Under Master Hiroshi's guidance, Caliban immersed himself in the art of laido. The discipline and precision required for this swordsmanship style resonated with his samurai spirit. Every day, from the early hours of dawn until dusk, Caliban devoted himself to the rigorous training regimen. The training started with the basics—a focus on posture, footwork, and the art of drawing the sword. Caliban honed his form, striving for perfection in each movement. His muscles strained, but his resolve remained unyielding. He understood that mastery required both physical and mental strength.
As weeks turned into months, Caliban's progress became evident. His strikes grew swifter and more precise, his footwork agile and fluid. Master Hiroshi marveled at his student's natural talent and relentless dedication. He saw in Caliban the potential to become a true master of the laido. One fateful day, after months of intense training, Master Hiroshi introduced Caliban to a secret technique known as the Reincarnation Draw. It was a technique whispered only among the highest ranks of laido practitioners—a move that tapped into the essence of past warriors and channeled their spirit into a single stroke.
With great anticipation, Caliban listened as Master Hiroshi explained the intricacies of the Reincarnation Draw. He learned that it required not only physical skill but also a deep connection with one's own spirit and the spirits of those who came before. It was a technique that required focus, clarity, and unwavering resolve. Under Master Hiroshi's watchful eye, Caliban began to practice the Reincarnation Draw. With each attempt, he sought to merge his own essence with that of the ancient warriors who had walked this path before him. His sword became an extension of his very being, and he could feel the power of the technique coursing through his veins.
Days turned into nights as Caliban tirelessly refined his technique. He delved into the depths of his own spirit, seeking to channel the wisdom and strength of the warriors who had come before him. With each stroke, he felt their presence, their guidance flowing through him. And then, one fateful evening, as the moon hung high in the sky, Caliban stood in the dojo, ready to showcase his mastery of the Reincarnation Draw. The air crackled with anticipation as Master Hiroshi and his fellow disciples watched in awe. With a single breath, Caliban drew his sword, his movements a symphony of precision and grace. Time seemed to stand still as his blade sliced through the air, leaving a trail of energy in its wake. The sheer power and elegance of the technique were mesmerizing.
As the final stroke landed, the dojo erupted in applause. Master Hiroshi's eyes twinkled with pride, a smile gracing his aged face. Caliban had surpassed all expectations, proving himself to be a true master of the Reincarnation Draw. In that moment, Caliban realized the depth of his growth. He had transformed from a skilled swordsman to a true warrior—one who could channel the spirits of the past and harness their power. But he knew that his journey was far from over. The Reincarnation Draw was just the beginning—a stepping stone toward greater heights.
As he sheathed his sword, Caliban's heart swelled with gratitude for the guidance and teachings he had received. He thanked Master Hiroshi for his wisdom and mentorship, vowing to carry on the legacy of the laido with honor and integrity. With newfound confidence and a heart filled with determination, Caliban stepped out of the dojo, ready to face the challenges that awaited him. The path of the laido was an endless journey, one that demanded constant growth and self-reflection. But Caliban was prepared to walk that path, his spirit forever intertwined with the ancient warriors who had paved the way before him.
And so, with the moon as his witness, Caliban set forth, his sword gleaming in the moonlight, his spirit ablaze with the fiery passion of a true warrior.
The tale of his training at the laido dojo in Tea Country had come to an end, but the story of his journey was far from over.
Technique Trained (2k Words)Show
Ougi:*[Iaido Ougi • Reincarnation Draw]
S-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite(s): 39 Speed, Must be trained at the Tea Country Dojo or learned from someone who has trained it, 10 Iaido Kenjutsu techniques.
The ultimate Iaido technique requires speed that outright shatters human limitations and transcends to near god-hood. By momentarily torquing every single muscle in their body for a split second, the practitioner builds up an immense amount of force. They then release this force, dashing instantly to the opponent's location (up to a number of meters away equal to 4/5 the practitioner's Speed score, rounded down) and delivering a slash so fast that properly reading this attack requires the opponent to have a sight-based or sound-based Perception technique of equal or higher rank than this technique. Otherwise, the opponent will be completely unable to register the attack even happening or making contact. The dash itself is made with such explosive speed that it creates a massive 360-degree shockwave that follows the user to the end of their dash, pushing away anything from the practitioner within a number of meters equal to 4/5 the practitioner's Speed, rounded down, with a strength equal to 4/5 the practitioner's Strength score, rounded down, serving as a protection against reprisal should they somehow not connect with the attack. This technique cannot subvert obstacles or terrain and requires a relatively clear path to execute. The quasi-teleportation effect of this technique constitutes the use of one of the character's two teleportation uses per thread.