The Way of the Sword[P][T]

[The Man in the Grey Suit]

Hikui no Shisei (Lower Level Posture)
Rank: "E"
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: A stance with a sword held below the waist.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Hikui no Shisei is the most defensive of the six stances of Gyakusatsu and offers the highest peak of defense, deflecting, and creating striking opprotunities. The user brings his/her sword to point at the opponent's lower body, typically around the knee or thigh area. The hands are held with the dominate hand near the top of the handle and the feet match with the dominate foot in the forefront.
Limit: Gyakusatsu

0/5

The Fury, a large magnificent three mast vessel, rocked back and forth on the harbor of Kirigakure. The sound of swords clashing, and crewman grunting. With duties of the day long completed, the crew took to some competitive sparring. The deck was filled with crew members all surrounding two competitors. Each of the competitors wielded a katana and circled each other around the ring. Takeo stood beside Captain Ryota observing the fight from the ships helm about fifteen feet above the crowd.

" Now watch Takeo, I want you to tell me which fighter is more aggressive than the other." the Captain said to Takeo. Takeo nodded his head, knowing that both were Gyakusatsu practitioners, which is what Captain Ryota was currently teaching him. He studied both of their stances as they moved about. The first crewman held his katana at about mid level at a forty five degree angle upwards. Takeo knew this to be the Chuuhan no Shisei. While the other crewman held his sword pointed towards the other's knee with his right hand above his left on the hilt. Takeo wasn't yet familiar with the stance, considering he only knew one.

Takeo pointed at the first crewman who held his katana mid level. Captain Ryota smiled," You think so eh? Well let's watch and see." The Captain diverted his attention to the fighting in progress. Takeo watched as well. The first crewman who held his sword at mid level rushed and lifted his sword over his head. The second crewman swiftly stepped toward his opponent while raising his katana. The two blades met with a loud clank followed by the sound of metal scratching against metal as the second crewman rotated outwards and swung his katana towards his opponent's neck. He stopped just short of lopping the first crewman's head off.

" So, tell me what you just saw and who you believe was more agressive." the Captain said." Ha, well it's a piece of cake now Cap. Clearly the second one was more aggressive, "passive aggressive" to be precise. That was obviously a defensive stance against an opponent whose weight wasn't evenly distributed and subjective to a counter. So using this stance he was able to first read the attack, defend against the attack, and then counter by using his forward momentum against him by quickly spinning off of his blade." Takeo responded. Captain Ryota laughed as he nodded his head." The boy is a natural!" he said as he gave Takeo a straight jab to the shoulder.

" The stance the second crewman Makoto used is the Hikui no Shisei, the most defensive of the six stances I'll teach you." Captain Ryota moved away from the railing to more open space behind the helm." You want to hold your sword at about just above your opponent's knee, right hand at the top of the hilt with your left right there behind it, and your right leg in the forefront." The Captain squatted low into the stance to demonstrate." Got it?" Takeo nodded his head and put his right leg in front of his left as he drew his katana. He pointed his blade towards Captain Ryota's knee with his right hand placed at the top of the hilt. The captain made a quick circle around Takeo and inspected his stance." Hmm...." the captain mumbled. The Captain quickly drew his sword, gripped with one hand, and swung down on Takeo. Takeo's eyes widened as he quickly reacted by swinging his katana upwards to meet Ryota's." Shit man are you trying to kill me?!" Ryota's blade ricocheted from the force of Takeo's swing and sent them both stumbling back a bit." Not bad." Ryota said laughing as he put his sword back in it's sheath

[Nyu]

Learned.

[The Man in the Grey Suit]

Kousou no Shisei (Upper Level Posture)
Rank: "E"
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: A stance with a sword held above the head.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: JKousou no Shisei is the most aggressive of the six stances of Gyakusatsu and offers the highest peak of offense. The user brings his/her sword above the head held in a double axe-handle position with the dominate hand held near the apex. This stance is used to optimize the user's initial strength and bodyweight for heavier swordstrokes and counters. The feet match the positioning of the hands with the dominate side in the forefront.
Limit: Gyakusatsu

0/5

" Alright, now we shall move on to the Hikui no Shisei." the Captain said. The fighters in the circle had moved on to some Goutetsu fighting, and the captain was looking out for one of the two Gyakusatsu crewman." Oi Makoto!" Captain Ryota yelled out. The Gyakusatsu crewman that had used the defensive stance before turned around and hurried up the steps onto the quarter deck." Aye Captain!" he said as he bowed his head low." You're officially our new sparring partner for the duration of Mr. Takeo's training here!" The crewman nodded his head," Aye Captain." The crewman then hurriedly rushed to his quarters where he grabbed two bokken.

He returned with the bokken in hand." Splendid Makoto, that will be just what we need for my little demonstration!" the Captain said as he grabbed one of the bokken from crewman Makoto." Now, i will demonstrate the stance, crewman if you will please assume your defensive stance. I wouldn't want you to get hurt!" the Captain said smiling. The Captain stood across from crewman Makoto and next to Takeo." Now get a load of this." Ryota whispered to Takeo with a smile on his face. Captain Ryota lifted his bokken above his head and his right foot in the forefront. The captain rapidly swung downward with his bokken, catching crewman Makoto off guard. The crewman was barely able to bring up his own bokken in time. Captain Ryota lifted his sword once more over his head in only a second, and then swung down again breaking through crewman Makoto's guard, before swiftly spinning and bring his bokken to rest on the crewman's neck.

" So! Today's lesson: sometimes the best defense is a good offense." Captain Ryota said as he tossed Takeo his bokken." Just as i did Takeo. Right foot in front, right hand at the top of the hilt, and sword overhead. The focus of this stance is power and strength, so you should get this just fine shark boy!" Takeo laughed along with the Captain, used to being called such by Ryota." It's good you understand my strength pretty boy." Takeo said as he placed his feet in the proper position. He brought the sword over his head and took a deep breath." So the Captain wants power eh?" Takeo smiled and then let out a battle cry that shook up crewman Makoto, who was shocked to see Takeo already upon him before he began to bring his bokken up in his defense. A loud snap sounded from the wood smacking against wood.

Makoto stumbled back and was shocked to see Takeo upon him once again. He raised his bokken once again just in the nick of time. But now the crewman was on the ground holding himself up with only his right hand. The Captain clapped behind Takeo," Very good! Very good!" Takeo looked back and smiled and then back at poor Makoto," Sorry bout that mate." he said as he reached out his hand." No problem." Makoto said as he grabbed a hold of Takeo's hand and was lifted up." You keep up at this pace and you'll be a fierce little warrior in no time!"

[Nyu]

Learned. +5

[The Man in the Grey Suit]

Hitoshirenu no Shisei (Rear Hidden Posture)
Rank: "E"
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: A stance with a sword held behind the body.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Hitoshirenu no Shisei is the most deceptive of the six stances of Gyakusatsu and offers the highest peak of surprise attacks. The user brings his/her sword down to the waist pointing away to the rear of the body in order to hide the full length of the blade and only show the pommel to the opponent. The hands are held with the dominate hand at the hilt. The user's feet are opposite of the hands with the dominate foot in the rear of the stance.
Limit: Gyakusatsu

0/5

" Alright fish face, you've done good so far, but dont start gettin' full of yourself!" Captain Ryota blurted." The next stance on the menu is the Hitoshirenu no Shisei. Now, for this stance you're gonna want to place your right hand at the top of the hilt, with your feet opposite your hands, so left foot in front lad. Then sword down at the waist pointing towards your back so that your opponent can only see the pommel." the Captain said as he demonstrated the stance. Takeo watched carefully, noting the few changes in regards to the position of the hands relative to the feet.

" Now you go ahead and give it a try Takeo." Takeo nodded and the bent his knees at about a forty five degree angle. He placed his right hand at the top of the hilt and held his bokken down at his waist facing his rear. Then he placed his right foot in front and left behind," Ah ah ah! Left foot in front!" Takeo looked down and then pinched his brow." You idiot...." he said as he switched his legs to the correct position. The Captain nodded and then looked over at crewman Makoto.

" If you would please Mr.Makoto." crewman Makoto bowed his head and then charged towards Takeo with his bokken above his head. Just as crewman Makoto was in range, Takeo feinted a strike towards Makoto's right rib. Makoto brung his bokken down to his right hurriedly in defense. Then following up his feint, Takeo swung his bokken over his head and swung at Makoto's open midsection. The wood of the bokken hit crewman Makoto with a solid thud, and caused Makoto to slight double over for a second. This strike was greeted with the applause of Captain Ryota close behind," Bravo sir, bravo you are progressing quite well. But then again this is the easy stuff!"

[Nyu]

Learned. +5

[The Man in the Grey Suit]

Zengosayuu no Shisei (All Directions Posture)
Rank: "E"
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: A stance with a sword held vertical.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Zengosayuu no Shisei is a Gyakusatsu stance that allows the user to rapidly respond offensively to enemies from all eight angles of attack. The user brings his/her sword upright until the hilt is in front of the shoulder matching the dominate hand that is held at the apex. This stance is also used to transition into the Kousou no Shisei when striking by sloping the blade slightly to the rear. The user's feet are positioned opposite of the hands with the dominate foot in the rear and the other foot in the forefront.
Limit: Gyakusatsu

0/5

" Well now let's see!" the Captain said pacing about the deck," Ah yes! The Zengosayuu no Shisei!" The Captain said as he grabbed the bokken from crewman Makoto." With this stance you shall be able to quickly react and then counteract any attack from all eight different angles of attack. First, the sword is held at about shoulder level with your right hand at the top of the hilt like so," the Captain said as he demonstrated the position of his hands and bokken," then you will place your feet opposite to the position of your hands, so right leg back left leg front."

Takeo watched as the Captain showed the stance in front of him." Alrighty! Explanation time is over, time for a little practice eh?" Captain Ryota said as he tossed the bokken back to crewman Makoto." Now you're up Takeo, into the stance, and then once you've got it down we'll do a little assessment." Takeo nodded his head and took a deep breath, knowing this was the second to last stance he would need to learn before finally being able to learn techniques for attack though only basic. Takeo remembered that like the stance before the position of his feet would be opposite to that of his hands.

He placed his left foot in the front as he placed his right hand at the top of the hilt and brought the bokken up to his shoulder. Captain Ryota circled around Takeo, examining his stance." Good...good. Now Makoto if you will please." Before Takeo knew it, crewman Makoto seemed to disappear in a puff of smoke." What the?" Takeo said before he felt a presence at his rear. Crewman Makoto used the Shunshin no Jutsu arc form and brought himself at the right side of Takeo's flank. Quickly reacting, Takeo brought his bokken upwards and back as he guarded his rear as Makoto struck. Takeo pushed back with his bokken, sending Makoto stumbling backward. Takeo then swung his sword over his head and to the right catching crewman Makoto in the side.

" Splendid, sir you have the makings of quite the fine swordsman!" Captain Ryota said. Takeo turned to the Captain and smiled." Perhaps even better than the great Captain Ryota?" The Captain let out a great laugh," Now let's not get ahead of ourselves!" He said slapping Takeo on the back," Let's just concentrate on getting you to the next rank of Gyakusatsu first!"

[Mist]

+5 - learned

[The Man in the Grey Suit]

Satsugai no Shisei (Killing Posture)
Rank: "E"
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: A stance with the sword still sheathed at the hip.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Satsugai no Kamae is the most advanced stance of the Gyakusatsu and offers the highest peak of speed when unsheathing the sword. The user holds the sheath with the left hand at the hip and the handle of the sword firmly with the right hand. The shoulders are relaxed and kept even without pivoting the torso. The feet are aligned forward and the lead knee bent with a sixty-forty weight distribution.
Limit: Gyakusatsu

0/5

" Well now! Here we are at your last stance before i really start teaching you techniques of attack, though might i say you have demonstrated quite a above average natural ability with using a sword. Any who! Let us get going. This last stance is the Satsugai no Shisei, which is considered to be the most advanced Gyakusatsu stance. Though it's really quite simple." Captain Ryota said as he walked back and forth in front of Takeo." Now for this one we'll need to use a bit more imagination, considering we don't have sheaths for our bokken! But with your sword in it's sheath, you will place your right hand upon the handle like so, and the left on the sheath itself. Then. Your dominant leg will be placed in the forefront, and be sure to keep your shoulders and feet facing forward. The key element of this stance is speed, the speed necessary to strike down opponents with a fatal blow, though i highly doubt that is anywhere near your skill level as of yet! Now go ahead and assume position, Mr. Makoto await my signal."

The crewman bowed his head as he said," Aye Captain" Takeo held his bokken at his left hip, simulating a sword in it's sheath. He lightly placed his left hand upon the 'blade' of the bokken, leaving space in his hand so that he would be able to draw it smoothly. He then placed his right hand on the hilt, gripping it tightly. Once he had his hands in the correct places, he put his right leg forward and bent at the knee slightly with most of his weight distributed to his front leg. He squared up his shoulders and assured that his feet were facing forward along with them. Captain Ryota did his usual examination, eyeing Takeo ever so closely." Loosen up your shoulders, when you focus on quickness you want your body to stay nice and loose." Takeo nodded and relaxed his shoulders, realizing how tense he was, not to mention he was holding on to the hilt as if he were dangling off the edge of a cliff. Ryota did one more circle around before finally saying," Good lad, Mr. Makoto if you will."

Crewman Makoto gave a quick nod of his head and advanced quickly onto Takeo using a Shunshin. The time Takeo had to react was very limited perhaps a little over a second. Crewman Makoto within an instant was directly in front of Takeo with his bokken raised over his head, prepared to bring it down upon Takeo. Takeo drew his bokken from it's imaginary hilt with great speed. His bokken made contact with crewman Makoto's right rib, but just as Makoto's came to rest upon the right side of Takeo's neck." Dammit." Takeo said with an exasperated breath as behind him Captain Ryota let out a laugh." Well it seems as though you've both killed each other! Well this was to be expected. Your striking ability is not yet fully developed Takeo, but it soon will be! As for now however, I believe that you have the stance in the books." Takeo managed a smile at the thought that he would finally be done with learning nothing but stances.

[Mist]

+ 5 - learned

[The Man in the Grey Suit]

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

" Well congrats to you Takeo, now that you have your stances down, we shall move on to our next little lesson." the Captain said as he walked about the deck." Gyakusatsu Takeo, is the art of using your own strength and force to overwhelm your opponents and create openings for the killing blow. To do this you must learn the principles for striking and how to break through your opponent's defense. Once you become completely versed in the principles for striking, you will be able to knock back opponents while breaking through their defense with ease. But you see, this takes a concentration of both will and power. Use your strength as well as your cunning. So before we get started with sparring i want you to be completely focused. Take a seat over on the starboard side and meditate about how you would break through an opponent's defense for a while."

Takeo bowed his head respectfully and said, " Aye captain." He walked over to the right side of the ship and sat in the locus position. He closed his eyes and let himself slip into a deep meditation. As he allowed himself to become one with his environment, Takeo felt his chi energy flow freely through his body. The sound of the ship creeking back and forth upon the harbor and the crew in a bedlam rung through his ears. The sounds of swords clashing pierced through the air suddenly. And behind Takeo's closed eyelids began to form the image of a sack of ryo upon a pedastal. This was an illusion, a figment of his imagination. But Takeo even in his own imagination could not pass up an oppurtinity as sweet as this. He walked forward cautiously. Then just as he came within seven feet of the sack, a dirty pirate who reeked of rum appeared in a puff of smoke.

" Whaddya think ye be doin with my hard earned booty eh?!?" the pirate said as he swayed around with his sword in hand. Takeo tried to suppress his amusent." What's it to ya? Perhaps I'm here to steal it!" he said with a smile on his face. The pirate scoffed and then took a defensive stance in front of the pedestal." Well you're gonna have to get through me fish face!" Takeo's smile disappeared almost instantly. Beside Captain Ryota, who was the closest thing Takeo felt he had to a father, absolutely no one made fun of his shark side." Big mistake buddy." Takeo said through clenched teeth. Takeo drew his sword from it's sheath and charged at the pirate with his sword overhead. He swung down his sword with great intensity, but was met by the pirate's sword almost immediately. Without giving time for the pirate to make any other moves, Takeo brought his sword back behind his head and to his right side slashing diagonally downward. The pirate was quick, and he brought down his sword and met Takeo's blade once more protecting his left rib.

Takeo, however, was relentless and brought his sword back once more at about shoulder level. He quickly swung upward with his full force. The pirate brought his sword back up to defend, but this time Takeo's blow knocked the pirate's sword out of his hand. Leaving no room for recovery, or mercy Takeo followed the direction of his momentum and spun around three hundred and sixty degrees. He swung his sword across the pirate's neck, cleanly chopping off his head. Takeo huffed and puffed, smiling at his victory. He reached out for the sack of ryo on the pedestal, but just he did the scene began to vanish. Takeo was back aboard the Fury and Captain Ryota was looking at him quizzically." Well lad?" Takeo looked up at the captain and smiled. " I think i got the gist of it."

[¯\_(ツ)_/¯]

+5

[The Man in the Grey Suit]

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

0/10

Takeo rose from the hard wood of the deck after explaining his vision to Captain Ryota." I see... And what exactly did you learn from this lesson?" Takeo pondered over the question for a moment before finally answering." Blind fury kicks ass?" The Captain laughed in response." I suppose that works. You really only need understand the mechanics of breaking through your opponent's defenses. But now i will show you how to actually take the steps to breaking said defense."

The Captain disappeared for a moment. When he returned he held in his hand a small wooden shield." Here you are Mr. Makoto." he said as he handed the crewman the shield." Now yes, what you said earlier is true Takeo, blind fury indeed kicks ass, but the only thing that trumps blind fury is controlled fury. The ability to harness that rage and anger into your attacks is what will ultimately help you break through your opponent's defense. If your will can break your enemy's, you win every time. But this also comes with a complete sense of awareness about your body.

" You have to mind your footwork and weight distribution, or else you may be caught off guard by the defender. And then on top of all of this you must emphasize speed, agility and dexterity. Yes i know it's a lot to think about and be aware of at all times, but it is what being a swordsman is all about. Clarity of the mind resulting in a unity between the body and the blade. Now! Let's get started with footwork. Rule number one! NEVER bring your feet together, your weight is not distributed evenly and you can be taken off your feet easily if you aren't mindful. So always have your feet shoulder width apart. Second, stay light on your feet, it helps allow you to move about freely without delay because you must generate less power to push off the ground.

" Next I must stress the importance of controlled fury. A swordsman does not allow his or her emotions to get the better of them, especially not in the heat of battle. But, a swordsman can use said emotions to fuel their power and tenacity. So use your emotions to your advantage, do not let your emotions take advantage of you. Now! I believe that is enough of the philosophy, time for a bit of practice. Just take what i've told you, plus your experience while meditating to break through Mr. Makoto's small shield here. It should be a piece of cake." Takeo nodded his head and stood across from crewman Makoto.

Wasting no time Takeo advanced onto Makoto with his bokken held down at his right hip, the blade pointing towards his back. He swung the bokken upwards just as he came in range. The bokken smacked hard against the small shield, but Makoto still held his ground. But Takeo quickly followed the upward slash with a side to side slice, and then a diagonal swipe from seven o' clock to one o' clock. The last swipe knocked the shield from Makoto's hand and onto the deck. Takeo pointed his bokken at Makoto's neck," Check and mate sir." Captain Ryota clapped his hands." Excellent my dear sir, but do remember Mr. Makoto was using just a small wooden shield, you'll need more practice in order to break through heavier defenses."

[Mist]

You have a broken color code I think. Its hard to tell what is dialogue and what isnt. Could you spruce that up please?

[The Man in the Grey Suit]

Ah that's just a big load of dialouge, there was a large bit of explaining that i had written so instead of havong the dialouge in one big clump i seperated it into paragraphs.

[Mist]

I see

+ 4

While instructions are good the main part of training is the actual physical part of it.

[The Man in the Grey Suit]

gotcha, lesson learned XP

[The Man in the Grey Suit]

4/10

The sun had long since set into the horizon. Darkness fell upon the ship and all the crew had retired. All except Takeo, who lit small area with a training dummy set up. He continually struck at the dummy with fierce intensity. Each time the straw stuffing of the burlap sack of a training dummy would fly into the air. Again and again he would raise his bokken above his head and then to the side, swinging with almost reckless abandon. He moved his feet around switching between his middle level posture, to upper level posture.

Takeo continued striking at the training dummy until sweat poured down his face. He maintained his focus, envisioning every point of attack that would break open an avenue for his kill strike. He ran through several different scenarios in his head. Each time imagining what position his opponent's sword may be in defense, and what would best counter it. He would then execute a string of moves end with a flourish at the training dummy's neck, or a stab at it's stomach.

Takeo's training was then suddenly interrupted." Doesn't surprise me to see you up this late working on your taijutsu." Takeo turned back and smiled." Well I aim to be one of the greatest swordsman there is of course." The Captain laughed." Well then let's see how much farther you've come then." The Captain drew his sword, to which Takeo merely smiled and dropped his bokken. He drew his own sword from the sheath and assumed his middle level posture. The Captain bent into a defensive stance, but he was clear he wasn't planning on using his full strength or ability. Takeo made the first move by swinging to the Captain's right side, which was quickly met by the Captain's blade.

Allowing no more time to pass, Takeo swiftly rose his sword above his head and swung for the captain's opposite shoulder, also met swiftly by the captain's blade with little effort. But then Takeo saw his opening and rising his sword above his head he would bring it back and around swinging it upwards. Though the captain brought his own sword down to meet Takeo's he was not prepared for the strength and force of Takeo's blow. It sent the captain's sword bouncing off of Takeo's own blade and giving Takeo the chance to raise his blade to the captain's neck quickly. The captain raised his hands in defeat and laughed," Good show mah boy, for a beginner anyhow."

[Umehara]

Add it.

[The Man in the Grey Suit]

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).
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).
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).
Limit: Gyakusatsu

0/5

" Well since you plan on training the night away I may as well teach you about defending." the captain said as they both caught their breath after their little sparring session. Takeo looked up at the captain and asked," So when are ya gonna teach me some Gyakusatsu techniques?" The captain laughed." Funny you ask, this is actually going to be the last thing I teach you before we start getting into the good stuff. But first you'll have to get your defense where it needs to be." Takeo groaned, he liked to focus on the offensive side of things. Where his strength and power won matches. But he understood that he needed to learn this in order to become an all around dominant swordsman.

" For the moment we'll just start with some practice, and then afterwards we shall do a bit of sparring to really get you into defending incoming attacks. Now prepare yourself!" Takeo grabbed his bokken and lowered it to the captain's leg, his dominant hand at the top of the hilt and his feet mirroring the posistion of his hands." Good good, you remembered your defensive stance. Now while you're defending you must be light on your toes, yet solid and immovable. You'll need to be able to react to your opponent, and then meet that opponent's blow with a block of your blade." the captain with his own bokken swung down for Takeo's leading leg. With Takeo's blade already lowered, it took him no time at all to bring his sword slightly to the right and meet and the captain's bokken.

" Good, always be on your guard, you'll never know what your opponent has planned. You must be ready to antcipate any and every attack. But do remember it is unrealistic to think that you'll be able to block EVERY attack." The captain said as he swung his bokken upwards towards Takeo's neck. Takeo stepped back with his right leg and bent his back slightly bringing his bokken up to where his neck was only a second ago. He struggled slightly as the captain began to put more and more weight against him. His feet sliding across the deck. Takeo puffed out his chest and pushed off of Captain Ryota. The seperation was quickly closed by another of Ryota's swings, this time overhead. Which Takeo deflected by swinging his own bokken upwards." Good, good, I believe you're getting the hang of it"