more would they fear the looming Ōtsutsuki threat and all corruption they have experienced at the hands of those in power would be cleansed.
The reigning Chancellor conceded to Chihiro no Kimi and the nation was the Chakravartin's, but that would not be the end. His extremist ideology spread throughout the neighboring lands and through a combination of fearmongering, coercion, and rampant strong-arm tactics, this emerging political movement spread through Nishino. Civil wars sparked throughout their side of the world, one faction fighting for the good of all, the other fighting to make all bend to a spurned man. In the end, the so-called Lord of Ambition (野望之主, Yabōnoomo) achieved exactly what he desired and with fear and awe, the entirety of Nishino bent to his every word, but those who still resisted did not wane. It was in the wake of this disarray that Ritsu and Banri were drawn back home out of their seven years of deployment. In light of this blatant debasement of Nishino's core values and the liberty of those in other nations, Ritsu could not stand with the Chakravartin and sided with the insurgents to reclaim their home. Banri, however, saw things differently as an insatiable hunger grew in his eyes and resentment fringed his voice. In his mind, he saw the opportunity for a new dawn, a reformed Nishino that would demonstrate its might to the outside world and no longer be held bound by its rich and politically corrupt. With the secrets he and Ritsu knew, they could destroy a man through rumors alone, ruin a campaign - so Banri made the ultimate choice. Ritsu was an obstacle and all obstacles must be removed. He betrayed his childhood friend, making an example of him as to what will happen to any who defy the Chakravartin. Tortured and broken, over and over, he was left to die and rot, crying out for help to any who'd listen, as Nishino became warped beyond recognition.
A Second Chance[]
At first, nothingness. Then suddenly, sensation, thoughts, and a searing light as if a star burned through the universe. Ritsu awakened in a strange and troubling place on the boundary separating life and death, as he was taken by an inexplicable abject horror and deference. Surrounding him was an entity whose very presence seemed to pervade and warp the space; it was devastatingly glorious, unending and deranging, everything yet somehow nothing at all. To even attempt to make sense of it was to abandon all hope. He could only manage to climb to his knees as a visage emerged from the primeval chaos and turned its gaze upon him, a name unspoken in millennia since its acquisition reverberating within his mind and the void: Māra, Lord of the Sixth Heaven. It danced upon the tip of his tongue yet he could not utter it. In an instant, Ritsu's existence was laid out before them, revealing all things; his achievements and undoing, his suffering and desires dwelling within his heart, and the anguish that tainted the young man's soul. The god beheld of his loss, fears, regrets, and dreams. The shred of hope he once possessed that was now whittled down to a sliver of misery, his unshakable thirst for vengeance. None could prognosticate what would happen next in the turbulence of this liminal state.
With a trembling in the very fabric of all things, Ritsu was poured out a blessing. He was bestowed eyes with portentous abilities that would reveal to him the three marks of existence (三法印, sanbōin) and an otherworldly power fit to achieve all he desired; not even the laws of the cosmos would remain beyond his might. For every door that closes, another is opened. He was renewed, resuscitated, and thus reborn unto the myriad worlds, but not as a mere mortal any longer, no, Ritsu was unknowingly something more. Even now he is unaware of his savior's true motives for not just any being may comprehend a god's thoughts and ways; they are wreathed in deepest mystery. He often ponders if this was meant to be despite his reality being undeniably material, and in fact he once bristled at the thought. Man's destiny should be decided by man alone, not to be dictated by the whims of those who claimed to be gods. However, self-determination is ultimately an illusion, even for the transcendent - at least that is what Māra believes. All things fates are ultimately predestined, just as their meeting was.
Appearance[]
Personality[]
Abilities[]
Chakra and Physical Prowess[]
Ninjutsu[]
Dairokutenjutsu[]
Santaigan[]
The Santaigan (三諦眼, literally meaning: Three Truths Eye) is an enigmatic and marvelous dōjutsu created by Māra, The Sensuous King and Lord of the Sixth Heaven. With irides a harrowing hue of red painted against black sclera akin to the depths of space, they seem to smolder with a contempt for the material world. Their splendor is said to embody the three marks of existence, the truths of liberation although only their creator know of the true depth of might sealed within them; Ritsu shall be the one to reveal it unto all hearts, minds, and souls.
These eyes bless Ritsu with an otherworldly perception that could decipher the most hidden of truths as well as offer a degree of precognitive ability akin to a roughly perfect awareness. He is not only able visualize chakra, its pathway, and the flow of energies to an extraordinary level, but also peer the beyond the veil and barriers that connect between dimensions. As such, he can glimpse the form of unnatural beings, metaphysical entities, even the delicate realms they reside in. There is, essentially, nowhere within the myriad worlds Ritsu cannot witness.
This sight beyond mere sight is the Santaigan's unique ability to perceive the interconnected yet empty nature of reality that also allows one with these eyes to observe multiple instances at once across prodigious distances, including those taking place in a different plane. They even grant Ritsu the ability to seemingly gaze into the minds of others to read their innermost thoughts and feelings, while in all their glory and divinity, foretell the fate of all things and it's weaving with the foundation of creation. From a predestined point to an inevitable end, he may behold the intricate yet complex branching paths of destiny, albeit to an extent, as he is woefully incapable of knowing his own nor perfectly auguring all things meant to come. The future is fluid and he is a singularity of fate (運命の特異点, unmei no tokuiten); his discernment is otherwise without match and cannot be diminished, obscured, nor deceived.
These eyes facilitate a nearly complete understanding on the depth and discipline of suffering and its raveling with the fleetingness of the phenomenal world. They are intrinsic elements of existence, the undeniable proof that we live, that we are real; they are truths that connect us all and they shall set us free.
Left Eye[]
His left eyes possesses the lordly power, Shōjisokunehan (生死即涅槃, literally meaning: The Sufferings of Birth and Death are Nirvana), to portend the sufferings of existence and bring low the ignorant, subduing all foolish and worldly delusions. As eyes capable of perceiving the truth of suffering and its intertwining with fate and the material world, they may twist such things to Ritsu's whims and produce a miraculous event on his behalf; all those who attempt or bear even the briefest intention to harm him, shall experience their foreseen transgression for themselves. Whether it be a physical, spiritual, or perhaps by other means, it will be returned. Injuries will simply appear on the opposition, curses vex those who curse him, death takes those who wish it. No malediction, malady, nor affliction can truly bypass this divinity. Not even some of those that possess a spark of the divine themselves may so easily disturb him, although it becomes taxing in time when redirecting powerful attacks or being doggedly targeted.
Suffering is proof that one lives and is an intrinsic element of existence; it transcends mere physical pains. Sorrow, regret, dissatisfaction, despair - all such things are included and connect all sentient beings. So it is with ease that their torment may too be shifted, amplified even. Glancing blows may be progressed to gaping wounds while the anguish of misdeeds be transferred to another. The breadth of the experiences his eyes have seen may be repeated at Ritsu's leisure, trapping those he look upon within a loop, a perpetual cycle of suffering. Their waking lives undergo a change - for some, the flesh shall be vanquished, others, the spirit broken, and for many, the heart and mind shattered; the scars and remembrance of this accursed punishment remain forever. Their steps will be tainted with misery, their actions, bane. Hopes and dreams become distant prospects, while nightmares become reality. Some may call it misfortune or strokes of bad luck, but in truth, destiny has been altered and their only salvation is Ritsu's mercy. People do not change, not really; but through his grace such things are possible. He must visualize whom he wishes to influence to ensnare one in a cycle of suffering - it is believed that only one may occur at a time.
Right Eye[]
His right echoes the impermanence of all things with Shōjōruten (生々流転, literally meaning: All Phenomena and Such Things Are in Endless Flux); that the world is enthralled with eternity but nothing truly lasts lest he wills it, especially under its gaze. As eyes that perceive the truth of impermanence and inevitability of change, they may bend such forces according to Ritsu’s desires. All creation beneath the gaze of his right eye is subject to change on his whim; he can freely sequester certain traits and conditions one may have then, if he so chooses, apply them onto another so long as it is used as an equivalent although he can make no use of them himself. Strength, resilience, stamina, agility, and other similar attributes are at Ritsu’s mercy and may be stripped away. Even those of a metaphysical quality are affected by this power and objects may be robbed of their properties. It is a confounding technique that leaves even the greatest of minds at a loss.
This ability is so potent, that it could even be used directly on techniques, maladies, even dōjutsu in a similar fashion to bring them to an end. He may accomplish feats such as making those intangible, tangible, nullifying empowerments, and shattering the effects of supernatural forces formed against him and others - there is nearly no chain he cannot break, no affliction he cannot amend. Even those who believe themselves to be untouchably divine cannot truly ward him off. From the perspective of the enemy, all the effort invested in Ritsu's defeat can be extinguished in the blink of an eye, as if it never existed. To face him to is understand that nothing lasts forever lest he wills it - even the very fundament of their power. There is an upper limit to how many and how much of a quality Ritsu can alter in one given instance, whether confiscating or bestowing. While most lesser beings or techniques can be neutralized with ease, those of greater substance or possessing a divine spark too have a limit to how much they can be changed. For so long as one remains in his presence or awareness, his meddling will continue; when they leave him, they regain their abilities. To believe one is beyond him is to err.