Sweeping Stroke

The Sweeping Stroke (払い, Harai) is an advanced technique that is often used to initiate a conflict. Derived from teachings of, the technique boasts great speed, making up for its shortcomings in accuracy. The user clutches the hilt of their sword while it is still sheathed and with a bold acceleration forward, draws the sword. The speed of this draw is then placed in tandem with subsequent changes in direction made by the user which leaves a continuous series of sword afterimages by the opponent, disorienting their vision and thus enabling for a swift end to a conflict.