A Storm and a Spar [Private - Maku]

Kohana Made her way into the training grounds just as the rain began to fall. It started as just a few sprinkles, then escalated to a full force downpour. Kohana smiled softly, letting the rain drench her. She loved the rain, but no one loved it more than Ichirin No Hana. The once humanoid spirit was now engulfed in a forest green aura. The moment that rain touched him, he changed shape, now taking on the form of a massive Venus Fly Trap beast. His bean shaped leaves parted open like jaws, he now collecting rain water in his gaping maw. Kohana chuckled a bit and just watched while awaiting Maku.

Maku limbered up outside the training ground, eying the third squad captain and her formidable-looking zanpaktou from a distance. He tried to recall everything he had heard about Vice-Captain Hirikano which, come to think of it, wasn't much. It was obvious her sword's abilities were organic-based, so there may well be poisoned or hallucinogenic attacks to think of...
"...and possibly tentacles." said Suzuyaiba, finishing his thought for him. She had manifested and stood beside him. He turned to her.
"Hey, how come you're not wet?" he said, noticing her green kimono was bone dry.
She grinned at him.
"Now, now," she replied, "I don't have to give away all my secrets. You could do it too quite easily if you knew how. Anyway, you should be worried more about that big green monster out there right now. You know my abilities aren't very effective against organic matter. And don't forget Rule One."
Maku grunted. The first of the five basic laws of battle he had memorised. Number one: 'Never underestimate your opponent.'
"True," he said, "but I have more than one trick up my sleeve. From the way he's laughing like a lunatic I'd imagine he gets more powerful in the rain, but in what way I'm not sure. I should be careful, at least to start with..."
"...but you won't be." Finished his Zanpaktou. She smiled again, but seriously. "Lets be careful out there." She dematerialised.
Maku nodded, took a deep breath, and strode into the compound.

Kohana glanced over her shoulder upon sensing Maku's spiritual pressure. She smiled softly and approached the man. Much to Ichirin No Hana's dismay, Kohana liked to begin her spars with friendly greetings and a bow of respect before even drawing her blade. Ichirin No Hana grunted and tried to interfere, but in his plant form, his roots kept him firmly planted where he stood. He grumbled and crossed his vine like arms over his thick stalk of a chest. Kohana now stood three feet in front of Maku. She smiled slightly, rain cascading down her frail looking frame. Her Kimono clung tightly to her frame. She figured that she could move much better without it. She shed the heavy, damp garment, revealing white chest bindings that covered from her collar bones to down just below her navel. She had bandaging up her arms, from her wrists to just below her shoulder joints. Her lower half was dressed in the typical black hakama that most shinigami wore. Strapped to the hakama himo was Ichirin No Hana. Kohana kept her hands at her sides as she spoke. I look forward to this spar, Maku....remember, it is just a friendly training session....I promise not to severely or fatally wound you as long as you refrain from doing the same. The Seireitei is already down in shinigami numbers as it is without us killing each other off in a training session....Now...I am ready when you are... When she finished, she bowed respectfully to the man before straightening up and gripping her blade's handle in her right hand. She drew her blade, releasing a flurry of silky pink flower petals as the blade scraped along the scabbard. The scent of cherry blossoms hung in the air and blended with the scent of rain. At the moment Kohana drew her blade, Ichirin No Hana's manifestation disappeared. Kohana smiled and took a defensive stance. She was never the first to make a move.

Maku smiled, and bowed in turn. Straightening up, he drew Suzuyaiba from her sheath. The faint sound was like a finger being run around the rim of a glass.
OK, he thought, so she's going on the defensive. Looks like I'm going to have to make the first move.
"Very well," he said, pointing his sword at his opponent. "En guarde!"
He planted his feet and launched himself straight toward her, low and fast, right arm folded at his chest and sword pointing backwards, ready for a backhand strike.
Now then, he thought, simple tactics first to try out her defensive strategy...
Pointing his left hand at her as he charged, he incanted:

"Bakudo number one! Sai!" he cried.