6 Hiko Seijuro - 2

On the other hand, It would not have any different from a real master whether you strike from the front or from the back. In fact, what you believe is the blind spot is just an illusion and probably the most dangerous thus gives the strike the false sense of safety. Sadly Naruto didn't know this thus is about to find out painfully the hard way. He will learn that fighting the coward's way was the worst mistake he ever made because swordsmen would encounter in the most unpredictable and surprising way possible. It is another reason why swordsmen were taught to look into the opponent's eyes at all times.

Ninjas believed they rule the shadows, but to a samurai, they were in fact as clear as day thus they were no match for them. They may use the darkness to their advantage and dark clothing to conceal themselves but they can not hide their own life energy thus no matter how silent they go a samurai will always know where they are. A well-trained samurai had also their sixth sense as aid, making it nearly impossible for ninjas to ambush them.

However, as times change and village and ninja villages rise they begin to dominate most of the elemental nations. Whereas for the samurais, they too had their own wars especially one where Kenshin earned his title "The Battosai". Since then the samurai still could not recover from that event, many famous schools disappear because there weren't many to continue their legacy. Also by tradition, one master can only pass along their art to one pupil hence many schools were on the decline.

Unfortunately, Naruto was not taught the ways of swordsmanship thus was surprised when the butt end of the grip suddenly appeared from his neckdown hitting him right at his larynx. Luckily he was only struck by the butt end of the sword and not the blade itself, but it was enough to stun him as he was struggling to breathe as he rolls to a safe distance. Normally such a move would have a higher impact if struck in the skull or ribs because it will permanently kill or cripple your opponent during the fight. Since this was just a test thus only stunning him it was a warning to Naruto and a message telling him he has yet to impress the Grand Master. From the blond's point of view, he already knew how badly he had messed up.

He had remembered how the Grand Master had praised his hard-earned technique taught nu Seta Sojiro. The Grand Master had admitted that it was more superior than his school's supersonic version. Naruto knew his sensei meant every word and not to one to give acknowledgment this easy. Sadly this means it was not the technique that was at fault, it was the user that was the problem. Naruto was not foolish enough to believe he had a chance against the legendary master but felt shame to his first master if he had let the fight end this way.

Knowing where the problem was, Naruto stooped s few meters in front of the grandmaster. He held his blade horizontally with both hands showing the complete sword as he decides to go all out. "Sukuchi - Full Throttle!" that was all he said. His action caused Seijuro to raise an eyebrow as he stood motionless wanted to see what happens next.

Even to the grandmaster, the final form really impressed him because even he couldn't see the child anymore. In fact, the technique was significantly more powerful with his smaller body as he darts around the whole field using a piece of the field as his stepping stone. It was the perfect technique for the boy his age because he has yet to developed all his muscles, hence the reason he can hop around like a grasshopper. For an adult, it would be more difficult due to both weights gain as well as becoming less flexible. Unfortunately for the boy, Hiko Seijuro may not able to catch him by sight but he can still hear all his landing positions thus being able to predict his trajectories thus knowing which direction he will attack from.

Just as Naruto was ready for an actual attack, the master had already anticipated it. However, right in front of him. At that moment even Seijuro was thoroughly surprised when Naruto Changed course in the last millisecond and he did it right in front of him. At that moment even Seijuro didn't expect that, but he wasn't a grandmaster for nothing as he still managed to parry it. At the same time, Naruto also had the opportunity to strike any vital points because he was beyond the master's blade's defense. Impossibly Seijuro still narrowly avoided it by twisting his hips and blocking his path of attack.

That last-second change of maneuver surprised Naruto, thus he was shocked because he never thought that a sheath can be used this way. The blond had expected cheap tricks would not have worked, hence he used the full power of "Sukushi" making his movement impossible to see. He had expected the master to have some ways to get around that, thus he changed direction in the very last second. Also, he did it under a meter in front of his master it was near impossible for anyone to defend. Just as he was almost successful, he couldn't believe a sheath got in the way.

Seeing how his disciple was in awe of his skill Seijuro smiled and explained to him that everything is allowed when in a sword fight. When samurais broke their blades they may continue with their sheath if they have to. In fact, in "Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu" one of the techniques also uses the scabbard as an attack and it's called "Twin Dragon Flash". Seijuro demonstrated on Naruto as he draws the blade and aimed it at his student making the surprised blond leap back from the sudden attack. He was shocked the sheath was already on his face, had his master connect with the move he could have his skull smashed in.

Normally Seifuro would have just gone through with the attack as he had with Kenshin, after-all it was the best way to learn according to him. However, they already had a match and he also wants the boy to stay awake for the rest of the explanation.

It seems like the match was already over and the Grandmaster had the look of satisfaction. Putting their weapons away Seijuro explained the essence of "Twin Dragon Flash". It was considered a delay technique because the opponent would be focused on the first "Dragon". Additionally, the opponent may be relieved after successfully dodging the fist because they would think they have countered the "Battojutsu" thus leaving them open for the follow-up.

"Twin Dragon Flash" is normally used with a "Battojutsu" opening, thus making others think it was a single attack. Not that the initial "Dragon" was weak, but few exceptional swordsmen could have dodged it. With only a fraction of a second delay, both "Dragons" can be considered almost at the same time.

Seeing that he was confusing his student with the word "Dragon" all the time, the bigger swordsman explains the school of "Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu" techniques are always delivered with a little rage, thus earning the name "Dragon". However, there is more than simply adding a pretty name to the technique. The so-called 'Rage' isn't just some anger or emotional feeling behind it, but it was one of the fundamental powers behind the whole "Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu". To obtain the 'Rage', one must train both furiously and diligently. It isn't something others can do overnight or even copied.

The "Rage of Dragons" can only be obtained by exceeding both human thresholds and limits. thus can sometimes cripple one if not trained properly. Others can try and imitate the moves, but they will never reach the core principles of the style without the rage.

Feeling that he had been talking too much, Seijuro tries to get back on track and talk about the match before. Overall he beloved Naruto had done admirably considering he is still a novice. His strategy and performance near the end were commendable. However, the master went on what the boy did wrong in the beginning and what it means to a swordsman.