Gavin

[SIZE=1]Mmm Jaffa Cakes. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Thirst ? I suppose I'd be classified as a social drinker, I only ever drink when I head out to a nightclub with friends which only ever happens about once every two months and even then I'll only have two or three beers. Good social lubricant as Josh pointed out.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Sangome'][FONT=Microsoft Sans Serif][SIZE=1]Uhm. Okay.[/SIZE][/FONT][/quote] [SIZE=1]QFT.[/SIZE]

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][B]Wanted:[/B] Artist of capability to design statuette for OtakuBoards 2009 Nifty Fifty "Of The Year" Awards. Statuette design should be connected to OB with the ability to photoshop in the award recipient's name and category of victory. Any and all replies considered, overall winner will receive something special.[/SIZE][/FONT] [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=1]Basically what Aizen was saying is that the Hougyoku is an empathic dragonball which fulfils the desires of those around it so long as they have enough power. Using the examples of Chad and Inoue were fine, makes more sense than they were just "altered" by Ichigo's huge reiatsu alone but rather a combination of both with Ichigo just providing the power. The one I didn't like was Rukia being able to give Ichigo all her powers, because Urahara was still in possession of the Hougyoku at that point and wasn't to our knowledge anywhere near the Kurosaki residence. I imagine we'll hear more on that one the week after next (damn Golden Week). Particularly interesting fan theory I read in regard to this is that Ichigo is himself a sort of natural Hougyoku. Just as the Hougyoku is able to "understand the hearts of others" this is an ability demonstrated pretty clearly and consistently by Ichigo himself. He comments about it specifically now to Gin that he's always been able to see the hearts of his opponents and thus counter at least some of what they throw at him. The only times Ichigo has ever been in truly hopeless fights if when he couldn't understand his opponent. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]I didn't think much of the chapter either, seeing Gai crippled by sea-sickness was vaguely amusing for a moment but the ultimate interactions between Naruto and B were just dull. Seriously I was actually pretty disappointed he pulled out his harem jutsu, I thought he was over kiddy-**** like that. [/SIZE]

[quote name='Magus'][FONT=franklin gothic medium][COLOR=darkred]LOL. That deal ended when you and others "forced" me to continue reading Naruto.[/COLOR][/FONT][/quote] [SIZE=1]Ahem. I believe the deal was you would continue reading Naruto if you were allowed to bring up Hitsugaya again in this thread, and as a sort of deal evener I felt the need to start reading One Piece again.[/SIZE] [FONT=franklin gothic medium][/FONT][quote name='Magus'][FONT=franklin gothic medium][COLOR=darkred]Training session with daddy.. Yea, I think I'll take that one just to see how the 2 would interact with training.[/COLOR][/FONT][/quote] [SIZE=1] That's what I'm curious about, we've seen them joking and some very limited serious scenes but I think training would be the most serious we'd ever see Ichigo and Isshin together. Also Karin and Yuzu would likely be let in on their family's history.[/SIZE]

[indent][SIZE=1]Replacing the receiver on the phone Bastien allowed himself to relax to the tap tap tap of the rain on the window behind him. More than likely the Lady and her Serpants would keep their word and leave dealing with Shun Sheng him, if of course they didn’t continue to make themselves a nuisance to the gang, he wouldn’t be able to do anything to keep them out of the fire if they did. It would’ve been easier to just kill the boy he supposed, send a message of his own that pulling a gun on him with any other intent than to shoot him in the next millisecond would end in bloody death, but he didn’t. He was a decent, honest cop in a city that ate them up and spat them out. If he’d played the game, made alliances here, taken kick-backs there, stabbed backs and cut throats when needed he’d probably be in line to take over as Chief of Police. Sometimes, when he was in bed alone at night, the thought of it was tempting, the idea of fulfilling the American dream: coming from absolutely nothing and making his way to the top of the food-chain. He’d never have wanted for anything, power, fame, money, and women, all of them his for the taking when he wanted them. He’d come far enough as an honest cop he supposed, thirty-four, a detective lieutenant and the head of the SAPD’s Major Crimes Unit. It was ironic that he’d been promoted not just because of his aptitude but because those above him felt secure that Bastien wouldn’t suddenly turn crooked. When the previous head of the MCU had proven a little too inventive for his own good he’d been found cut to pieces in a meat-factory, supposedly at the behest of the Deputy Commissioner whom he’d acquired enough leverage over to potentially force him out of the position. It was nothing more than a rumour of course that the DC had been involved, but of all the likely reasons it made the most sense. A knock on the door shook him out of his contemplative repose, brushing off the ash from his shirt Bastien made his way over to the door, his right hand resting on his pistol should the need arrive. A glance through the spy-hole revealed a red haired woman in his early thirties standing on the other side of the door, her stance was natural, even a bit sexually suggestive. The lack of a weapon in either hand didn’t make her safe but if this was another attempt to kill him he certainly appreciated the creativity of it. Cases of poisoning or otherwise unusual assassination during sexual intercourse occurred more than most people thought but couldn’t be called usual or common by a longshot. She glided through the doorway without a word and draped herself across his couch with only a small smile to decorate an otherwise imperceptible face. “[B]And you are ?[/B]” The smile became coy, her green eyes lighting up with amusement. “[B]A gift Monsieur Besson, for a favour done.[/B]” It wasn’t often he heard his own accent, or to be more precise the accent of his homeland, Bastien’s own accent had been worn down over the last two decades to still be noticeable when he pronounced certain words but otherwise unremarkable. This woman’s accent had been carefully maintained, along with her looks to make her an exotic creature, a hint at a by-gone age of French sensuality and mystique. Flawless porcelain skin, ruby lips, she was in a word perfect and Bastien’s own lust surprised him for a moment. She was however, most certainly a gift, one he couldn’t abuse without their being consequences. She was the kind of woman a man would pay thousands just to have on his arm at a gala for a couple of hours. To actually be with her, something like that went beyond money. The call had gone out only minutes before, for her to get here so quickly, evidently he’d done the Lady of a Hundred Paces a far larger favour than he’d initially estimated, that in itself warranted further investigation…afterwards. Shutting the door Bastien crossed into the kitchen and withdrew a pair of wine glasses and a bottle of Chateaux Picard before taking the seat across from his lady caller. He’d parted with a considerable amount for the bottle, French exports had dropped as the government fought half a dozen revolutionary factions across the country Bordeaux had become a battlefield and wine had become a rare commodity. The cork came free with a faint pop and he filled both glasses generously. “[B]You know what I’m here for Monsieur Besson, you don’t have to try to get me drunk first.[/B]” “[B]Perhaps I was simply hoping for some pleasant conversation first, it has been quite some time since I met a countryman. You have me at a disadvantage Mademoiselle, you know my name but I am without yours, unless of course you would like to keep this encounter mysterious and I shall simply refer to you as La Femme Rouge.[/B]” Tracing a finger around the rim of the class the woman seemed to ponder the idea for a moment. “[B]As much as I would like that Monsieur Besson it would be most inconsiderate of me to leave you without my name, how else will you pine for me and call out my name when in the company of other women ?[/B]” “[B]How very considerate.[/B]” “[B]Bien sur. You may call me Madeline Monsieur Besson.[/B]” “[B]Only on the condition you refer to me as Sebastien.[/B]” The night that followed was certainly memorable, she’d excused herself before the sun had risen, extracting herself from his embrace. As the kettle boiled, Bastien realised he wouldn’t be able to let go of the circumstances surrounding the evening and the only person who might having information and be willing to divulge it would be the Serpent’s Tongue.[/indent] [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]I believe the agreement was you could bring up Hitsugaya, I don't recall me being obligated to. :P But yeah, Hitsu again displays at least some common sense in switching to bankai against powerful opponents. If Ichigo is going to get another training session to round out his skills, I figure it's going to be under Isshin because anyone else runs the risk of having him get stronger than them too quickly. If he is indeed a Shiba as I speculate as well, kidou and reiatsu control come with the territory. [/SIZE]

[quote name='Magus'][FONT=franklin gothic medium][COLOR=darkred]Ichigo was analyzing Ulquiorra before they went all transform-y, and even though it was for a brief moment, and in the end he still got punk'd, he did do a tad bit analyzing on Aizen. But it still feels like it's been forever since Ichigo actually went through some type of thought process.[/COLOR][/FONT][/quote] [FONT=franklin gothic medium][COLOR=darkred][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=black] Yeah, he did a bit a bit of analysis against Ulquiorra in his first release but it sounded almost like smack-talk. Against all his previous Hueco Mundo opponents, and Segunda Etapa Ulquiorra he's basically charged in with his bankai and Vizard powers without any real tactics. Maybe it's just down to the fact the last few Arrancar he fought haven't had powers that really require close analysis. Grimmjow just got faster and stronger, same for Ulquiorra though on a completely different scale, their fighting styles didn't really change though. Shikai and bankai tend to change his opponents fighting styles pretty completely. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [/COLOR][/FONT][quote name='Magus'][FONT=franklin gothic medium][COLOR=darkred]With that being said, on to Isshin and Aizen. Honestly, those words weren't really impressing. I want to see the words "BANKAI". I will admit that it makes me fairly curious what Aizen is about to pull with the Hougyoku, but I don't care about that thing. I want to see what this guy's bankai is about. He already has a cheap ability dangit. Unless his bankai can't do crap against those who're not under hypnosis either. :confused: hmmm...[/COLOR][/FONT][/quote] [SIZE=1]That's one thing I really don't understand about any of the captains, other than Komamura, is their lack of direct bankai usage in Fake Karakura. Kyouraku and Ukitake likely would have annihilated Stark if they'd fully released their swords from the start instead of getting beaten around the place and Ukitake getting a botched prostate exam from Wonderweiss. I mean going against Aizen without releasing their bankai was mad. Whenever Komamura has fought an opponent he warrants as dangerous, and the same can be said of Byakuya to a lesser degree, his bankai comes out the fight ends. Even with the Vizards the only one with the intelligence to go bankai was Kensei. It makes absolutely no sense for Shinji to hold back his bankai against Aizen, especially given his similarity to Aizen's powers. The fight could've been over much sooner. Even fusing with the Hyougoku I think the most we'll see out of Isshin for the moment is his totally OP shikai. As for Aizen, for the life of me I can't figure why he's not using his bankai either if he's been pushed to his limits.[/SIZE] [quote name='Magus'][FONT=franklin gothic medium][COLOR=darkred]Back to Ichigo analyzing for a minute though. Oh how I wish someone taught him some kido spells. Clearly we see that Ichigo uses his head, and while I give Ichigo a lot flack about charging in blindly, I really do appreciate the fact that we do see him think his way through a lot of things. Give this boy some kido and he'd really be a force to be reckoned with. Seriously, we see the damage and the decisiveness Byakuya can do with Kido, and I think that's what makes him one of the best captains/characters SS has to offer. And just think, the effectiveness of Tensa Zangetsu+Rikujokurou+Getsuga Tensho. (or any binding spell for that matter) Ichigo would literally be one of the baddest dudes in Bleach, and not because of some trope of being the main character. I know I'd enjoy seeing him fight a lot more if he were to learn kido and incorporated them into his battles. And I mean learn them. Don't half### it like Renji.[/COLOR][/FONT][/quote] [SIZE=1]Problem with Ichigo learning kidou has always been displayed as his inability to control his reiatsu properly. He puts a shitload of reiatsu into his kidou which if taught hadou-kidou would either explode in his face or create some truly destructive attacks. As for the bakudo-kidou I just can't see Ichigo changing his fighting style to incorporate them, he's an attacker. I would like to see him learn to focus his reiatsu properly because it would give him new avenues of attack and round him out as a fighter. Oh, I'm calling it now by the way, if Yamamoto is dead, Isshin for new Commander with him kicking Ichigo into one of the squad captaincies for "training". Chalk it up there with my Don Kanonji is a Royal Guard also theory (Kubo do this and I'll will give you my firstborn).[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Raikage...with chainsaw hand ? I like it.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Dear God, it's April and we have summery weather, I believe a barbecue or picnic is in order.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Magus'][FONT=franklin gothic medium][COLOR=darkred]I think we're suppose to believe that she was brought up-to-date with that stuff off-screen. Probably while she was eating all that junk (we all know where that food is going. I'd definately hate to see her when she's all wrinkly :sick:)[/COLOR][/FONT][/quote] [SIZE=1] If that was the case though she wouldn't have been surprised at learning the Jinchuuriki were being hidden, seeing as that was agreed at the previous meeting. The fact she didn't know that indicates to me that she doesn't know all, or anything that happened at Danzou's meeting.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Citric'][URL="http://pokebeach.com/2010/04/clearer-game-screenshots-of-pokemon-black-and-white"]Cleaner Black and White shots.[/URL][/quote] [SIZE=1]Wow, those are some pretty impressive 3D effects.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Gotta say 400 was actually quite a good chapter, feels like we're back in the Soul Society arc where Ichigo was properly analysing his opponents rather than just relying on his accidental latest power boost (and Orihime's whining) to get the job done for him. Gin is as usual his magnificent self, and I'm hoping Kubo doesn't kill him off in this fight (or honestly at all), although I liked Tousen as well but I suppose we got a decent ending for him. Ichimaru's "scary, scary kid" thought when he realises Ichigo has just worked out how his bankai works in two attacks, given Ichimaru's own acknowledged genius was also quite nice. Kinda of a surprise to see Aizen has supposedly reached his limits in his fight against Isshin already, given the way he dominated all the other captains, admittedly using Kyouka, it puts Isshin's power way, way about anyone else in the Gotei we've seen fight with the exception of Yamamoto. Methinks the Royal Guard theories may prove correct. [/SIZE]

[quote name='Magus'][FONT=franklin gothic medium][COLOR=darkred]Not a bad chapter at all, and for the first time I've actually enjoyed some Naruto segments here. But of course the chapter stealer belongs to Gaara. Tsunade got punk'd. Gaara's become quite the talker.[/COLOR][/FONT][/quote] [SIZE=1] Indeed, funny that a 16 year old has greater strategic knowledge than a Kage probably three times his age. To be honest though you'd think Tsunade would've at least had the intelligence to get reports on what occurred at the previous Kage meeting, mayhaps Kakashi's ascension isn't so far off after all. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Yup, this week seems to be setting things up for Bee training Naruto which obviously leads one to conclude that Bee's method of mastering/befriending his Tailed Beast is something he can teach Naruto to do as well, or at least filter out the "mind" part that goes along with using the Kyuubi's chakra. One thing I always wondered was how the Rikudou Sage actually managed to create nine distinct beings from the Jyuubi's chakra each with evidently their own personalities and goals. A bit of a fan theory but if we take it that the idea the Ichibi's origins weren't completely retconned it's possible that the Rikudo needed an actual human sacrifice to provide the individual pieces of the Jyuubi's chakra with their own minds and "bodies". Perhaps the priest/monk that the Ichibi came from originally was merely his sacrifice ? Again just a fan theory. [/SIZE]

[quote name='Magus'][FONT=franklin gothic medium][COLOR=darkred]Have anyone been keeping up with the anime? I just watched the fight between Sasuke and Bee. I thought it was awesome when reading it, but to see all of it in motion was just epic... The fights in Shippuden, as of late has been nothing short of awesome. I haven't looked at any of the fillers so I don't know how the fights are in those, although if someone told me that they're just as good as the fights in the canon stuff then I'll give them a shot. I'm anticipating Peins invasion.[/COLOR][/FONT][/quote] [SIZE=1]I tend to only watch the big fights, Itachi/Sasuke, Jiraiya/Pain, Sasuke/Bee and soon Pain/Naruto to see how they play out after the conversion from single panels of manga to the full screen motion versions. The Bee fight was flashy but I have to admit it didn't feel as epic as it did just reading it for the first time, at least to me.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Magus'][font=franklin gothic medium][color=darkred]Naruto is no where near awesome to do a Lariat.[/color][/font][/QUOTE] With time and training he will be, he will be.

[SIZE=1]Oh dear God that hair (on the male), and the fact he appears to have his pants tucked into his boots. Surely it wouldn't be that difficult to actually give players the option of what their player would look like ? Like proper customisation.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Having just finished watching 2012 I'm left wondering exactly how much alcohol I would have to consume to destroy an equal number of brain cells from Emmerich's latest insult to intelligence. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Hmm looks interesting, I was actually wondering what names they'd use this time around. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]I think since Sapphire I've been calling my rivals William after former OB member Jokopoko as he calls his Gavin. Funnily enough we've never fought one another, although now that he has SoulSilver and I have HeartGold I imagine that will change. Finally got my Friend Code, 5070 6542 9423 for anyone interested. Only have about two hours logged in game, massacred Faulkner and his minions with a level 18 Quilava. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Well first off thanks to everyone who replied, you were a big help. :p All kidding aside, I eventually decided to go for the DSi XL after getting a bit of first hand playing time with it in my local GAME store the day before yesterday. The pixels being stretched out weren't that noticeable at all and the bigger screens really make games seem much more vivid and enjoyable. Added bonus is that people with bigger hands I can play for longer before they start to cramp up as was the case with the DS-Lite. So yeah, if you're in my position in the future where you can't decide, I personally think the DSi XL is the better choice. [/SIZE]

[quote name='Magus'][FONT=franklin gothic medium][COLOR=darkred]Who would've thought that Toushiro could stay on par with Halibel?[/COLOR][/FONT][/quote] [SIZE=1]*Sighs* I just remembered how giddy I was when I thought she'd cut him in half. And then that it was all just trolling from Kishi.[/SIZE]