[Jinmenshi Io]

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[attr="class","carvecount"]~200 WORDS

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[attr="class","carvetitle"]Peaches

[attr="class","carvedesc"]Peaches peaches peaches peaches.

[attr="class","carvenotes"]Muramasa Uemon Kota

[attr="class","carvetext"]"Sorry for the formalities, just the way I was raised is all Mast- Kota. The poison I use is only active for a short time, and is a numbing agent. It cooks out, kind of like alcohol!” he told Kota. "I have accidentally eaten some that was still active though, and my tongue felt like it had fallen out of my mouth. A real doozy.”

Io’s eyes widened at the sight of the rice balls that Muramasa revealed, like a heathen he quickly grabbed one by the kelp wrapping and stuffed it into his mouth, making grunts of approval as he chewed on it. It was light to the taste and had that pleasant stickiness that one expected of such a dish. He swallowed it, and felt grains of rice sticking to his throat.

"Urrmm!” he groaned as he pulled for his canteen and started chugging water to clear the food. He took a few deep breaths and wiped his mouth. "Oho! That was great, I practically inhaled it! You should start a restaurant or something, Mister.”

He eyed the remaining two rice balls, but the scrawny warrior decided not to be a glutton. The snack was enough to get him by for a while.

"I can see why you follow him around now,” he said to Kota as he stood back up. He rolled his neck to the left and right, and rotated his shoulders to limber up. Then, he moved about five meters away from the young one.

Resting his hand on his blade and ready to draw, he nodded to Muramasa. "Whenever you’re ready, let’s go!”

[attr="class","carvecredit"]IVYLEAF33

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[Muramasa Uemon]

stances are taken

---

As he stared at the boy, a slight hint of sympathy crept into his gaze. Kota was only worried for his safety.

Someone genuinely worried for him... it wasn't something he was used to. Hadn't considered anything like the sort in a long time. Muramasa noted how he took a deep breath as he tried to calm himself down. "It'll be okay."

Assurance. If Io had any modicum of control there would be no serious danger here. Practice like this was something the child would have to get used to. It might be his first time witnessing it, but it certainly wouldn't be his last. Training was important. Consumed most of his own time for the past eight years. If Kota was going to learn...

...he would have to fight. Learn restraint. Discipline. The Shinobi World was big and dangerous. If anything happened to him, he would need to be able to defend himself. Even if nothing did, he should still know how.

Muramasa watched the two interact, the boy's defensiveness still persisting as they ate. He questioned Io's poison and corrected his name. Fortunately the third wanderer was good-spirited. Doing his best to show the child that he meant them no harm. Something he appreciated. A more guarded person might've taken offense to his behavior.

Then they all might have been in hot water. Wrapping up the remaining onigiri, he placed them back in his belongings before grabbing his weapon. Retying the sageo on the left side of his belt. Edge facing upwards.

He nodded as Io complimented his cooking. "Thank you." It was a nice enough sentiment. "Though... I'm not sure if I'd make a decent restaurant-owner." People weren't his specialty. Ironically he would have to teach Kota how to be more civil. Sociable. Practically the blind leading the blind in that regard. Io soon moved to square off.

Following his lead, he did the same. "Watch closely, Kota." He said, slowly drawing his katana from its black scabbard. A bit more deliberately than he might have normally. "Pay attention to how I stand... and move." Of course it would be nice to knock some of the rust off... but this outing was for the child's sake. Had to remember to teach. Not just do. "How I hold the sword, too." Memories of his own training setting in, his body shifted.

Adopting a foundational Chūdan-no-kamae stance. "The first move is yours."

---

SPOILER: Click to show

SPECIAL ABILITIES:

KASHIRA-WARI・首割り - ENHANCED CHAKRA CONTROL
Puppeteers must maintain expert control over their wide selection of puppets, and so too must a shinobi with their chakra. Necessary for his Puppet Ninjutsu and applicable to his other techniques, Uemon has trained extensively in order to mitigate the amount of chakra he uses with his jutsu. Compensating for his average chakra reserves this allows him to stay in the fight that much longer.

TSUKURIMONO・作り物 - INTELLIGENCE
Stage and setting can make or break a performance. A director needs vigilance and flexibility to ensure all the moving parts of a play go off without a hitch. A learned strategist with a quick mind, Uemon is always observing even in the midst of combat. This allows for him to find gaps and weaknesses in his opponent's techniques easier than some, and allows him to formulate strategies and deceptions to take advantage of these shortcomings. A knack for tactics cues him on which approach works best depending on his target.

ASHIZUKAI・足遣い - SPEED
Operating the legs of a puppet requires dexterity and agility. Much like moving one's own body. As a child in Tetsu no Kuni Uemon trained in Jujitsu and Kenjutsu, finding his aptitude for speed rather than strength. Honed after years on the road with his mentors, Uemon is surprisingly light on his feet and his hand-to-hand strikes are faster than most expect. Able to strike and weave with deft swiftness he is capable of holding his own against Taijutsu specialists of his rank and outright overwhelming those of lower ranks in terms of speed.

SHOMEI・署名 - SENSOR TYPE 
Lighting is a crucial part of any play. Identifying the actors and drawing focus to them in the dark. With much training Uemon has become a Sensor Type, able to detect and hone in on chakra signatures akin to a sixth sense of sorts. A useful tool when it comes to tracking or surveillance. As of now, he is capable of passively sensing chakra up to one hundred meters from his body, or one kilometer if actively searching. This also allows him to more efficiently utilize his puppets without needing a direct line of sight to his targets. Knowing the placement of actors on stage at all times is essential.

[Kota]

The sun will be guiding you They're dying to stop you This race is a prophecy Break out from society "Ya were raised with masters?" Kota asked. That didn't sound pleasant at all. Despite his cautiousness, he was easing into the conversation well enough--his worried and concerns being explained further. The poison didn't kill, could be cooked out of food, and wore off. Still dangerous in a fight, of course, but... less scary sounding. It looked far more vicious than it sounded, at least.     Io wolfed down the food quickly enough, and Kota was quick to finish his onigiri as well. Paying his compliments to the chef, the light-haired man also made comment to Kota, which caused the boy to raise an eyebrow.     "That's not why we're together," he said. "I've had plenty'a folk try'ta lure me in with food, before. But I'm not dumb." While food-orientated traps worked well on animals--and occasionally worked on Kota--he was fairly resistant to persuasion. At least, as well as he could be. He would rather fend for himself than be beneath somebody else's thumb.     Either way, the two teens finished up and prepared for their spar, and the boy sighed as he was instructed by Muramasa to watch and pay as much attention as he could.     I don't wanna, the boy thought, frowning as he turned from where he sat on the ground to watch.     Still, he did.     Muramasa's stance, the slow and dramatic pull of his katana as he drew it. Kota tried to take in as many details as he could. In a way... it was like being introduced to a new species of creature. Learning their movements, body language, and how to recognize and replicate it was... well, it came pretty naturally to the young boy.     Even if he didn't like the idea of his companion fighting someone else for pointless (in his eyes) reasons.

✜

[Jinmenshi Io]

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[attr="class","carvecount"]~200 WORDS

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[attr="class","carvetitle"]Peaches

[attr="class","carvedesc"]Peaches peaches peaches peaches.

[attr="class","carvenotes"]Muramasa Uemon Kota

[attr="class","carvetext"]"Maybe a food cart then, you know? Something simple. That way if you mess up a little you can move on to the next town. Hah.”

"No, it’s the same as calling you Kota-kun, that’s just what my folks call youngsters who aren’t quite ripe enough to be called mister quite yet,” he told Kota. "But nevermind you that, enjoy the show!”

Lunging forward with his hand still on his hilt, the wanderer performed a bit of a false step hoping to get Muramasa to raise a guard too early, and then after a brief pause he quickly drew his blade and swung it with the blunt of the blade in a horizontal slashing motion.

The draw of the sword itself was flawless, but he didn’t seem to quite have the fluid swing that came with it quite down. It was still swung with formidable strength and speed, but it could have been better with proper technique.

Io didn’t seem bothered by it though. There was a goofy grin on his face, he was already reminded of sparring with Kyonosuke. It was always a good time even if he wasn’t the greatest of swordsman. He wondered if Muramasa had anything fun for him to learn about today.

SPOILER: Click to show

No relevant SA, but a bukijutsu secondary so not totally clueless. The swing of the sword itself isn't a jutsu in this case.

Jutsu-
NAME: Iaido [Quickdraw]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Bukijutsu
ELEMENT: -
HANDSEALS: 0
DESCRIPTION:
Iaido is a style of quickdraw. The secret behind the speed of this quick draw comes from two separate movements. The user will begin with their hands close each one on the opposite side of the tsuba [guard]. The two movements needed to take out the sword in an instant faster than one can raise their guard come from the pulling motion onto the sheath as the user takes out the sword as well as flicking the sword out with their thumb increasing the speed of the pull onto the handle.

[attr="class","carvecredit"]IVYLEAF33

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[Muramasa Uemon]

blades clash, a song of sharp steel

---

'Truth is found in crossed blades.' An old adage his master once told him

Years back, he took at just another meaningless samurai proverb. One among many thousands proclaimed without end. Passed off as faux wisdom As he got older, he tasted battle. Mock or otherwise. Now... he believed it true.

It had been some time since he locked swords with another. The last time, he was nearly gutted. Left with diagonal scar on the right side of his abdomen. Another on his forehead. "I knew then, too..." He thought. The clang of their weapons echoing through the aair. A late deflection, thrown slightly off by his stutterstep. "He's better than me."

Twisting his katana, he tried sliding the wakizashi's end to his weapon's tsuba. Using any leverage gained to deliver his own horizontal Migi Ichimonji Giri. With the blunted side, of course. Though he expected the wanderer to dodge.

Io was light on his feet. "Iaijutsu." Muramasa spoke, bending his knees just slightly. "You're skilled."

More than he. True, he was schooled in the Rōtetsusen-ryū as a child. A bit more during his travels with his master. Yet he was no swordsman. Not truly. Once he dreamt of being raised to the samurai caste... but no longer.

Instead, he focused his talents elsewhere. "I'm at a disadvantage when it comes to swordplay." The thought crossed his head as his eyes narrowed. "But I have reach." Hands tightened around his hilt. "And speed." Stepping forward, he pressed the attack. One. Two. Three. Four. Five strikes. All in succession. From varying angles. The Tetsu no Sen.

Still, he exercised control. Slowing it down enough so as not to harm. Rather than aim for his body, he targeted Io's weapon. Hoping to force him back and keep him at a distance. At worst leave his hands stinging from the flurry. 

---

SPOILER: Click to show

OFFENSIVE TECHNIQUES:
NAME: Migi Ichimonji Giri [Rightward Horizontal Cut]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Bukijutsu
REQUIREMENT: Slashing/Bludgeoning Weapons
DESCRIPTION:
Another building block of the style, this strong sweeping cut is capable of inflicting a great deal of damage if aimed correctly. Once in range of the enemy the user winds back and strikes in a crescent-like arc with their weapon at their target. This attack can gouge rock with the force it creates and rend flesh asunder.

NAME: Tetsu no Sen [Iron's Flash]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Bukijutsu
REQUIREMENT: Slashing/Bludgeoning Weapons
DESCRIPTION:
Hallmark of the Rōtetsusen-ryū and the technique for which the entire style was named for. The user grips their weapon tightly before unleashing a flurry of five strikes upon their target. It is said that the only thing that can be seen is the glint of their steel as they attack. While not capable of slicing through armor this onslaught of attacks can apply consistent pressure and leave the enemy with several gashes.


SPECIAL ABILITIES:

KASHIRA-WARI・首割り - ENHANCED CHAKRA CONTROL
Puppeteers must maintain expert control over their wide selection of puppets, and so too must a shinobi with their chakra. Necessary for his Puppet Ninjutsu and applicable to his other techniques, Uemon has trained extensively in order to mitigate the amount of chakra he uses with his jutsu. Compensating for his average chakra reserves this allows him to stay in the fight that much longer.

TSUKURIMONO・作り物 - INTELLIGENCE
Stage and setting can make or break a performance. A director needs vigilance and flexibility to ensure all the moving parts of a play go off without a hitch. A learned strategist with a quick mind, Uemon is always observing even in the midst of combat. This allows for him to find gaps and weaknesses in his opponent's techniques easier than some, and allows him to formulate strategies and deceptions to take advantage of these shortcomings. A knack for tactics cues him on which approach works best depending on his target.

ASHIZUKAI・足遣い - SPEED
Operating the legs of a puppet requires dexterity and agility. Much like moving one's own body. As a child in Tetsu no Kuni Uemon trained in Jujitsu and Kenjutsu, finding his aptitude for speed rather than strength. Honed after years on the road with his mentors, Uemon is surprisingly light on his feet and his hand-to-hand strikes are faster than most expect. Able to strike and weave with deft swiftness he is capable of holding his own against Taijutsu specialists of his rank and outright overwhelming those of lower ranks in terms of speed.

SHOMEI・署名 - SENSOR TYPE 
Lighting is a crucial part of any play. Identifying the actors and drawing focus to them in the dark. With much training Uemon has become a Sensor Type, able to detect and hone in on chakra signatures akin to a sixth sense of sorts. A useful tool when it comes to tracking or surveillance. As of now, he is capable of passively sensing chakra up to one hundred meters from his body, or one kilometer if actively searching. This also allows him to more efficiently utilize his puppets without needing a direct line of sight to his targets. Knowing the placement of actors on stage at all times is essential.

[Jinmenshi Io]

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[attr="class","carvemyname"]

[attr="class","carvecount"]~200 WORDS

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[attr="class","carvestripe"]

[attr="class","carvetitle"]Peaches

[attr="class","carvedesc"]Peaches peaches peaches peaches.

[attr="class","carvenotes"]Muramasa Uemon

[attr="class","carvetext"]Io felt the sting of each blade strike clashing against his own, the slower movements than usual from his opponent were used for the purpose of him improving his ability to react and gain muscle memory. Muramasa would find that the blade he carried, though simple, had a very sharp edge to it and appeared to be made of charka reactive material.

The third swing of Muramasa’s blade caused Io’s blade to bounce downward, and in a panic he jumped backwards to avoid the following swings. "Oh, almost had me!”

The Gure began to circle by sidestepping around Muramasa at a short distance, he was paying careful attention to his footwork, trying to make his movements unpredictable and fluid. Positioning was just as important if not more important than technique in swordplay, and though he was still a rookie himself he knew enough to try to use it.

He pumped his foot forward as something of a fakeout, and then hustled back into Muramasa’s space. The archer took a risk and reached an arm out to try to grab at the material of his opponent's clothing to try to pull him forward and catch him off guard before attempting to hit him with the dull end of the blade with a horizontal slash from left to right across the abdomen.

[attr="class","carvecredit"]IVYLEAF33

[newclass=".carveheader a,.carveheader b,.carvetext b"]color: #efa662;[/newclass][newclass=".carvemyname"]width:450px;background-color:#2E2E2E;color:gainsboro;padding:20px;border-bottom:solid 20px #3b9786;[/newclass][newclass=".carvecount"]font-family:Teko;font-size:13px;margin-top:170px;background-color:#3b9786;color:#2E2E2E;margin-left:-20px;padding-right:7px;padding:5px;border-radius:0px 10px 10px 0px;z-index:10;position:absolute;[/newclass][newclass=".carveheader"]height:245px;[/newclass][newclass=".carveidk"]text-align:left;margin-top:-20px;margin-left:-20px;[/newclass][newclass=".carveimg"]max-width:240px;min-width:240px;float:left;-webkit-clip-path: polygon(0% 0%, 75% 0%, 100% 0, 75% 100%, 0% 100%);clip-path: polygon(0% 0%, 75% 0%, 100% 0, 75% 100%, 0% 100%);[/newclass][newclass=".carvestripe"]background-color:#3b9786;height:225px;margin-right:225px;-webkit-clip-path: polygon(90% 0, 98% 0, 75% 100%, 67% 100%);clip-path: polygon(90% 0, 98% 0, 75% 100%, 67% 100%);[/newclass][newclass=".carvetitle"]text-transform:uppercase;font-family:Teko;font-size:48px;text-align:right;color:#d6dfda;margin-top:20px;[/newclass][newclass=".carvedesc"]font-size:13px;color:#efa662;font-family:Teko;margin-top:-10px;text-align:right;[/newclass][newclass=".carvenotes"]margin-top:10px;font-family:Source Sans Pro;font-size:10px;padding-right:5px;height:160px;margin-left:20px;color:white;[/newclass][newclass=".carvetext"]font-family:Source Sans Pro;text-align:justify;font-size:12px;padding:15px;padding-left:20px;padding-right:20px;[/newclass][newclass=".carvecredit"]width:475px;font-size:12px;text-align:right;margin-left:5px;[/newclass]

[Muramasa Uemon]

echoes through the trees

---

So far, it had been a decent match. Io's own grasp on kenjutsu a good foil for his speed and reach.

Though he didn't much enjoy fighting, locking blades with someone always seemed to stir up memories. Of past years. Made him almost wish he had devoted more of his study to swordfighting. "Childish." He thought.

A remnant from his past dreams of becoming samurai. Long ago he had put that notion to rest. To make room.

For what was necessary. Io leapt backwards out of the path of his oncoming swings. His reflexes were sharp for a farmer's son. Almost funny that a blacksmith's son would put those to the test. "Almost." He eventually said, adjusting his two-handed grip. "But not quite." Eyes narrowing, he prepared as best he could. Watching. Waiting.

Sure enough, the wanderer made his move. Circling around him with erratic movements. Another false step and Io was inside of his guard. Despite his attempt to backpedal. A hand reached out to grab hold of his shirt. "Damn!"

Not good. For a moment he thought of trying to toss him. Make use his hand-to-hand skills. But that would defeat the purpose of brushing up on his swordplay. "I need to move more lightly." He thought as he jerked away. Mind racing.

Conscious of the weight of his footsteps as he side-stepped in turn. Moving in a semi-circle with Suiho.

Forgoing the inital dash or follow-up strike to block instead. Pushing his blade down as he shifted to parry the incoming strike. Io was sharpening his reflexes, but he had another idea in mind. To practice moving.

Silently. Efficiently. Ineffective in open combat... but this was the perfect opportunity to begin. "Like her."

---

SPOILER: Click to show

NOTES: Figure Io will win after another trade or two if you're fine w/ that since he is spec'd for it! Just a dodge/parry from Mura this round.

OFFENSIVE TECHNIQUES:
NAME: Suiho [Waning Step]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu
DESCRIPTION:
Named after the crescent moon-like shape in which this maneuver mimics, the user dashes towards the target but feints at the last moment, side-stepping around the opponent in an arc to their backside. Once in position they then deliver a crushing punch or kick to the spine. This attack targets a vital area and is able to fracture one's back if enough force is applied.


SPECIAL ABILITIES:

KASHIRA-WARI・首割り - ENHANCED CHAKRA CONTROL
Puppeteers must maintain expert control over their wide selection of puppets, and so too must a shinobi with their chakra. Necessary for his Puppet Ninjutsu and applicable to his other techniques, Uemon has trained extensively in order to mitigate the amount of chakra he uses with his jutsu. Compensating for his average chakra reserves this allows him to stay in the fight that much longer.

TSUKURIMONO・作り物 - INTELLIGENCE
Stage and setting can make or break a performance. A director needs vigilance and flexibility to ensure all the moving parts of a play go off without a hitch. A learned strategist with a quick mind, Uemon is always observing even in the midst of combat. This allows for him to find gaps and weaknesses in his opponent's techniques easier than some, and allows him to formulate strategies and deceptions to take advantage of these shortcomings. A knack for tactics cues him on which approach works best depending on his target.

ASHIZUKAI・足遣い - SPEED
Operating the legs of a puppet requires dexterity and agility. Much like moving one's own body. As a child in Tetsu no Kuni Uemon trained in Jujitsu and Kenjutsu, finding his aptitude for speed rather than strength. Honed after years on the road with his mentors, Uemon is surprisingly light on his feet and his hand-to-hand strikes are faster than most expect. Able to strike and weave with deft swiftness he is capable of holding his own against Taijutsu specialists of his rank and outright overwhelming those of lower ranks in terms of speed.

SHOMEI・署名 - SENSOR TYPE 
Lighting is a crucial part of any play. Identifying the actors and drawing focus to them in the dark. With much training Uemon has become a Sensor Type, able to detect and hone in on chakra signatures akin to a sixth sense of sorts. A useful tool when it comes to tracking or surveillance. As of now, he is capable of passively sensing chakra up to one hundred meters from his body, or one kilometer if actively searching. This also allows him to more efficiently utilize his puppets without needing a direct line of sight to his targets. Knowing the placement of actors on stage at all times is essential.

[Jinmenshi Io]

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[attr="class","carvemyname"]

[attr="class","carvecount"]0000/0000 WORDS

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[attr="class","carveidk"]

[attr="class","carveimg"]

[attr="class","carvestripe"]

[attr="class","carvetitle"]Peaches

[attr="class","carvedesc"]Peaches peaches peaches peaches.

[attr="class","carvenotes"]Notes, lyrics, stats, tags can go here I guess. Doesn't scroll, but it's a pretty big space.

[attr="class","carvetext"]Io lost his grasp of Muramasa’s clothing after his blade was parried. The steel of their blades grinded against one another for a brief moment that caused a satisfying snap to resonate through the forest. Io grunted and pedaled back a few steps to allow a bit of a reset with the duel, and to give both of them time to think on their actions.

He noticed that Muramasa perhaps didn’t have a lot of refinement in his technique quite yet, but that he possessed a very powerful build. That clash of blades had left his arm feeling a bit numb.

"With the katana you must always protect your reach. The wakizashi allows for an open hand, which can be dangerous in its own right, especially with some ninjutsu users,” he said, more for the benefit of Kota than Muramasa. One day, he’d have to decide if he’d graduate to a katana or make use of the one-handed blade.

He took up a defensive posture, blade held vertical in forward in a neutral position, pacing carefully. Inviting Muramasa to strike.

"Of course, many samurai carry both blades. The katana for outdoors and the wakizashi for indoors. They are like brothers. Similar in form and always trying to outdo one another.”

[attr="class","carvecredit"]IVYLEAF33

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[Muramasa Uemon]

nearing the end of

---

Time had taken its toll. How long had it been since he'd practiced his forms? Four years, at least. Or more.

During his travels with his master, she drilled him day and night. Refining his basic commoner's understanding of the Rōtetsusen-ryū. Beating technique into him. But after she left... he didn't practice much. Some, with Suppa.

But the Nukenin was no swordsman. And their training had been far more varied. The ninja arts were many.

Facing down Io like this brought a sole memory to mind. The day he had given up training kenjutsu in favor of something else. 'You can't beat an army' the man had said. His reply? 'I need my own army, then.'

If it had been a true fight, perhaps his skillset would have given him an edge. But in a swordfight it was clear who had more skill between the two of them. Still... it was good practice. Good for Kota to see. Muramasa may not have been a true swordsman, but polishing his abilities was always an asset. "Very true." He echoed Io's sentiments.

Glancing for a moment to the boy and giving him a nod. "Not every situation will be the same." He said, returning his gaze to Io. "Your brain is your greatest weapon. Use it to read the field." Muramasa moved.

Circling Io while taking effort to watch the weight in which his feet fell. "Range, size, weight... all things you have to consider in combat." He said, stopping for a moment as he adopted a low guard. "Footwork. How you move?" A second glance towards Kota. "That's one of the most important parts of all." A step.

Softly falling on the ground as he sheathed his sword. "Remember." He said. Narrowing his eyes on the wanderer before him. "Battles are won in the mind." Another step. Lighter than before. Conscious of his foot's pressure.

"If one approach doesn't work..." Muramasa rushed forward, minding the sound of his footsteps as he did. Hand tightening around the hilt of his sword he moved to strike. An iaidō stance. "Try another." A draw. Chiburi.

Yet... the unsheathing never came. A feint. Making use of his speed, he attempted to step inside of Io's guard and reach outward. Trying to grasp his foe's back and sweep his leg at the same time. Sōji Yōbu Goshi, a hip toss. To hopefully put the wanderer on his back and lock his arm. An unsporting ruse perhaps, but an important lesson...

The most important. "Do anything it takes to win." Muramasa's glare eased up. "Who taught you to fight, Io-san?" He would ask, promptly backing off regardless of outcome. "Your swordsman friend?"

If he needed a hand, he would offer. Otherwise he would rest his forearm on his sword's hilt. Impressed by the wanderer's skill. "You're much better than I am with a blade." It took a fair bit of training to move like that.

A glance was given to Kota, to see if he'd been paying attention. 

---

SPOILER: Click to show

NOTES: Again totally fine w/ a loss or draw. Just wanted to try something tricky lol. I'll leave it to you my friend. 

OFFENSIVE TECHNIQUES:
NAME: Chiburi [Shaking Off The Blood]
RANK: B
CHAKRA USAGE: Medium
CLASSIFICATION: Bukijutsu
REQUIREMENT: Slashing/Bludgeoning Weapons
DESCRIPTION:
An iaido strike that gets its name from the act of cleaning one's sword after battle. First the user readies their weapon in its sheathe before rushing forward with blinding speed and slicing their target on the draw. Because of the added power their forward momentum grants them Chiburi can slash through armor and can kill if their aim is true and a vital spot is hit. It is not uncommon that the practitioner will flick their blade or wipe it on their sleeve to rid it of the blood that will surely be spilled if this attack hits.

NAME: Sōji Yōbu Goshi [Sweeping Loin Throw]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu
DESCRIPTION:
An aggressive move created to cause maximum damage while stunning an opponent at the same time. After closing the distance the user will grab the opponent behind their back while raising a leg at the same time. Simultaneously kicking backwards into the targets feet while pulling them forward will sweep them over the user's hip and onto their back sending them crashing into the ground. The force from the impact will knock the air out of the target and can knock weaker opponents out cold.


SPECIAL ABILITIES:

KASHIRA-WARI・首割り - ENHANCED CHAKRA CONTROL
Puppeteers must maintain expert control over their wide selection of puppets, and so too must a shinobi with their chakra. Necessary for his Puppet Ninjutsu and applicable to his other techniques, Uemon has trained extensively in order to mitigate the amount of chakra he uses with his jutsu. Compensating for his average chakra reserves this allows him to stay in the fight that much longer.

TSUKURIMONO・作り物 - INTELLIGENCE
Stage and setting can make or break a performance. A director needs vigilance and flexibility to ensure all the moving parts of a play go off without a hitch. A learned strategist with a quick mind, Uemon is always observing even in the midst of combat. This allows for him to find gaps and weaknesses in his opponent's techniques easier than some, and allows him to formulate strategies and deceptions to take advantage of these shortcomings. A knack for tactics cues him on which approach works best depending on his target.

ASHIZUKAI・足遣い - SPEED
Operating the legs of a puppet requires dexterity and agility. Much like moving one's own body. As a child in Tetsu no Kuni Uemon trained in Jujitsu and Kenjutsu, finding his aptitude for speed rather than strength. Honed after years on the road with his mentors, Uemon is surprisingly light on his feet and his hand-to-hand strikes are faster than most expect. Able to strike and weave with deft swiftness he is capable of holding his own against Taijutsu specialists of his rank and outright overwhelming those of lower ranks in terms of speed.

SHOMEI・署名 - SENSOR TYPE 
Lighting is a crucial part of any play. Identifying the actors and drawing focus to them in the dark. With much training Uemon has become a Sensor Type, able to detect and hone in on chakra signatures akin to a sixth sense of sorts. A useful tool when it comes to tracking or surveillance. As of now, he is capable of passively sensing chakra up to one hundred meters from his body, or one kilometer if actively searching. This also allows him to more efficiently utilize his puppets without needing a direct line of sight to his targets. Knowing the placement of actors on stage at all times is essential.

[Jinmenshi Io]

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[attr="class","carvecount"]200 WORDS

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[attr="class","carvetitle"]Peaches

[attr="class","carvedesc"]Peaches peaches peaches peaches.

[attr="class","carvenotes"]Kota Muramasa Uemon

[attr="class","carvetext"]Io raised his sword to parry, but was caught off guard by the feint and the speed at which he was grappled and swept to the ground. He tasted a bit of dirt in his mouth and felt a tinge of pain in his jaw. Instinctually, Io began moving his sword in a slashing movement from his face down position, but stopped himself and instead planted the blade into the dirt and used it to wobble upwards, accepting Muramasa’s assistance.

"Haha, maybe in the fundamentals, but you’ve got some fancy moves,” he said. "I wouldn’t want to fight you for real up close, I’ll tell you that for sure.”

He dusted himself off and sheathed the wakizashi.

"Childhood friend of mine by the name of Kyonosuke,” he said. "You ever find yourself out east a ways, in the Land ah Waves, look for the Enomoto general store. Work to be had usually, and you might get to meet ‘em if he is home. Watch out for his sister though, she’s fiercer than a Mamushi!”

Turning himself back towards Kota. "You’ll grow up fierce if you stick with him and listen to what he says. Seems you’ll eat pretty well too, yea?”

[attr="class","carvecredit"]IVYLEAF33

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[Muramasa Uemon]

a forested clash; bringing

---

Rather abruptly, the mock duel came to a halt. Dust still settling, he took stock of their positioning.

Io on the ground. Opponent's blade slicing through the air. Though it stopped midway through its swing... he knew the truth. "He could have gotten me." Katana won out against wakizashi in terms of reach. It was longer. Sturdier.

Yet against and unarmed combatant? Even a small blade gave one an immense advantage. The other wanderer spoke and the swordsmith's son only shook his head. "You're too modest." A compliment as his hand was accepted. Faint semblance of a smirk forming. Try as he might, Muramasa understood well enough...

Up close, they were an even match. With a blade? Io was the clear victor. "It seems he's a fine teacher." He mused aloud as he helped the youth to his feet. An understatement from the way he handled the short sword.

Talk of work caught his interest. As of now he had employment in Amegakure... but that situation was tenuous at best. "Protection work?" A question. "Selling my sword has never sat well with me..." A remnant form his upbringing. Things like 'honor' and 'respectability' echoing in his head. "...though, I suppose ryō is ryō." 

Had to make a living somehow. And it wasn't like he'd never guarded a caravan before. Even helped out a Ninja Clan back in Iwagakure a few times. "A mamushi you say?" It was funny enough. If he was the laughing type.

Until a thought occured to him. "I don't think I've ever been around non-fierce woman..." Hanagisa. Taki. Himari. Shiina. Mikazuki. Even his mother and sisters. Muramasa raised a finger and scratched the side of his face worriedly as it dawned on him. Not every pattern meant something. But it was enough to make him think... "...troubling."

As Io addressed Kota, his dark eyes fell to the boy. Forearm still on his sword's tsuka. "Do you understand now?"

Still looking at him, a hint of concern shone behind his steely gaze. Muramasa knew that the child was worried for him... but sparring was something he would have to get used to. "You and I will have to do this too. Often."

---

[Kota]

The sun will be guiding you They're dying to stop you This race is a prophecy Break out from society Kota remained quiet and out of their way as the two swordsmen began their spar. While he did his best to pay attention--and it wasn't that he was really distracted with anything else--but even with their slowed and intentional movements, it was still rather quick and a bit to take in visually. Swings and feints and grabs, Kota couldn't tell what the next person was going to do next, or how they were able to predict and react so quickly to everything. It was wild and unexpected--all of it.     Their footwork and movements seemed almost like a dance, too; fluid, and engaging. Like a secret language that Kota simply didn't know how to speak, and when the light-haired man gave his proverb-like lesson, Kota merely squinted as he struggled to decide what to pay more attention to--the words being spoken, or their actions. Muramasa said something, too, a kind of lesson about how wits and quick-thinking was still the most important part of a fight. Or something like that. It was what Kota got out of the lecture, at least.     And wits and quick-thinking was, in his mind, a skill he was pretty good at, already.     So even if he didn't like the idea of swordfighting, he was probably already pretty set for a fight. And his experience backed up that train of thought, too--he'd certainly gotten into a scuffle or two in the past, and he hadn't been killed yet.     He gave a loud sigh of exasperation when Muramasa turned his attention back to him, finally, announcing that they'd have to fight like that, often. And, not arguing with his words, the boy flopped over onto the ground--falling to his side and huffing. I don't wanna. Still, even if he didn't argue with his mouth, his frown was apparent.     No, he was not looking forward to all that at all.     "I'm a pre'y good 'unter, too," Kota answered in response to Io's commentary on food. Rolling over onto his back, the young boy looked up at the canopy of leaves above. "So together, we'll prolly never go 'ungry." No, he didn't want Muramasa to do all of the work... even if he'd never turn down food, he still wanted to prove his usefulness, too. In what ways he could.

✜