Souji learns the Way of the Sword with Nathan.

[Souji]

Thanks again for accepting me, sensei :3

Yu Narukami sat down in a meditative position at the training grounds. In front of him, stabbed into the ground and sticking up, was his family sword, an heirloom passed down from patriarch to patriarch through the generations. It was a simple katana, but it had a sturdy, reliable build, both easy to use and versatile.

He waited for sensei. It was a good day for training.

 

[Nathan]

"Hello, once again Yu Narukami, lets get this start; shall we?

Okay can you tell me please, what is kenjutsu is please, what does it involve and why would you like to learn it?"

 

[Souji]

Yu opened his eyes to see Castiel-sensei standing in front of him. He stands up and give a small bow in respect.

"It's good to be learning under you again, sensei."

Plucking his sword out of the ground, Yu proceeds to give it a few wild swings in the air, speaking while trying out his sword.

"Kenjutsu means 'sword techniques'. Like what their name implies, it's a style of combat that centers around the usage of a sword. Swords are sharp... 'sticks', for lack of a better term, which are primarily used for cutting and slashing, with the intent of causing harm to the opponent. Swords come in various lengths and shapes, each with their own unique style and capability. Sword wielders can either fight one or two handed, and may use a dominant hand, or alternate between both..."

Yu then holds his katana in a reverse grip with his left hand, in front of sensei.

"Most shinobi use swords as a supplement and extension of their reach in combat. The Samurai of the Land of Iron, however, center their art around the usage of swords, their techniques and such derived from their ability to channel chakra through their swords. Most sword combat can be done in a freeform way, but the best sword users have mastered many disciplines and styles in order to be adaptable in almost any situation, from blocking to attacking."

"Sensei, the reason I want to learn Kenjutsu is to become more versatile and an asset for my village, whilst trying to acquire and learn everything in my power to make myself a more wholesome fighter. Plus, I find the way of the sword to be a nice compliment to my interests, and who doesn't want to look badass when swinging a sword around?"

Yu grinned as he tried a few more swings.

 

[Nathan]

"Impressive as always, young one.

Okay now I want you to attack my clone using your blade, I want you to explain to me while attacking my clone, how you want to go about it, remember to attack him, use creative moves and stances, I need you to be as detailed as you can, like you're trying to kill my clone. GO!"

 

[Souji]

Apologies for the late reply. The RL gets to all of us

---

"Thanks, sensei! Here I go!"

Holding the katana in my left hand at the top of the hilt, I then grip the bottom with my right hand, holding the sword by my left side, angled slightly downward towards the ground.

Then, I begin by slashing sensei's clone across his torso, leaving a large gash across his chest. My slash was precise and calculated. I had started the slash from the (my) bottom left and slashed diagonally upwards.

"That was just the beginning, sensei's clone!!"

As my sword clears his body, I waste no movements and bring down my sword down to my right side in a fluid, continuous motion. I repeat the same slashing motion, but this time, I start from the bottom right (left in the clone's POV) of the clone, delivering another lethal slash. This creates something akin to a deep cut, creating something that looked like a letter "X" on his chest.

"I'm not done yet!"

Bending my knees, I take a low stance, leaning against my right foot. Reaching out to the ground with my left foot, I pivot, making a circular motion, causing me to spin. I allow my sword to follow this motion, essentially making a spinning slash that is aimed at sensei's feet.

It connects to the clone, causing light cuts which stagger him and are effective enough to cause him to fall over, severely injured.

At the end of my rotation, I slowly transition to a normal stance, holding the sword and looking like a total badass.

"How was that, sensei?"

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[Nathan]

Well done, very, well done. I expected nothing less.

So;

So idea is simple, I will post the techniques and I will ask you to analyse them for me, for example: how to use it in battle, how to counter it, what is good about this technique (pros), what is bad about it (cons), what you like about it and etc. I think you pretty much get what I mean. The "How to perform" - part is a bit, not needed for, but you are more than welcome to perform it, if you don't understand the technique. It's better if we focus on the important things, like actually analysing the whole technique and knowing how to use it in a fight. Only filling the template is boring and sometimes not fun. I want to make this training as enjoyable as I can, I know templates can be boring and dull at times.

Something below are basic guidelines to use:

Spoiler

Example of points for every technique
+ How to be used in a battle
+ How to be countered in a battle
+ Some advantages and disadvantages
+ Your personal opinion about the technique

Do you have any questions about method?

Or you can chose to use this template:

[CODE][B]One/three advantages:[/B]
[LIST]
[*]1. 
[*]2.
[*]3.
[*]
[/LIST]
[B]One/three disadvantages:[/B]
[LIST]
[*]1. 
[*]2.
[*]3.
[*]
[/LIST]
[B]How you would use it in battle:[/B]
[B]How you would counter it:[/B]
[B]How you perform it (with as much detail as you can):[/B][/CODE]

Your choice. ^^

 

[Souji]

Since I already used the template from our previous training, I'd like to try the method format, sensei!

Ready when you are

 

[Nathan]

Okay so. New one it is!

(Ken Rendan no Jutsu) - Sword Barrage Technique
Rank: C
Type: Offensive
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 10
Damage points: 25
Description: With this technique, the user will make a sequence of slashes with their sword and finishes with a powerful final slash dealing liberal damage to their enemy.

Pretty much all you have to do is, get in close and take out your sword, deal about 5 or so slashes in any direction on your targets body; once you have completed and dealt the slashes, deal a powerful final slash where ever you want, I would personally use the make the final strike down the middle of his body.

I will explain the techniques and whatnot, lets see how you go with the new method!

 

[Souji]

Alright, let's do this!

Spoiler

(Ken Rendan no Jutsu) - Sword Barrage Technique
Rank: C
Type: Offensive
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 10
Damage points: 25
Description: With this technique, the user will make a sequence of slashes with their sword and finishes with a powerful final slash dealing liberal damage to their enemy.

How to be used in a battle

Pretty straightforward in the description. But I have a question here, sensei, when describing the technique and when I'm doing it, am I allowed to do it freeform? Like, for example, can I choose where I slash my opponent, and how I do it (stances, etc.)?

How to be countered in a battle

To counter this technique, I could probably parry on equal terms with my opponent, especially if I have my own weapon/sword and am just as skilled in kenjutsu. Otherwise, I could use a wind technique to blow my opponent away, or some kind of elemental wall/armor of a higher rank in order to block/push away my enemy. Using a genjutsu would stop my charging opponent, or simply staying out of range works as well.

Some advantages and disadvantages

For advantages, I could say that it allows me to close the distance between myself and the opponent. An opponent who isn't good at Taijutsu or close combat will have a hard time dealing with me. The slashes are fast and quick, allowing to build up damage quickly, and the finisher adds injury to injury!

As for disadvantages, I believe my opponent won't just stand there as I make a beeline towards him, and here, I'd be most vulnerable to certain techniques that could disrupt or stop my assault completely. Perhaps I could also be susceptible to close range elemental techniques that could destroy my sword (Chidori and Raikiri come to mind).

Generally, it comes down to the strategy that I'm playing out. All about appropriate usage, right?

Your personal opinion about the technique

This seems like a pretty basic technique, useful for defeating fodder NPCs XD

Although the finisher at the end is quite nice and theatrical. Excessive, too! Lol

 

[Nathan]

Yes you can, that is the great thing of taijutsu and kenjutsu you can explain where you hit.

Right indeed. Good. ^^

(Ikari Nomikomu no Jutsu) - Fury Swallow Technique
Rank: C
Type: Offensive
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 10
Damage points: 25
Description: The user punches the opponent a few times and finishes them with two final slashes with their blade or sword.

Go towards your target and perform a simple forward punch and repeat the punching for a few times, then once you have completed that, grab out your sword and perform two slashes anyway you want, at your target. This technique is simple yet effective for such a low ranked technique, and can be used in many combos.

 

[Souji]

Spoiler

(Ikari Nomikomu no Jutsu) - Fury Swallow Technique
Rank: C
Type: Offensive
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 10
Damage points: 25
Description: The user punches the opponent a few times and finishes them with two final slashes with their blade or sword.

How to be used in a battle

Use some epic taijutsu to bust up my opponent, and then follow up with two slashes with my sword. Pretty easy :| XD

How to be countered in a battle

Staying out of range by making sure my opponent doesn't get the chance to get up close and personal, elements that push away or block (Earth and Wind) would be great counters here.

Some advantages and disadvantages

Advantages: good to close the distance between myself and the opponent, or to help interrupt their casting of jutsu by forcing them on the defensive.

Disadvantages: If my opponent is equally as skilled or even more so, they probably wouldn't have a problem in countering this.

Your personal opinion about the technique

I think this is pretty straightforward and basic. Nothing that can't be done free form, but hey, I suppose we have to learn it for the sake of learning it Lol

 

[Nathan]

Yeah, not much to this technique. Pretty much just tai with sword play involved, nothing you couldn't do in freeform. xD

Do you have a tantō, by chance?

 

[Souji]

*A tanto suddenly appears in my hand*

I have one now, sensei.

Lol

 

[Nathan]

Swell. xD

(Enjin Ranbu) - Circular Wild Dance
Rank: C
Type: Attack
Range: Short
Chakra cost: N/A
Damage points: 25
Description: The user spins with his tantō, hitting the target several times.

Get up close near my clone, then proceed to use the tanto to hit him many times, anyway you want. Silly technique really. >_>

 

[Souji]

How to be used in a battle

Ummm... basically, use a tanto to hurt your opponent <_<

Could one maybe deflect projectiles like kunai/smoke bombs, sensei?

How to be countered in a battle

... I guess if you're opponent's faster and more skilled in kenjutsu, you're screwed. Or staying out of range with elemental jutsu would work, I guess.

Some advantages and disadvantages

Advantages: Good for getting into a close range fight.

Disadvantages: If you don't have a tanto, or your opponent is skilled enough to counter you, well then, poop.

Your personal opinion about the technique

Nothing that can't be done freeform >_< an RPer could probably write something far more detailed than the jutsu description. It would be lame if someone just wrote "I run up to you and slash you a few times with my tanto" Lol

Pretty simple ._.

 

[Nathan]

Don't think this technique needs any of my put in. Super basic, and not overly used. Quite boring of a technique.

(Rakkasui) - Falling Water
Rank: C
Type: Offensive
Range: Short
Chakra cost: N/A
Damage points: 25
Description: The user will drop down upon the opponent from mid air pointing their sword downwards and drilling it down into the opponent.

Somehow get yourself up into the air, around the mid-air side, above your target then with your sword pointing downwards above them, drill the sword down into them. Handy if you are already up in the air.

 

[Souji]

Spoiler

(Rakkasui) - Falling Water
Rank: C
Type: Offensive
Range: Short
Chakra cost: N/A
Damage points: 25
Description: The user will drop down upon the opponent from mid air pointing their sword downwards and drilling it down into the opponent.

How to be used in a battle

This looks like a good finisher in battles, especially if my opponent is in midair. The drilling sword can be aimed anywhere on their helpless body to do lots of damage!

How to be countered in a battle

If I can find some way to dodge the sword if I'm in mid-air, that would work. The D-rank Wind technique, where I maneuver myself in midair, is very useful here (forgot the name). Or, while in midair, I could form an Earth Armor to prevent myself from getting pierced, since my armor would be a higher rank than this technique!

Some advantages and disadvantages

Advantages: If done quickly and swiftly, my opponent has little time to react when they're in midair. The kenjutsu technique, if successful, can do a lot of damage. It also has no chakra or hand seal requirement!

Disadvantages: The main disadvantage here is that I too must be in midair, and a smart opponent may capitalize on that opportunity to take advantage of the fact that I have to get within close range to perform this technique, and can formulate a battle strategy from there.

Your personal opinion about the technique

Simple and efficient

 

[Nathan]

Next: B-ranks!

(Bakuchi Tori Kuzu Oujou) – Gambling Bird Arrowroot Death
Rank: B
Type: Attack
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 20
Damage points: 40
Description: The user bolts in front of the enemy who they then strike with their sword handle before delivering several kicks that sends the enemy into the air. The user then bolts across to the far off location of the enemy who they then punch violently into an obstacle.

Okay with this one, I want you to run up or bolt as it says towards my clone, using your sword handle I want you to hit the clone once, then proceed to kick him, many times and with the finally kick send him up into the air, now as the clone is falling, I want you to punch him so it sends him flying into the tree behind yes, this technique is good since it's one technique with some many attacks, only bad thing is that is your target manages to block/counter lets say the kicks, the whole technique would else flop.

 

[Souji]

Spoiler

(Bakuchi Tori Kuzu Oujou) – Gambling Bird Arrowroot Death
Rank: B
Type: Attack
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 20
Damage points: 40
Description: The user bolts in front of the enemy who they then strike with their sword handle before delivering several kicks that sends the enemy into the air. The user then bolts across to the far off location of the enemy who they then punch violently into an obstacle.

How to be used in a battle

This is a close range technique like all other kenjutsu techniques, except this one has multiple stages, ending with a kick to a nearby obstacle. That opens up a lot of possible combinations. I'd perform an Earth technique to create obstacles around the arena, and follow up with a clone that could perform this technique on my opponent, preferably from their blind spot. This way, I can provide sufficient support and create the ideal situation to perform the combination.

How to be countered in a battle

The key is to stop the initial strike with the sword handle. Because the actual blade isn't hitting me, I would try and block it with some form of defense. If I'm in midair, the opponent has a delay and a window of opportunity opens before they come up to attack me. I'd perform a wind technique to blast myself or my opponent away. If all else fails, I'd focus on destroying the obstacle in order to prevent most of the damage.

Some advantages and disadvantages

Advantages: This brings my opponent up into the air, which can then be used for a follow up attack and leaves them quite vulnerable. The "bolt" is fast and a good way to cover some distance.

Disadvantages: The initial assaults may not be strong enough to faze stronger opponents, and if there are no obstacles around that I either didn't create before or were already existing, the finisher wouldn't work.


Your personal opinion about the technique

I could see this actually being very useful in a battle, depending on the terrain.

 

[Nathan]

With the techniques you have learnt, I want you to come at my clone with a ken/tai [if you have leant any] combo. I want to be impressive by you, which isn't hard. But you know, the perks of being the sensei. ;D