Pew Pew [Training]

[Hageshi]

Hageshi was finally here, Tanzaku-Gai. From the book he read, and the people he talked to, he knew that this was where the famous Gyakusatsu master, Imagawa Yoshimoto. Hageshi knew that it was going to be a challenge convincing Yoshimoto to train him, but it was worth a shot. After all, if Yoshimoto agreed, Hageshi would start to learn from one of the most respected taijutsu users in the world. After asking around for a little while, Hageshi decided that the best place to find Yoshimoto was the inn. And now, here he was inside the inn. Hageshi had never been inside an inn his whole life, but there was a first time for everything right?

After thinking for a minute or two, Hageshi decided that it would be easier to find the man if he just called his name out. "Imagawa Yoshimoto!" Hageshi shouted. The music in the inn stopped, and everyone looked at him. Shit, he didn't want THIS much attention. "That's me, kid." replied a man sitting at the bar. The music was once again playing and people were minding their own business. That seemed to have worked. Hageshi stepped fully through the doors and sat next to Yoshimoto at the bar. "I know why you're here kid, and I won't teach you." said Yoshimoto. Fuck. "Please, Yoshimoto-san! I have travelled all the way from the Land of Snow to find you!" Hageshi pleaded.

"Land of Snow, eh? That's pretty far. Fine, but only if you show promise." said Yoshimoto. Hageshi's face lit up. It was sealed! As long as Hageshi showed natural talent for the style, he would be taught by this genius! He was happier than words. For the rest of the night, he would spend his time at the bar with Yoshimoto, listening to stories and buying drinks.

[Hageshi]

Kibatsu Genron (Principles For Striking)
Rank: "E", "D", "C", "B", "A", "S"
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: Training that strengthens offense with a sword.
Special: ---
Drawback: These combat principles only apply to Gyakusatsu techniques.
Description: Kibatsu Genron is the lesson in which a swordsman learns how to use his/her sword in order to break through an opponent's guard or otherwise defensive measures. This type of offense not only learns how to penetrate an enemy's defense, but also incorporate a knock-back effect upon striking.
E Rank: At this level of skill the user only understands the mechanics of breaking enemy defenses.
D Rank: At this level of skill the user is capable of penetrating defenses that are E-Rank and lower.
C Rank: At this level of skill the user is capable of penetrating defenses that are D-Rank and lower.
B Rank: At this level of skill the user is capable of penetrating defenses that are C-Rank and lower, as well as knocking the target back up to two meters.
A Rank: At this level of skill the user is capable of penetrating defenses that are B-Rank and lower, as well as knocking the target back up to five meters.
S Rank: At this level of skill the user is capable of penetrating defenses that are A-Rank and lower, as well as knocking the target back up to seven meters.
Limit: Gyakusatsu

0/5

Hageshi was alone in his room at the inn. His 'master' had given him a simple book that went over some mechanics of blocking and attacking. Hageshi was told to learn these by tomorrow. Looking at the book, he didn't really see anything hard about the contents of it. The first chapter was called 'Principles of Striking'. This chapter covered striking an enemy in a way that would break their defences. This was going to be easy. Standing up from the table, Hageshi unsheathed his Nodachi sword and began to practice what the book taught. As he performed each movement, he would go over the written material in his mind.

"Right, if the opponent is blocking with a shield, come in from the side." Hageshi spoke to himself. As he did so, he swung his nodachi diagonally knocking an imaginary shield aside. "If the opponent is blocking with their sword, simply twist your blade as you strike them." This was also clear, as Hageshi once again swung his nodachi, giving it a sharp twist as to dislodge an imaginary blade from a defensive position. This seemed simple enough, and appeared to be the two basic principles of breaking an opponent's defence. Hageshi would spent the next hour or so practising these techniques. By the end of his training, he had set up a makeshift dummy out of his mattress. He would try not to cut it up into pieces, but no guarantee could be given. After an hour or so of practice, Hageshi decided to call it a day. If he felt he needed more practice, he would do so in the morning.

[← KIRA →]

+5

[Hageshi]

Yobousen (Guarding Against Attacks)
Rank: "E", "D", "C", "B", "A", "S"
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: Training that strengthens defense against attacks.
Special: ---
Drawback: These combat principles can only be applied to weapon attacks.
Description: Yobousen is the lesson in which a swordsman learns how to use his/her sword in order to block attacks from another sword, polearm, or other bladed weapons. With each progression in skill levels, the user becomes able to block or deflect stronger attacks with better efficiency.
E-Rank: The swordsman only has elementary knowledge in how to properly defend him/herself.
D-Rank: The swordsman is capable of blocking or deflecting E-rank weapon attacks.
C-Rank: The swordsman is capable of blocking or deflecting D-Rank weapon attacks.
B-Rank: The swordsman is capable of blocking or deflecting C-Rank weapon attacks, as well as push the opponent off balance for 3 seconds (half turn)

[/b].
A-Rank: The swordsman is capable of blocking or deflecting B-Rank weapon attacks, as well as push the opponent off balance for 6 seconds (full turn)[/b].
S-Rank: The swordsman is capable of blocking or deflecting A-rank weapons attacks, as well as push the opponent off balance for 12 seconds (two turns)[/b].
Limit: Gyakusatsu [/quote]

0/5

It was already 6am, and Hageshi was a wake. He jumped out of his bed and ran downstairs, where his master was waiting for him. "You're late." he said, but didn't seem to mind much. "Sorry." Hageshi replied. Yesterday the master told him that they were going to learn basic principles of defence. Unlike attacking, this required someone to practise with. Naturally, and somewhat unfortunately, his master would practise on him and vice versa.

They made their way outside, to a small courtyard. The master unsheathed his sword and explained to Hageshi what the training was all about. Apparently, the secret to blocking an attack was pushing it to the side at the right moment. "Attack me, I'll show you." said the master. Eager to start, Hageshi unsheathed his nodachi and swung at the master. He didn't even realise what happened, but the master had deflected his attack with ease. "What the...".

"It's easier than it looks, your turn." said the master. Then, without warning, the master swung his sword at Hageshi. In a slight fit of panic, Hageshi lashed out with his nodachi at the oncoming sword. Sure, it worked, but it was messy and pitiful. "Again!" demanded the master as he swung his sword once more. This time, Hageshi was focused. He waited for the sword to be within range of his nodachi, and then swung it at the base of the master's blade. The sword bounced away and the master was open. "Good job. Maybe you have some promise after all." said the master. To Hageshi, this was the start of a long and strenuous training programme, he was going to learn the Gyakusatsu style. [/size][/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[← KIRA →]

+5

[Hageshi]

Buro-hitoshirezu (Hidden Blow)
Rank: "D"
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The swordsman uses a knock-out strike from an enemy's flank.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Buro-hitoshirezu is a Taijutsu technique where the attacker waits for an enemy to attack, then surprise him/her with a sudden Kawarimi no Jutsu. Immediately after appearing behind the enemy, the attacker will use the butt of his/her sword and drive it at the back of the enemy's skull with the intent of knocking the enemy out. If successful, the enemy will be knocked out for one full turn.
Limit: Gyakusatsu

0/10

Hageshi had learned the basics of the Gyakusatsu fighting style. It was time he moved on to learning real techniques that could be used whenever Hageshi got in a fight. As a style, Gyakusatsu was incredibly offensive. As polite as Hageshi was, he believed that the best defence was a good offence. Yoshimoto told him that he would teach him the most basic attack in the style. It involved a simple Kawarimi substitution, followed by an unexpected blow to the head. Fair enough, thought Hageshi. Everyone had to start somewhere. He was once again in the courtyard, however this time he was earlier than his master. It was kinda awesome, telling your master he's late.

After Yoshimoto had arrived from the inn, it was soon time to get down to training. "Good, you're here. Okay, I'll show you the technique first. Attack me." said Yoshimoto. This was an unusual request, but Hageshi wasn't one to disagree with his master. Unsheathing his nodachi, he charged at his master and swung the heavy sword. However, what he hit instead was a log. His master had vanished! Then, he saw something in the corner of his eye. No human had the reaction to counter what happened next. Before Hageshi could even twitch a muscle, he felt the blunt handle of his master's sword drive into the back of his skull. Every muscle in Hageshi's body went limp. As his body fell to the floor, Hageshi felt consciousness quickly leave his body. He was out for the count.

Waking up, Hageshi had a throbbing headache. His master was still standing in the same position he had hit him from, which meant that Hageshi wasn't out for that long. "Six seconds, if you're wondering." said Yoshimoto. Six seconds of being knocked out and his head was hurting this much? In a real fight, this would've ended the confrontation. Getting back on his feet, Hageshi took a few second to balance himself. "Okay, your turn." said the master. "Simply substitute your body for one of the logs over there, appear behind me, and strike me in the back of the skull. I can take it." Yoshimoto explained. Hageshi picked up his sword, and took up a defensive position. Then, without warning, his master attacked him.

There was no time to wonder. Hageshi looked at the pile of logs, and chose one. As his master's sword cut through the air, Hageshi substituted. The log would take the full force of the lethal hit. The Lethal hit. WHAT THE FUCK? Did his master really just attack him with the intent to kill? Nevermind, this wasn't the time to be put off. Appearing behind his master, Hageshi adjusted his grip on the sword, exposing the handle. Then, he drove it full force into the back of his master's skull. The bastard had just attacked him, he certainly wasn't going to hold back either. As the handle connected with Yoshimoto's skull, he fell to the ground. It was scary, knocking someone out. Something about how unresponsive Yoshimoto was brought worry to Hageshi's mind. However, after exactly six seconds, Yoshimoto regained consciousness. "You actually followed through?" His master asked, astounded.

[Tieren]

Learned

[Hageshi]

Gyakufunsha (Reversed Killing Thrust)
Rank: "D"
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The swordsman parries an enemy's attack and counter-attacks.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Gyakufunsha is a Taijutsu technique where a swordsman is on the defending end of an enemy attack. The user will parry the attack to the side and immediately pivot around in order to follow through with a reverse thrust at the enemy's chest or abdomen. From there the user has the option of simply pulling the sword out of the enemy or ripping it out for additional damage.
Limit: Gyakusatsu

0/10

"Now what? What move are you going to teach me now?" Hageshi asked. He was excited move on to the next technique, seeing as he had a fairly quick mastery of the previous one. "Next is the Reverse Killing Thrust. Simply pivot around your opponent and thrust backwards with your blade, killing them instantly." explained Yoshimoto. "I'll demonstrate". he continued. Yoshimoto then walked up to and revealed a dummy made of straw. It seemed as the dummy would act as the 'enemy' for this technique, fair enough. Yoshimoto got into a fighting stance in front of the dummy, and in two steps pivoted around it. The footwork seemed complicated, Hageshi was going to need to see it again. Nevertheless, his master followed through with a backwards stab, piercing the dummy's chest.

"Your turn." said Yoshimoto, as he threw his sword over to Hageshi. This was a clear indication that the technique wouldn't work with a big sword like Hageshi's, and would only make him clumsy. Catching the sword mid-air, Hageshi got into a mid-lever posture stance in front of the dummy. The movements of his master flashed back in his memory. The pivot was possibly the hardest tihng in this technique, and he had to pull it off. In his memory, it seemed as if Yoshimoto had taken a diagonal step with his right foot, and then completed a 180 degree turn with his left. No, that couldn't be right. That would bring him to face his opponent, which wasn't the case. Maybe he took a step with the left, and then a diagonal step with the right. Yes, that seemed like the way to go.

Hageshi dropped his body slightly and took the two steps in quick succession. First the left, then a diagonal right. He was now behind the dummy. Flipping the sword so that the blade was facing towards the dummy, he performed a back thrust. Hageshi felt the resistance of the straw as his blade pierced the poor dummy's abdomen. Next, was a little variation. Yoshimoto hadn't taught him this, but Hageshi figured it would make the technique that bit more deadly. Hageshi grabbed the handle of the sword that was still inside the dummy, and twisted it 90 degrees. As he did so, he ripped the sword out from the dummy, nearly cutting it in half. Once his sword was out, Hageshi dropped his stance and stood normally. He looked over to Yoshimoto for approval.

"Wow, you invented a variation, I'm impressed." his master spoke. A smile took over Hageshi's face, it was the approval he was looking for. They would spend the next couple of hours perfecting the new variation, as well as adjusting the steps and pivot he needed to take in order for this technique to be more efficient. By the time they finished, it was late afternoon, and only a few more hours of training were left. Hageshi admitted this was hard work, but it was more than enjoyable. To top it all off, he was getting instructed by one of the best swordsmen in the lands.. For all he knew, this could be the start of a new legend. Maybe he too would one day be known as a great fighter, looked up to by the next generation of ninja.

[Tieren]

Learned