Tadakatsu

 "Fight on. Get up, dust yourself on and reset. So what you got hit? So what you got knocked down, push off the mountain and stepped on. That doesn't matter. What matters is that you stand up again and keep on going. Keep on fighting and show fate, show the heavens that the trust they put in you, to carry the burden, was the right choice! Come now, lets prove the world wrong once and for all!"

Tadakatsu (直喝), is an ANBU captain and the second in command to the Fifth Tsuchikage (五代目土影, Godaime Tsuchikage). Born Yurusora Oda (小田揺る空, Oda Yurusora), he was once young shinobi raised in Iwagakure, often belittled by his allies and fellows students for his lack of visible talent. Only his desire to become a shinobi of legend, inspired by tales of the heroic Might Guy and his apocalyptic battle, drove him throughout the endless days of failure. However, his lack of inherit abilities and influential societal standings were substantial obstacles to his goal. Although his teachers often praised the boys brilliance, his boundless imagination made it impossible for Yurusora to actually follow proper authority. But nonetheless, his family believed wholeheartedly in the righteousness in his heart and the power of his spirit. He possessed a certain positivity and strength which allowed him to overcome those hindrances and excel through his days in the academy. Rather than follow the steps of his fellow classmates, Yurusora developed his own style of fighting involving the mastery of two techniques which circulated one concept. And after meeting his famed teacher, Masanori Fukushima, he was taught a style of fighting unprecedented in the five countries. He underwent relentless training, utilizing the mountainous region of Iwagakure as a personal gymnasium, in order to sculpt his body into something beyond human. After several years of relentless training beneath Fukushima, during which Iwagakure thought he died, Tadakatsu managed to succeed expectations after returning

Two years after returning to Iwagakure and undergoing the necessary processes to ensure validity in his story, Tadakatsu became the head of the Iwagakure ANBU organization. Despite his optimistic view and powerful spirit his newfound abilities and perspective towards life proved essential. Shizuka stated that the ANBU were no longer a simple sword meant to murder. Instead, by instilling one such as Tadakatsu as its head, she can assure that they would never fall victim to the manipulations of other Elders and unseen forces. Rather, the ANBU would become a force which followed a particular mandate. Something which Tadakatsu instilled during his first year as the ANBU captain. He rebuilt the organization on the foundation that the world does not operate in simple black and white. Rather it is a grey area where one must utilize their heart in conjunction with their brain to find a balance between emotion and logic. While the right thing to do during an outbreak would be to annihilate an entire town, Tadakatsu explained that simply quarantining the area while working to solve the epidemic would also suffice. And although it would require extra work, it is that extra work and human perseverance which defines one’s abilities. This dedication towards what was right as opposed to authority turned the ANBU into a force meant for the protection of Iwagakure.

Overall, Tadakatsu has established quite the name for himself upon the battlefield. His brilliance during combat and ability to fight until his last breath has earned him the title Hands of Stone (手の石塊,Te no Sekkai). He is capable of utilizing his devastating fighting style in order to complete his assassination in silence.

Background
Yurusora Oda was born to a normal, mediocre shinobi family on the outskirts of Iwagakure. A family without anything special, they valued the idea that they would eventually produce a child of talent. And although the Oda family went their different directions, Yurusora’s powerful spirit and ability to learn proved strong enough to promise him a valiant future. His school days were horrific to say the least. His mediocrity a plague in the world of gifted individuals, he was often overlooked by those who could perform miracles at a young age. But the idea of the world leaving him to fail only served as fuel for him to excel. For he managed to pass through his academy with decent enough grades. It wasn’t until Yurusora Oda was a Genin that he peaked into a potential shinobi candidate. Although capable of performing academy level techniques without hindrance, he lacked any particular talent. And such was often looked as a pawn level shinobi meant to perform menial task to continue the prosperity of the village.

During a technique demonstration where students were shown popular jutsu of Iwagakure, Yurusora Oda noticed two jutsu which stood out in his interest. Two techniques which would allow one to manipulate the weight of things. While other students desired the power to manipulate the earth itself, Yurusora noticed the potential of the jutsu. He begged his sensei and was eventually given two scrolls, each with particular details on each. Eventually he managed to successfully perform both techniques. However, he found that, besides the ability to leap over long distances or fly, these techniques were effectively useless without imagination. And so, Yurusora had to develop new ways to combine them. Unfortunately, Yurusora was considered a subpar shinobi candidate in favor of other more popular students. It was during this time he learned of the legendary Might Guy and aspired to reach his level. Something he believed was possible for all underdogs. Might Guy had become something of a spiritual guide, one who yearned to meet before his passing. Still, Yorusora could only daydream of succeeding. This constant daydreaming lead to his superiors calling him Tadakatsu, due to the constant yelling he underwent for losing focus.

It was only when Yurusora managed to become a Chuunin when his life changed. Yurusora had decided that his life was unfulfilling. He desired more and hated the path upon which he was forced to walk by fate. Shinobi born of fame were given tools to succeed. And those who worked hard could only dream of reaching their status. Even the legendary Might Guy, who he admired above all else. He began training his body, hoping that he could develop some form of power to help achieve his goal. During a training session in the mountains of the Land of Stone, he stumbled into a valley where an old demon lived. This old demon was a legendary Taijutsu user who had gone missing a decade before. After fighting in the massive war which split the earth, this man took his family and moved to the hidden town of Honda Village located in a hidden valley of the Land of Stone. Yurusora had fallen into the valley and managed to survive only thanks to his weight manipulating technique. Still, he had managed to wound himself enough to require immediate attention. Yurusora would have died if not for Masanori Fukushima, who nursed him back to health and took the young Oda to his small town nearby. After hearing that Yurusora was a shinobi, Fukushima asked for Yurusora’s reasoning for becoming strong. Feeling the strength and spirit within the quiet Oda child, Fukushima offered to take Yurusora beneath his wing. For four years, the child vanished from Iwagakure’s sensors. His family had already split apart and there were none who truly cared for his vanishment.

Four years of brutal training. Day in and day out. Yurusora was pushed through the toughest regime. His body pushed to near death on numerous occasions. Four years of nonstop combat drilling and sharpening his shinobi senses. He was given a cloak and mask and sent on missions against bandits and vagabonds, Fukushima utilizing these normally A Rank missions to teach Yurusora the beauty of battle. He gave Yurusora experience that most young Shinobi would experience as adults. And thus, alongside positive energy, Yurusora was sharpened into a powerful tool. Fukushima stated that everyone was born with a talent. And that Yurusora’s talent was not some singular power, but his ability to learn and understand. Allowing him to excel in his training and achieve rapid results and essentially learn a completely new martial arts form. One night Yurusora and Fukushima were talking over dinner where he revealed how he survived the fall. Fukushima decided that it had been fate that he fell from such a height, for the fighting style which Fukushima had imparted into Yurusora could potentially receive a boost from his previously thought useless techniques. And such, Fukushima spent his final years with Yurusora teaching the young boy how to amplify his fighting style with his techniques as well as teaching him the open-mindedness of battle. After four grueling years of training, Yurusora left a completely different man. A warrior who enjoyed combat and adversity.

He returned to Iwagakure and was immediately arrested on suspicions of being an imposter. Guards had thought that Yurusora had died on duty four years prior. They imprisoned him and put the reborn shinobi through a series of Genjutsu meant to detect falsehoods and memory alterations. After succeeding to prove his identity, he showed his previous superiors what had occurred during those years. Upon which, they realized he had spent this time training to become a better asset to the village. He was given a test mission to see his potential use. And after returning with exceptional results, Yurusora was assigned as an ANBU. During a nightly visit, Yurusora realized that his family had split apart with several members passing on. Taking on a new identity, he disowned his name and took on his alias. His superiors did the favor of assisting with changing documents under the idea that by officially killing Yurusora, Tadakatsu would become an ANBU impossible to track. Without ties. Without obligations. Tadakatsu was a completely new existence.

Several years past and Tadakatsu completed over a hundred missions, each with successful results. This new found power and identity helped spread rumors of his might across different countries. The Oni, Tadakatsu. A man of a completely martial form and a mastery of a strange power which allowed him to fly throughout the skies, untethered by earth. He mastered his signature techniques to levels which allowed him to create several legends around his existence. It is shown that Tadakatsu still heads to the Fukushima residence during his freetime.

Personality
Oda Yurusora was once a child who valued fairness and happiness above all else. He was ill-prepared to deal with the world for he suspected that the scales would always be even. However, he eventually learned that the world was for those who chased their desires. Only then could one hope to achieve anything. He grew to love the world for the idea that had work would always defeat talent. And rather than inherit anything, he chose to embrace his simplicity. He loved the underdog. While men and women worshiped Naruto and Sasuke for their part in saving the world, Yurusora idolized Might Guy. For he was the only normal human capable of standing against a man who stood equal to a God. And thus showed that everyone possessed the chance to excel in life. As an adult, Tadakatsu took this ideal and made it one which became the source of his hatred of complaints. Tadakatsu accepts the task at hand and will complete it using nothing but his pure, raw, abilities. He chooses to work using the abilities he earned from hard work and perseverance. He enjoys accomplishments and success, overthinking his failures and weaknesses. However, Tadakatsu retained the happiness he exhibited as a child.

Tadakatsu follows the Will of Stone passionately. He believes that the importance of an object or philosophy and even a person varies. Not on the value or amount, but instead on the connection to the person. He uses the idea of rare metals as currency, stating that diamond and gold serves different purposes to different people. He has built the ANBU off of this ideal, stating that shinobi fight for different reasons. Whether it is to secure their following generations or for power and fame, each individual purpose is a stone in the fountain. It is up to the person to chose which is important and use it to guide them for the betterment of the village. There is also a darker meaning which states that the lives of people are indistinguishable. Regardless of individuality, there are instances where Tadakatsu acts in a cold manner. Although he is against sacrifices and pawns, should one volunteer to stand in the line of fire, then he will allow them and honor their choice. However, he is against wasting human life and believes that everyone has an importance to the world.

He is rarely seen aggravated or upset and would annoy his allies with positivity as opposed to succumb to failure. Even in dire situations, Tadakatsu is seen with a smile for he was trained that victory begins in one’s mind. Every hole has a way out and every cave an exit. And such he only needs to fight onwards in order to located it. Although this often annoys those beneath him, veteran shinobi often note that his determination and spirit far surpasses anyone in the village. And that the immense stubbornness is a result of an indomitable will. Tadakatsu’s willpower has even resisted the mental interference of lesser techniques. Some state is not far from committing suicide should it mean protecting something that he values above all else. However, Tadakatsu states that this is often an act. That he experiences fear and anger just as the normal person would. But instead, chooses to let it go rather than act on it. He believes that fate is a force meant to fight. A beast which loves to see those fight against it. And by smiling, he is showing the heavens above that he can handle whatever they throw at him.

Tadakatsu loves battle. He loves to fight and often places himself in situation where he is able to stand against a strong opponent. Unfortunately, his status as an ANBU captain makes it troublesome for him to actually enjoy combat. For his missions often involve assassinations and reconnaissance. Still, he refrains from performing dishonorable actions against those who he deem as honorable. When killing a well-respected official who was accused of treason, Tadakatsu abandoned the initial plan of blowing up his tower. And instead appeared in his quarters to question the suspect himself. Afterwards, choosing to kill him after a short squirmish out of the respect of his previous honorable actions. Still, Tadakatsu is not above looking for opponents to spar against during his off days. During situations where a worthy opponent appears, Tadakatsu has told his allies and teammates to go on while he deals with the situation at hand. It isn’t a sense of arrogance but rather a complete belief in his desire to overcome any obstacle.

Tadakatsu is known for his calm demeanor in situations of extreme stress. Instead of panicking, Tadakatsu focuses on the task at hand. Processing information and formulating plans based on perceived events. He constantly alters his plans and is considered one of a flexible mindset. Even when the situation seems hopeless, Tadakatsu continues to fight onward and go through different outcomes. For he believes that if the time comes for him to taste defeat, he could die peacefully knowing he tried all of his options. When performing missions alongside his allies, Tadakatsu’s calm demeanor is often considered the foundation for the team’s success. He continues to believe in the power of Iwagakure shinobi, stating that the mountain does not crumble completely even if several boulders fall off.

Still, despite his calmness, he is extremely brash and quick to act. He speaks his mind and is not above cursing out his opponents when angered. Around friends, Tadakatsu has been shown to be bluntly honest but extremely playful. Sometimes pissing off those closest to him, Tadakatsu still exhibits a sense of loyalty and love which is undeniable. For those he care about, Tadakatsu would hold the world on his shoulders. Those who invoke his wrath are often faced with a monster which never bows its head.

He views his duty not for the love of Iwagakure, but for the idea that his position guarantees him the chance to become stronger. In front of his men and those who serve beside him, Tadakatsu fights for the honesty and power of his village. But those who truly peer deep into his heart understands that his reason for being is actually more selfish. It is for the enjoyment of his life and goals. He simply serves Iwagakure out of sense of familiarity. Tadakatsu is not above protecting civilians of lands should the situation occur. He warns his men from harming those not directly involved in the political tensions of different countries. For Tadakatsu would never want to see innocent Iwagakure suffer from the greed and evil seeds within the village’s leaders. Still Tadakatsu loves Iwagakure and states that it was where his spirit was hardened. A proud citizen of Iwagakure, Tadakatsu differentiates his duties from his heart. While a man who served Iwagkure could potentially betray the Tsuchikage under the orders of the Daimyō, Tadakatsu would never for it directly conflicts his own personal values. It is the belief in one’s values as opposed to the values of another that Tadakatsu instills within his men. He urges them to do what is right for the overall goal as opposed to blindly following orders.

Tadakatsu is afraid of bugs and ultimate will often consider retreat when faced with the threat of an Aburame shinobi.

Abilities
Despite his plain upbringing and seemingly history of mediocrity, Tadakatsu is considered a ninja of considerable spirit. His ability to learn and adapt shown through continuous battles where his opponents attempt to implement different strategies. Rather than become well-versed in numerous subjects, Tadakatsu believes that one should master a field to the utmost limit. It was this mastery that allowed his hero, Might Guy, to successfully defeat Madara Uchiha in hand to hand combat. And such, he shows the ability to excel his craft to unforeseen levels and break boundaries. As one from the Land of Earth would believe, Tadakatsu understands that when a warrior finally rises atop a mountain, there are thousands more to conquer. And such, he states that there exist not a pinnacle for his abilities. Furthermore, this desire to break the boundary of his arsenal is only amplified by his fighting spirit. His love of combat and physical achievements. A child once hindered by an illness he inherited, Tadakatsu states that it has become his desire to prove fate wrong.

Tadakatsu exhibits the idea that in order for on to truly reach the pinnacle of potential, they should focus on the internal realms. His teachings follow two important philosophies which guide his combat prowess. The idea that there is no boundary between the mind and the body as well as the focus on utilizing one’s breath in battle. The initial concept follows the theory that the mind and soul are not simply inhabiting the body but rather indistinguishable. Even with the invention of soul stealing techniques, one could say that the soul and therefore the mind, are an important part of one’s being. This is seen in the art of training where one can establish the mind-muscle connection and optimize results. And such, through constant concentration and meditation, Tadakatsu has reached a state where he is in control of his body. He can operate under intense pressure and stand against opponents thrice as fast without missing hesitation. Without the mastery of one’s mind, strength and speed will only lead to sloppiness and failure. The importance of breath in battle is often overlooked in modern combat. Everything, from the smallest cell to the largest mammal, possesses a breath. And through mastering one’s breath, they are capable of amplifying their abilities. And such, Tadakatsu is able to increase the speed of his physical actions by adding an explosive exhale. His breathing follows the rhythm of the battle, allowing him to exhale during his offense and defensive and recuperate in a single inhale.

Physical Prowess
Tadakatsu’s physical prowess is the primary focus of his combat abilities. As opposed to monsters who build themselves to develop monstrous muscles which allow them throw mountains, Tadakatsu was trained to focus on the usage of a lean, compact build. His form of muscle building as opposed to endless training proves to have a 58% increase in terms of physical output than those who build muscles atop one another. This is due to his body performing in an athletic, natural form. It focuses on the idea that one should exist at a natural weight where one’s body can sustain itself for continuous activity. Increasing in size only forces one to tire themselves out at an accelerated rate for muscle requires massive amounts of oxygen to perform. Simply put, Tadakatsu is a master of his own bodyweight. He can manipulate his body in ways which grants him extreme maneuverability, dexterity and accuracy. Only hindered by his lackluster eyesight, he can control himself with exceptional balance and control. Still the focus on developing a compact body has not took the focus from his overall physical abilities. Although he is far from breaking down impregnable defenses and smashing through boulders, he is naturally able to lift large objects and exert enough force to demolish the opponent’s body. He has punched down trees and kicked through rock when angered. Unfortunately, he lacks the raw strength to catch the attacks of those who are strength oriented. Instead, choosing to maneuver through openings to strike. The idea that it does not take the power of a house to render an opponent unconscious. Overkill is wasted effort and energy. Everything follows the law of efficiency.

Tadakatsu’s main focus in terms of physical prowess is the usage of speed. He is considered one of the more faster shinobi of the strength-oriented Iwagakure. As a captain of the ANBU, he can dispatch numerous enemies before a rock skips across a lake. He would often test this phrase during his training sessions, ordering his friends to skip a rock before they begin sparring. He is capable of disappearing from sight and losing his opponent’s though raw speed. Tadakatsu uses explosive movements boosted by his breathing technique to boost his maneuvers. Thus he focused upon getting from point A to point B, so on and so forth, in quick rapid burst. Tadakatsu is able to combine his speed with his dexterity and agility to maneuver through complex formations and enter difficult positions. Although he lacks extreme flexibility, he is one who keeps his body completely loose and relaxed, only tightening to deliver the force of his body weight in power during his strikes. When an opponent strikes utilizing the muscles in their arms and legs, they are tensing their muscles and releasing force. The process taking significant time, enough to lose against an opponent who is capable of completely controlling their body. Instead, Tadakatsu detracts from his overall physical force to focus on building a body capable of utilizing speed. His fighting style is one that utilizes the excess time it takes for an opponent to strike and make it an advantage in his favor by striking first. By developing his legs and core, his fighting style becomes a grounded stance that utilizes the gravity of the earth to generate speed. The torque in his movement throws his fist in a manner to a whip snapping and retracts it just as fast. Thus delivering the force of his body behind his strike. The methodology of his taijutsu follows the concept that speed kills. He maneuvers through his opponent’s barrage to create an opening, moving only the length of a hair away from an attack to create an opening. Using impressive reflexes and instincts so that the body moves without thought. Far beyond his strength and only equal to his enhanced speed, is his insane durability. The usage and focus of compact muscle grants him an organic armor.

Chakra Prowess
Comparable to others of legendary statuses within his village and those who also serve the Tsuchikage directly, Tadakatsu’s chakra reserves are slightly above average. They are nothing to truly gawk at and often cause enemies to overlook him on the battlefield. Only when one recognizes his individual signature do they actually advise retreat. Rather than have obscene amounts of chakra, Tadakatsu’s reserves are considered of extremely refined quality. Since Chakra is created when one’s Physical Energy and Spiritual Energy are fused together, his focus on martial arts and the mastery of his own mind has allowed him to develop chakra of impressive quality. Through his Taijutsu focus lifestyle and constant training, his body’s physical conditioning and endurance allows his body to produce potent physical energy. Alternatively, the focus of meditation instilled ot him by his teacher has given him noticeable spiritual energy. Inducing techniques onto himself and utilizing it to increase his own abilities allows him to perform it with enhanced efficiency. Unfortunately, Tadakatsu has reached the maximum amonut of chakra his body could generate through training. He is at the utmost limitations of his genetic boundary. When asked about this plateau, he stated that it is more important for one to have quality as opposed to quantity, as wasted chakra does nothing for a shinobi. Rather than endlessly feed chakra into a technique in hopes of obliterating an opponent, he would rather use the optimal amount for the technique to work efficiently against an enemy. This is a concept he gained from his own combat style which focuses on committing to an attack without overcommitting or telegraphing. The pooling of chakra into a technique serves as an extremely vibrant signal to those capable of sensing energy while detracting from the actual speed of his attack. It is akin to a warrior who continuously trains his muscles to gain massive physical output at the cost of stamina and speed.

Tadakatsu’s understanding of chakra is considered impressive for his humble beginnings, something he owes to his teacher. His focus on mastering several techniques as opposed to compiling an arsenal of average jutsu has allowed him several benefits unachievable to those who desire to perform the latter. Firstly, he is capable of activating techniques through the usage of chakra flow by only using the amount of chakra needed to perform the technique efficiently. By formulating a bridge between chakra circulation and the importance of ratios in an individual technique, he is able to activate it without the necessity of hand seals. Several of earth release techniques works in a manner similar to the Raikage’s famed Lightning Release Chakra Mode jutsu. When casting jutsu upon himself, he is able to do so almost instantaneously in a manner which appears to appear completely mental. Doing so without the requirement of hand seals allows him to amalgamate the effects with his own individual taijutsu style. Unfortunately, this method of combat is only achieved due to his focus on Taijutsu and meditation. And thus, he cannot perform external techniques without the usage of hand seals. He states that inducing a technique upon himself is similar to breathing. For the chakra pathway system is similar in numerous ways to the cardiovascular system. After mastering his breath, he was able to understand how utilizing chakra followed similar principles. But as one cannot control the breath of the external world, he requires hand seals to utilize his chakra outwardly.

Taijutsu
Tadakatsu is a natural fighter. His fighting style, a unique martial art taught to him by the legendary Masanori Fukushima, focuses upon punches enhanced by torque produced by speed. Essentially it is a form which rarely relies on actual physical strength and thus practitioners are taught to utilize bodyweight exercise as opposed to weighted. The power of his strikes are influenced by the relationship between the momentum of his body and the gravity pressing upon it. Each strike draws its power from the ground, that is the force upon which is body is able to resist. It transforms into a swift and powerful rotation of his hips, which generates a power that flows through his hips, through his abdominals, chest, shoulders, and finally released through a snapping motion of his fist. Tadakatsu compares his combat foundation to a lion tamer utilizing a whip. Where as the energy forms at the base of the whip and travels to the tip, surpassing the speed of sound and releasing devastating force relative to its size. Although his fighting style is a grounded form, he is extremely agile and states that speed surpasses power. His offensive strategy is one that focuses on rotational force. The idea of a grounded form relies on resistance as opposed to the actual ground. Additionally, Tadakatsu describes his attacks as actions for “speed” and actions for “power”. This is achieved through a stance where his right arm is located behind his left, with his right thumb touching his chin, as his body is kept in a somewhat diagonal direction with his left shoulder and arm closer to his enemy. However, he is able to switch the purpose of his arms accordingly. The focus on speed allows for a reliance on various maneuvers which range from feints to soft strikes meant to draw specific responses from his opponents. As opposed to individual strikes, Tadakatsu’s fighting style centers around the entire combination. Each combination of punches has a specific purpose, with the individual strikes serving as the pillars of the entire structure. Thus, breaking down his offensive approach requires one to actually deduce each punch separately - an extremely difficult task considering the speed upon which he maneuvers. The combination of angular combat increases the efficiency of his strikes. Tadakatsu’s fighting style form uses four punches which are the straight left, straight right, hook and uppercut. Each hit possesses a particular purpose but can deliver devastating damage when used in different combinations

Tadakatsu states that he moves without thought. He is considered a pure fighter whose striking speed has allowed him to dispatch numerous villains without telegraphing. He attributed this feat to a philosophy instilled within his spirit called ‘’’Without Intention’’’. The explosiveness of his attacks stem from his ability to strike without thought. He compares it to Iaido, where the swordsman strikes from the preliminary stance and resheathes. His attacks are launched from his body without “build up” or loading his muscles prior. As opposed to a brawler who tenses his muscles or maneuver into a particular pose before attacking, Tadakatsu strikes from his base stance. It is a relaxed form which allows him to maneuver his entire body without hesitation or resistance. Movements are simply for angulation or taking advantage of a particular opening. But each particular strike explodes from his body in an instantaneous motion. A popular method of hiding intention is layering his strikes through different combinations. A seemingly powerful strike can catch an adversaries focus long enough for him to unleash a more subtle yet deadly attack. He also moves to a variety of dances. Tadakatsu believes that reality is nothing but different frequencies interacting with one another. And such, the three worlds follow the ultimate rule that is vibration and rhythm. Even battles among gods are bound by the importance of rhythm, and such, fighters are often taught to acquire and follow the pacing of battle. However, Tadakatsu indulged into what would occur should one abandon the rule of rhythm. While he utilizes a plethora of combinations which follow the pacing of a battle, he is able to disrupt his opponent by manipulating or even destroying the rhythm of battle.

Tadakatsu’s main form of defense is through the art of bobbing, weaving and slipping through his opponent’s offensive. Defensively, Tadakatsu focuses on the power and maneuverability of his hips as opposed to his upper body. The young fighter stated that swordsman who utilized their swords for defense were unable to strike. They were forced to counter in a 1-2 motion. And thus, the spacing between the first and second option would allow one quick enough to either evade or counter said counter. Opposingly, warriors who utilized agility for defense could remove the vacuum between the first and second motion. Allowing them to both defend and attack at the same time by melting into offense from a defense. Removing the wall which separates the defensive action from the offensive. For example, slipping past a punch with one’s left leg out which begins the action of the following counter punch. Tadakatsu uses his legs to shift his body across both the vertical and horizontal line before sinking slightly at the knees. This method works against physical attacks and weapons, avoiding both wide arcing slashes and deadly thrust. The amount of time required for the opponent to recover from a missed attack is often more than double the time required for Tadakatsu to retort with his own strike.

Ninjutsu
As opposed to shinobi who accumulate thousands of jutsu and become a walking army, Tadakatsu instead focuses upon the mastery of several in order to elevate them beyond their previously conceived boundaries. He is considered a master of two techniques famous in Iwagakure and has found ways to incorporate them into his physical combat prowess. This usage of technique also works efficiently considering the amount of chakra Tadakatsu possesses. A man who already reached the boundary of his reservoir, he can no longer grow in terms of chakra capacity. However, effectively using his high quality chakra by creating the perfect amount of energy for his technique allows him to comprehend their advantages and disadvantages while pushing their limitations further. Unlike other shinobi who wield numerous natures, Tadakatsu is only capable of utilizing Earth Release chakra which also serves as his affinity.

Nature Transformations
Tadakatsu is considered the unrivaled master of two techniques which govern one concept of manipulating the gravity of an object. Thus for his nickname, Tadakatsu of the Weighted Scales, he has excelled in the usage of two techniques, one which increases weight and the other which decreases weight as well as their improved counterparts. He discovered this technique from a scroll and spent half a decade mastering them during his time as a student. Thus leading to his current state where Tadakatsu is only capable of performing these four techniques perfectly. Although often lauded as a mistake, Tadakatsu showed why speciality and focus were the cornerstone of civilization. He is capable of increasing and decreasing the weight of surrounding objects to create makeshift weapons. Such as lifting a house over an opponent and dropping it upon them. By inducing chakra flow, he is able to remotely activate and deactivate the techniques with a hand seals. Tadakatsu is known for threatening to slam people from thousands of feet in the air by activating the technique. And such, opponents often warn not to allow him to obtain physical contact.

However, Tadakatsu is famous for inducing these techniques upon himself to achieve numerous different feats. He has leapt over the entirety of Iwagakure in one bound, flown and floated to the bottom of a valley after slipping. Simply put, Tadakatsu states that he is no longer restricted by gravity and has the ability to inflict this same benefit upon the external world. But this mastery over a single concept shines the most when used in the conjunction of his martial art. While other martial artist prioritize strength, Tadakatsu instead utilizes speed to gain an opening. This is due to his ability to increase the weight and momentum of his strikes in a split second. Where his body tightens to deliver the force of a punch, he increases the weight of his body downward in order to exponentially enhance the torque. Thus, while his punches are fast enough to confuse those with gifted eyes, they retain the power of a mountain. Besides the obvious benefit of controlling one’s physical output without detracting speed, it is also difficult for an opponent to know when the power will come. Tadakatsu is known for detracting his weight to increase his speed in order to deliver rapid flurries of strikes meant to cause minor damage and increasing the weight for a groundbreaking strike sometime through the combination. And such he is forcing his opponent to constantly think, detracting their ability to let their guard down.

Defensively and supportively, Tadakatsu has developed thousands upon thousands of imaginative ways to utilize this unique defiance of gravity. Tadakatsu has displayed extensive focus upon this technique, making it appear almost a subconscious ability. He can limit the effect to certain parts of his body or particular areas around him. By adding the weight behind him, he is able to perform his legendary Zero-Inch Punch, a strike which is said to have been able to break through a gigantic boulder without actual movement. Against opponents who mastered other forms of Nature Transformation and jutsu, he is able to inflict these statuses against chakra based structures as well. Tadakatsu states that as long as gravity has a hold upon it, his technique is capable of influencing it. Tadakatsu is known for using this technique to subdue enemies without actually killing them, forcing them to fall by their own weight. He won his match in the Chuunin exams by increasing the weight of a few pebble which he threw above his opponent’s head. Causing it to rain down with extensive force.

Alternatively, Tadakatsu is able to use Earth Release: Earth Spear to exponentially increase both his durability and raw strength. Combining it with his manipulation of weight, he can further increase the power of his punches without detracting speed and agility.

Bukijutsu
Unfortunately, Tadakatsu is only dangerous when in situations which allow for close-ranged and mid-range combat. Against opponents capable of inflicting damage from a distance, he is known for utilizing weaponry to set up traps. He is a master of knives and bladed projectiles. He carries several scrolls with pre-packed tool packs for situations he suspect will occur. It is not above him to perform reconnaissance against the enemy for information on particular weaknesses. With the resurgence of doujutsu users, Tadakatsu has developed a taste for weapons meant to obscure the vision through bright light.

Trivia
Quotes References
 * Tadakatsu draws inspiration from Tadakatsu Honda, a famous samurai known for his fearlessness and undefeated record. Alternatively, his birth name is a play on Oda Nobunaga and actually translates to "To Shake the Heavens". Chosen for his powerful striking style and rambunctious personality, he is meant to idealize the authors own spirit. His name also utilizes the Kanji for Katsu (喝). And although it can translate to scolding, it was taken from the usage of Deidara who utilized it as a battle cry.
 * According to the databook(s):
 * Tadakatsu's hobbies are fighting and eating.
 * Tadakatsu wished to have fought Might Guy, wishes to fight Shizuka and Son Goku.
 * Tadakatsu's favorite foods are curry chicken over white. His least favorite is Miso Soup
 * Tadakatsu has completed...
 * Tadakatsu's favorite phrase is "Fall down seven times, get up eight." (七転び八起き, Nana korobi ya oki)