Henrex's Massively Needed Update [FINISHED]

GENERAL INFORMATION

» Name Of Character: Henrex Astillon

» Link To Character: Henrex's App

TAIJUTSU

» The Sixteen Fists: What ARE the Sixteen Fists? Well, they are a collection of various techniques that the shinobi have used for well over six centuries. These techniques, as shown by many shinobi during the Edo era of Japan and beyond, have been noted to have one main concept -- Use the entire body as a living, breathing weapon. So, with that said, it should be noted that users of this "style" of martial art are extremely unpredictable, and can often be seen using this kind of style to break through defenses, or, even more so, for surprise attacks to go through defenses. These are considered more advanced maneuvers with the fists, and are not commonly used as such. While two of the following are actually concepts that one should be aware of when using this kind of style, these techniques should not be taken lightly.

• Ken – 拳 – Fist: Ken, translated to "Fist" from the proper kanji, is one of the two "concepts" that are listed within the sixteen fists of the ninja. It is called the base name for all basic strikes in this style, which can also be translated to Strike, or even punch. However, something that is known to get people confused is that Ken can also be translated into "sword". While both can be known to be translated to the other, "fist" is the most common, and is more seen as the correct translation.
  
  
• Boshi – 拇指 – Thumb Finger: Boshiken, translated to "Thumb Finger Fist" is a very subtle technique that most ninja don't find themselves using too often when it comes to open combat. The requirements for doing so are very risky, and can result in him losing a finger or two if he does attempt this on a target that is aware. This move begins by extending the thumb of either hand, and thrusting it at the intended target. It should be noted that this has little to no effect on extremely hard targets like the skull, or spine, as the thumb itself is not forceful enough to cause an extensive amount of damage. But, it has been shown to be able to do a much more amount of damage with quick strikes to much more soft regions, such as the throat, ribs, or even the eyes, if one if fast enough. But, as said before, this skill is something that is not very effective against aware targets, and should mostly be used as a stealth attack. If this is used to hit a pressure point in the neck, the target can succumb and fall unconscious after a single post of this strike being enforced.
  
  
• Fudo – 不動 – Not Moving (Immovable): Fudoken, translated from kanji into "Immovable", "Not Moving", or "Immobile" fist, is also known as the classic fist. Creating the primaries for this technique is so incredibly basic, even a child could do it. Simply curling the finger inward to the palm, and folding the thumb over the back knuckles, the practitioner would then thrust their arm forward, delivering a powerful strike to whatever the target would be. Long ago, ninja would be commonly known to use this, again, against soft targets such as the eyes, ribs, or throat. However, with the world evolving, some practitioners with Advanced or above strength have been seen to be targeting much more solid places, like the skull or sternum. While ninja are not a constant user of their hands, this is by far one of the go-to skills when it comes to the Sixteen Fists.
  
  
• Goshi – 五指 – Five Finger: Goshiken, translated from Japanese, means "Five Finger". This name perfectly compliments what this technique does, and can easily give some major wounds, knock out, or even kill an enemy if properly executed. Bringing the fingers and thumb together to form some sort of striking weapon with the hand, the practitioner would thrust their hand forward in precise ways to inflict damage in very specific locations on the body. The piercing power of this attack has the possibility of causing broken bones, muscle tissue, etc. But, this is usually for those with a Master in Strength. Someone of Advanced Strength could have the possibility depending on their tier, but anything below Adept, or someone with Advanced Strength below 2 tier would simply deal basic damage to solid targets, and a little bit more to the softer targets.
  
  
• Happa – 八葉 – Eight Leaves: Happaken, or happoken, both being translated from kanji to "Eight Leaves Fist", is a fist technique that does not require a special formation of the hand to perform. In fact, it only needs the practitioner to open their hand out, enough so that their palm is able to impact something. However, the most effective way is to cup one's hand into somewhat of a dome shape. By striking sideways with the happaken, usually around the facial region, near the ears. Upon contact, the enemy can usually be found to have a loss of balance, a trembling within the body, and a portion of hearing loss. This fist is by far one of the most dangerous within the entire style, as per the more fearful effects that the attack causes. However, these are not permanent. The effects have been known to fade within the time of two posts, but will increase overtime with continuous hits. A list will be given below.
  
  Effect Chart
  
  One Hit (Minimum) - Two Posts
  Two Hits - Three Posts
  Three Hits (Maximum) - Four Post
  
  Lastly, it should be noted that this technique is heavily based on the Focus stat of the will sheet. For example, if someone were to get hit with this once, and have Adept in Focus, the dizziness and hearing loss would only last half of the time that a single hit would give. For Advanced on two hits? One post. And for Master Focus, with three hits? Two posts.
  
  
• Kikaku – 鬼角 – Demon Horn: This is by far one of the strangest moves in the entire style. Kikaku, translated to "Demon Horn", is a technique that attacks with the part of the body that is mentioned. Beginning this by bending the body over, and bringing the arms close to either the side region, or the chest region, the practitioner would then charge forward, (provided that there is space between them and the opponent) and slam their head forward with all their might, hence the name "Demon Horn". While most people pulling this technique off rarely ever have an actual horn on the top of their head, there have been cases noted with this move about some shinobi using tengu masks (which have at least one horn) to perform this without risking the safety of their cranial area.
  
  Now, the damage of Kikakuken is something that heavily varies. Usually when contact is made into the midsection area, the minimum damage that has been seen is the air knocked out of the body, and a large amount of off-balance. When getting hit anywhere else, the effects could reach the level of rupturing organs, which is usually restricted until one reaches Master level. Going downward on the skill sheet, the damage that is usually sustained by a hit from someone with Advanced level strength is, at maximum, broken bones and possible a ruptured organ. Anything Adept and below usually won't find any sort of extremely damaging effects. Usually, the maximum they could see would be the occasional broken bone, but mostly bruises and torn skin to the point where blood would be visible.
  
  
  • Tsume – 爪 – Claw: If there's one thing that Henrex believed when he first learned the Demon Horn Fist, it was that it was very impractical for someone like him. Using one's head for combat, much less for specialized moves within a style seemed...odd. Even though it perfectly adapted to the core concept of the Fists in general, which was using the entire body as a weapon. But, there was just too much at risk for him when it came to this. So, he made his own custom variant. Named Tsumeken or "Claw Fist", this is in short, a hand version of Demon Horn Fist. Pressing the palms and fingers of the hands together, before driving them forward fingers-first towards either the head, or the midsection. Normally, the damage for this alternate version of Kikakuken is far less than the original, with the maximum damage that an Advanced Strength practitioner would be breaking a bone or so.
  
  
  
• Koppo – 骨法 – Bone System: Within a style, there will eventually be many similarities between certain moves and techniques. Such would be the case in the Koppoken, or Bone System Fist. This fist takes a few aspects of the Boshiken, or Thumb Finger Fist. However, there is one notable difference that the shinobi have noticed as of late; that would be the section of the hand that is used for this strike. Instead of using the thumb, pinkie, or some sort of finger, this strike tends to use the first knuckle. So, this has a tiny bit less range when it comes to actually hitting the target with this, but it does have the same effects as being hit from a Boshiken. A way to think about this would be to consider the Koppoken as somewhat of a "half-fist". So, it should yet again be noted that this strike aims for the softer tissue, or soft areas in general. So, some examples would be the throat, ribs, or the eyes.
  
  
• Shako – 蝦蛄 – Mantis Crab (Claw): Slash, claw, and maim. That is something that can be considered a primal directive when it comes to hand attacks. For this, Shakoken is no different from this statement. Translated from kanji to "Mantis Crab Fist" or "Mantis Claw Fist", this move is fairly simply to prepare the action for. To compare it to anything, imagine that one were to be holding a softball with one hand. That is the shape of the fist for the Shakoken. So, with the practitioner raking their hand and fingers downward, it can be noted that this technique is something that is meant to do damage to the outer skin layer, and possibly cause bleeding for those who have longer fingernails. So, this is something that is not going to be causing some major aftereffects to the internal parts of the body, but it is something that can be used to distract someone, for an example. However, it goes even further than that. This move has also been known to have some nasty effects on open wounds, and can even cause death with a certain amount of pressure, or how deep the hand gets into the wound.
  
  
• Shikan – 指環 – Finger Ring: Yet again, this fist strikes some very similar traits to the two previous fists, Boshiken and Koppoken. Shikanken, translated from proper kanji, loosely translates to "Finger Ring Fist". This fist seems to piggyback off the two previously mentioned strikes in terms of location of striking, and most of what the damage is. But, instead of using the finger, or some sort of digit, this fist once again uses the knuckles to form. Instead of the first set of knuckles, this one uses the second set. So, after striking, the damage can be seen to be the same as the Boshiken, and the Koppoken. Upon striking the throat, i can be noted that this has a very likely chance of knocking the breath from the lungs of the target from someone who has a level of Strength at Advanced or higher. Upon striking somewhere in the eyes, it can be noted that there is a moderately high chance of blindness that would last for a single post. Lastly, there is the ribs. When contact is made there, it usually results in a small bit of pain that lasts about two to three posts.
  
  
• Shishin – 指針 – Finger Needle: This strike is by far one of the most precise fists in the this list. Properly translated from kanji, Shishinken means "Finger Needle Fist", and truly deserves this name from what this technique does, and the extent of damage it can do. Usually, this fist is commonly used by curling every single finger inwards, minus the pinkie finger. Now, this seems very strange in the terms that the pinkie finger is considered one of the weakest fingers to use for any sort of strike. But, with the proper strength, and the proper target, this can actually be very dangerous. Even further into that, this attack has even been nicknamed "The Pinkie of Doom" or "Finger of Doom". While the name and basis seem laughable, the targets that can be hit are the entire opposite. Now, the target locations from this attack is usually somewhere very subtle, and not obvious; such as in between the ribs, the inner ears, or the eyes. Contact with the eyes, as said before, leaves partial blindness in the target eye for one post, and contact with the ribs leaves a small amount of pain in the struck area for amount two to three posts.
  
  However, the place that seems to have it the worst would be the inner ears. If one were to shove their pinkie into the ear and scrape around in the ear canal, they would be able to partially deafen the opponent for around three posts. So, while it is a hilarious way of doing so, the ninja are very well aware of what this can do, and have the right to be afraid.
  
  
• Shitan – 指端 – Finger Point/Finger Edge: Yet another strike within the style that requires some level of precision, and strength to perform with the most amount of potential. Shitanken, translated from kanji into English meaning "Finger Point Fist" or "Finger Edge Fist", this hand technique uses the entirety of the hand, rather than just one single digit. By straightening the hand so that all fingers, including the thumb are pointed outward, the practitioner would thrust their hand forward in the direction of their enemy, aiming for pretty much anywhere they can strike. Now, the targets of this particular hand motion would be the same as the Shishiken, or the Finger Needle Fist. However, there is a much more vast amount of targets due to the entire hand being used as a result of such. However, this will all be determined by the level of strength that the user has, and where the strike has hit.
  
  To start off at the high points, someone with a Master Strength would have the possibility of rupturing organs, breaking bones severely. In short, someone of Master Strength is very capable of taking down an enemy if given the chance. Going down a notch on the scale, we have Advanced Strength. The effects of this strength level is something that is a bit less damaging than someone of Master Strength, but is still something to be wary of. To begin things, a point strike with the tips of the fingers would be capable of shattering bones, and making small wounds to organs, but that's pretty much it. Keep in mind these is based off the fact that someone is using their full strength against the opponent. Now, going further down the list, we arrive at Adept Strength. This level isn't entirely that special, with the maximum damage being broken bones, and Beginner only able to crack bones slightly.
  
  
• Sokuyaku – 足躍 – Foot Dance: This is yet another attack within the Sixteen Fists style that completely goes against the name that it has. Similar to Demon Horn in the context that it does not use the hand to strike. Instead this strike deals with the foot. Translating from kanji into "Foot Dance Fist", or "Fist of the Dancing Foot", the Sokuyakuken is something that could be compared to a fireman kicking in a door. Performing the attack in incredibly simple. drawing the leg back towards the chest or chin, depending on how high the strike is being placed, the practitioner would then thrust their leg forward in an attempt to push away and damage anything that would in the way. With proper placing, one could even hold their foot in place and twist the skin and beyond, opening the possibility to open more wounds, and cause some internal damage. However, it is not very likely that internal damage would be caused. Now, the final note that should be added is that this is all to be done with the bottom, or the balls of the feet. However, it HAS been recently discovered that the tops of the feet (just under the toes), works in the same fashion.
  
  
• Sokugyaku – 足逆 – Foot Reverse: Similar to Foot Dance Fist, this technique also has to do with the foot. Translating from kanji and japanese into "Foot Reverse Fist", the Sokugyakuken is something that is the polar opposite of the Foot Dance Fist in terms of what part of the foot and leg are used, as well as not being initiated in the same fashion. To begin things, it should be noted that this technique is something that usually requires an extremely small amount of distance between the user and the enemy when executed. Now, how this "fist" technique is executed is rather simple. By pressing the tips of the toes against the ground, or whatever surface that one's foot happens to be on, before "kicking" off said surface, driving the leg upwards, with the toes pointed skyward.
  
  There are three main targets when it comes to this strike hitting something. The first one would be the groin, a place that really hurts to be hit by whenever it's something solid and powerful, like the foot. While the effects of this varies from one to another, depending on durability and pain endurance, it can be noted that this is possible to be used to end a fight from the amount of pain that can be instilled with this attack. Another target that is primed when it comes to this would be the chin, and sometimes the front of the neck. If it comes down to raw strength, Advanced users of strength see the most overall damage to the body with this attack, with broken bones, and severe pain being the main effects of this. Anything below will only be able to slightly damage bones, and cause a moderate amount of pain.
  
  So, this strike isn't exactly a favored one due to the extreme limits that it has on itself, but it is still something that a ninja has in their arsenal to use at any point. So, like masochism, use with discretion.
  
  
• Shuto – 手刃 – Hand Sword: This is by far one of the most standard attacks when it comes to karate, kung-fu, or anything that uses the hand for striking. Translating from kanji into "Hand Sword Fist", the Shutoken is incredibly basic.By straightening the hand into somewhat of a straight line, and swinging the arm in any direction that the practitioner chooses, they have performed this technique. So, we should probably move on to specifics. Firstly, when performing this, the practitioner should always be aware of which side of the hand that they strike with. It is most common to be swinging with the pinkie side facing the enemy. This is most likely due to the fact that the "thumb" end of the hand is considered to be extremely weak, and not something that should be used to attack with primarily.
  
  Another thing that should be noted is that the two variations that exist for the Shutoken, both of which can be used for many different things when in combat. The first variation is called "Ura Shutoken", which loosely translates to "Back-Hand Sword Fist", does exactly what the name suggests. Striking inwards -- mainly towards the midsection region -- the practitioner would then quickly yank their hand upwards, aiming to strike at the rest of the chest, or the possibly exposed chin. The other variant? That would be called "Omote Shutoken". Putting it through kanji, this translates to "Table-Hand Sword Fist". This is your standard karate chop, coming in from the outside and falling downward in an attempt to strike at anything that would be in the way.
  
  
• Shuki – 手起 – Hand Raise (Elbow): This technique is very...odd. Translating from kanji into "Hand Raise Fist", or "Hand Raising Fist", this strike is something that does not have anything to do with the hand itself, leading the name to be a tad bit misleading. With most of the fists, this one is relatively easy to perform. By grabbing the wrist with the opposite hand (usually the non-dominant arm is doing the grabbing), and drawing the arm back towards the face, then thrusting forward. Although, it has been noted that a simple unenforced elbow works and functions the same way. Now, when it comes down to target locations on the body for this, these are relatively easy to pinpoint. Aiming at the face will usually deal the most damage, leading to a possible broken skull, a large deal of blood being lost, and a temporary blindness for a single post if the strike was near the eyes.
  
  Another target with this technique would be the midsection, which is usually for more of a distraction so that the practitioner can gain an opening, or get a chance to flee. The results of a strike at this area will most likely end up yielding a brief loss of breath that lasts for half a post, torn skin (depending on the strength level of the user, usually around Advanced), possible broken tissue, although this is mostly reserved for Master level strength users, as they can easily dish out damage that can deal both external and internal damage towards the opponent.
  
  
• Sokki – 足起 – Foot Raise (Knee): Now, with the final technique of this style, we have the Sokkiken, otherwise known as "Foot Raise Fist". This move is similar to the shukiken in terms of distance of execution. this move, as said before, should be used within a very short distance between the practitioner and the enemy. With another similarity between the two being that they both use the ends of the body to strike with, the main difference being the shukiken uses the elbow, while the sokkiken uses the knee. Now, onto the execution of this technique. By pressing the toes against the ground, and kicking upwards, aiming primarily at the chin when it comes to close range. However, it has been noted that when one combines the usage of their hips, and grounded leg that the most effectiveness is reached. The damage of this varies from each strength user, but broken bones are usually the results of someone of Advanced strength, with anyone below the latter only resulting in small cracks.
  
  
• Tai – 体 – Body: To finally wrap up the Sixteen Fists, we arrive at taiken, known as "Body Fist". In short, this is the second philosophy of the entirety of the sixteen fists. To begin things, this basically is something that enforces what one should already know about this collection of hand attacks. That is to use the entire body as a weapon. However, it goes a bit deeper than that. For example, this could mean that someone should not just use a shutoken with the pinkie side of their hand. They could use more than just the hand for something like that, despite the name. As a replacement, they could use the pinkie side of their foot. While these are just examples, it is something that a practitioner should always be aware of when using the Sixteen Fists in combat.
  

NINJUTSU

» Ninjutsu: What would a ninja be without their training? A dead man or woman, that is what they would be. The ninja have been around for hundreds of years, and these core concepts and skills have been the essentials for one to become a true shinobi. But, that is not the entirety of what the shinobi follow. While samurai have their seven virtues of bushido, ninja follow the code of niniku. Many people believe the ninja to be faceless, merciless assassins, but they truly are the opposite. While they are, in technicality, assassins for hire -- they prefer to avoid direct killing when it comes to missions and jobs, unless they are directly required to. So, with that said, below are a list of the techniques and skills that a ninja learns with the art of ninjutsu.

• Bōjutsu – stick and staff techniques
  
• Chōhō – espionage
  
• Hensōjutsu – disguise and impersonation
  
• Intonjutsu – escaping and concealment
  
• Kayakujutsu – pyrotechnics
  
• Kenjutsu – sword techniques
  
• Kusarigamajutsu – kusarigama (chain-sickle) techniques
  
• Naginatajutsu – naginata (polearm) techniques
  
• Seishinteki kyōyō – spiritual refinement
  
• Shinobi-iri – stealth and infiltration
  
• Shurikenjutsu – throwing weapons techniques
  
• Sōjutsu – spear techniques
  
• Sui-ren – water training
  
• Taijutsu – unarmed combat
  

KUJI-IN: NINJA MAGIC

» Kuji-in: This is by far the most important lessons a ninja can learn. Back in the old days of the shinobi, magic was considered a myth, or legend. Anyone who was known to practice the supernatural, many would be mocked, and seen as a joke among the samurai, and farmers. But, magic was very far from being fake. In fact, the shinobi -- specifically the Iga ninja that Henrex trained under -- had trained in these arts for several years, even before magic's plausible existence was brought out. Over the course of time, there have been over eighty-nine total hand seals, or hand signs made, This comes under the assumption that all kuji-in users are the same, when this is anything but true.

Every single kuji-in wielder is different in the terms of having the same "spells" for their ninja magic. While there is a broad limit of 89 total seals for one to have, they are not in any way the same -- most of the time. There are a few fundamental principles that come with learning kuji-in, most of which are fairly simple. The first thing would be that there are nine seals in kuji-in which are the core of the entirety of kuji-in, leaving a practitioner with around eighty empty slots to fill with their own hand seals. These are what builds up the area of ninja magic, and gives people the power to create their own hand seals. Now, it should be noted that just because every single kuji-in practitioner is different with their seals, it does NOT mean that it is not possible to learn other's hand seals.

It IS possible to do so, but this usually requires consent of the owner in question. Another thing that should be noted about kuji-in seals is that they are impossible to copy by seeing the technique alone. In order to fully understand what the seal does, they MUST sit down with the owner ICly, and figure out how to perform the kuji-in, as great precision must be had when it comes to creating, teaching, and even modifying the effects of a kuji-in.

The list of those nine core seals will be listed below.

• Rin – Courage is not the absence of fear. It is simply the knowledge that something else is more important than fear. For the ninja, one must have total mental and physical strength in order to truly master their arts. With that said, they knew that they needed something to aid with that. For them, mental and physical strength are the primary essentials when it comes to being a ninja. And so, the hand seal of Rin was created. By extending the middle fingers upwards, and crossing the rest of the fingers to form this very simple hand sign, and channeling their energy, it is possible to access the Ring of Sky in order to perform this ninja hand seal.
  
  But, it does not end there. Simply performing the sign is not enough, requiring the user recite a mantra to fully activate Rin. Upon doing so, the energy of the user will travel through the body, mainly in the arms, legs, and head. When this happens, the practitioner will notice a very large increase in mental and physical strength, with those that have Beginner in Strength and Mental Deduction being boosted up two levels, up to Advanced in both. But, things tend to change with those who have Adept in those two stats. When cast, Rin has the POTENTIAL to keep the two stage boost onto them, if they have Advanced or higher willpower to keep the energy needed for that in place.
  
  However, this is also something that is very rare to pull off with those with Adept stats, as jumping straight to Master Strength and Mental Deduction is something that is not easy to pull off, so it's not something that one should try when pulling this off. Another thing that should be noted is when someone is already a Master in either one, or both strength and mental deduction, it is NOT possible for them to boost themselves up to Grand Master of either. Well, not without significant drawbacks. Upon using Rin, and concentrating all of the energy that is used into one of the aspects, it is possible for someone to achieve a Grand Master in Strength or Mental Deduction. But, the price for that would be the drop in both General Speed, and any sort of racial movement skill by a level. This also affects people who are already Grand Masters in those arts.
  
  Furthermore, it should be noted that this does not have to be extended to that level, nor is it something that is always put in place. When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, this skill can go one of two ways. The first way would be how it has been said thus far, using this to briefly increase the skill level of one's physical and mental strength -- which is the most common way to go about it. But, the second way is something that is seen much more often in meditation, with the effects only slightly strengthening the aspects. This is said to be something to ensure that practitioner has a more clear mind on the ninja magic that they perform.
  
  So, with that said, the second drawback of Rin would be the time limit that it has on the user. Kuji-in may be considered magic among the humans, it is not permanent. After a relatively short time of three posts, the effects will promptly vanish, and usually leaving an energy drain that will prevent the use of the hand seal for around five posts. But, for those with an immensely strong willpower, they are able to extend this time by two posts, leaving the final time at five posts. However, it is HIGHLY suggested against due to the massive energy drain that it can do. With such a high energy drain for the extreme levels of skill, it should only be only used for a brief boost in mental, and physical power.
  
  Rin Mantra: "On baishiramantaya sowaka."
  
  
• Hyo/Pyo – In the arts of the ninja, there is one thing that one must have in order to perform the art of kuji-in, which is a high level of control over their energy. But for some, the heat of battle can lead to an inability to use kuji-in in an effective manner, and leaving a ninja extremely vulnerable. This can usually be branched off of a lack of ability to focus their energy in an efficient way. So, when the core seals of ninja magic were being created, the hand seal "Pyo", or sometimes known of "Hyo" was made.
  
  But, as with all of the hand signs for the ninja's magic, one must perform this before the effects of Hyo can truly begin. To do this, one must extend the index fingers of both hands, then bend the middle fingers over said index fingers so that the tips of the thumbs are touching the middle fingers. Interlace all other fingers to the point where the fingertips are touching one another. Outside of Rin, Zai, and Sha, this is one of the most potent, as well as one of the more powerful basic hand seals, if properly executed, as well as properly used.
  
  Upon the reciting of the mantra, or mudra, one should expect quite a number of things to happen, mainly occurring internally. The first thing that would be noted is the flow of energy that occurs within someone, particularly Hybrids, will begin to flow more finely, making it travel throughout the body much more smoothly. As a result of this, the user would find themselves able to use their energy much quicker than they could before, as well as improving the quality of the user's energy usage. A minor example of this would be a Vizard firing a Cero without the usual stance, as well as a minimal charge up time.
  
  However, this hand sign can go even deeper than that, and has the potential to greatly benefit those who use the other hand seals of the ninja, especially ones that the user created on their own. With the activation of Hyo/Pyo, it can be seen, very clearly, that the signs that one would normally make to perform their hand seals are cut in half, for very good reason. With the energy flow being far more smooth, as stated before, the signs that one would make allow the flow of energy to sort of automatically generate and manipulate itself to the point where the custom hand seal would be made twice as fast.
  
  Unfortunately, this is not at all permanent. As with everything, this has a limit to how long it can be active, as well as how long one would have to wait before using it again. Upon activation, one would begin to feel the effects of this waning at around the three to four post line, before disappearing entirely around the five to six post range. While this all depends on the mastery of kuji-in that the user has (metaphorically, since ninjutsu and such doesn't have it's own skil sheet), this is still a very potent hand sign, and should never be taken lightly, especially for the more...experienced -- energy users.
  
  Hyo Mantra: "On ishanaya intaraya sowaka."
  
  
• To – As the case with the hand seal of Rin, a peaceful body and mind are the core essentials to mastering not only the art of ninja magic, but also the essentials for mastering one's self. So, it shouldn't too much of a surprise that one of the hand seals in the core of kuji-in is based around the aspect of inner peace and harmony. To begin, we have the hand sign itself of To. Putting the hands together, and crossing the two index fingers so that they may touch the opposite ring fingers, with the middle fingers crossed over them. The ring and pinkie fingers are straight, and the tips of the ring fingers, as well as the pinkie fingers should be pressed together, but separated enough to form either a bird's beak, or a V shape.
  
  Now, once this has been completed, as well as the mantra spoken, the effects are usually immediate. So, once cast, the user would begin to feel one of the beginning stages of this kuji-in seal, which would be comfort. Tensing muscles will cease, anger will begin to fade, and usually, violent intentions are dissipated nearly instantly. Over the course of a single post, one would feel none of their intentions that they had before. They would be in a state of perfect emotional harmony.
  
  Now, the strangest thing about this specific hand seal would be that the effects that are brought never really fade away entirely over the course of a thread. It may seem strange, and somewhat unbelievable, but it is true. This is due to the fact that the hand seal in question is something that constantly forces someone to be in a state of emotional/mental harmony after this has been cast. So, the main way to remove something like this would be a few things. The first thing would be that one would have to have a Master in Mental Deduction before being able to force the effects away.
  
  Another thing that would be required would be the recipient forcing themselves into a state of mind that, combined with their Mental Deduction, could overpower such a serene and peaceful state. This can actually be anything that the user finds themselves having a strong attachment to in their mental psyche. Whether it be sadness, happiness, anger, or even something as bizarre to use as madness, these are all valid things that could break one free of the effects of To. But, what reason would you have to want to?
  
  To Mantra: "On jiterashi itara jibaratanō sowaka."
  
  
• Sha – When it comes to the most useful things, there is one thing that many consider. Whether it be in video games, or in war, the aspect of healing is considered the most important role that one could possess. A man once said that the ability to heal is far more important than the ability to kill, and he was very, very right. And so, the hand seal for Sha was born. As said before, this hand seal is entirely based on the focus of transferring their energy to another, and causing their body to repair from near any sort of damage that they would have incurred. So, in short, this can be considered a "healing spell".
  
  As with the rest, before one would be able to utilize the effects of the seal of Sha, one must perform the hand seal, as well as speak the mantra. If one were to be perfectly honest, Sha is one of the most difficult hand signs to pull off, with it's odd finger placements, as well as how uncomfortable it can be to those attempting the sign for the first time. To being things, one simply needs to clasp their hands together, and cross their ring fingers over one another so that they can touch the opposing index fingers. The middle fingers must be crossed over them, with the index finger, pinkie, and thumb being straight.
  
  Now, once this has been fulfilled, and the mantra spoken -- assuming that the caster hasn't given up from the hand cramps -- one would begin to see the truly amazing, and near deity-like power that it can possess, although some of the more powerful effects are only able to be attained by those who are near the tops with both ninja magic, and overall power as a whole. As stated before, this hand seal is meant to heal -- and in some terminology -- defy fate by restoring what has been lost, primarily any sort of injury that one would face.
  
  When it comes to the healing aspect itself, the process usually starts out slow, unless the caster is able to pump out enough energy to speed up the healing enough to begin at a much faster rate, but this is something that drains the user heavily, and is not recommended. So, with that said, there are three types of classifications that the wounds of a person can be identified as. Skin deep, muscle deep, and bone deep -- skin deep being the smallest and considered the most minuscule amount, with bone deep being the most serious, and the most life-threatening.
  
  To begin things, we have skin deep wounds, the lowest scale in terms of injury. When it comes to these, skin deep wounds are hardly a challenge to heal for even the beginners with using Sha. Usually, these require around half a post to a full post to heal, depending on the wound's intensity on this level. After this has been used, one would experience a small bit of fatigue as a result of this, most likely causing a small bit of nausea. Afterwards, one would find that they would not be able to use this for a single post, and would be able to use it around five times before starting the cooldown.
  
  Furthering the wound level, we arrive at muscle deep wounds. These are around the moderate level of wounds. These can span out from a variety of different types of appearances on the body. These can be as deep as certain lacerations, or as far as damaging arteries. These can be noted to take a bit more time to heal, with the maximum time being around two to three posts, and the minimal posts -- usually something that extremely potent energy users, as well as kuji-in masters have -- being around two posts. Afterwards, they would find a cooldown of around three posts, and only being able to use this three times before initializing cooldown. Finally, we arrive at bone-deep wounds. As the name entails, these are wounds that are the most drastic wounds that one can receive.
  
  Being near life-threatening injuries, these will usually take one of the greatest kuji-in users to heal in short time. With the maximum time being around five posts, and the minimal being three posts, these wounds, as said before, are the most dangerous, and can be the most difficult to heal in time. However, there is a loophole to all of this. As many who practice kuji-in know the hand sign for Pyo, which allows a finer control over one's energy. Upon using that hand sign beforehand, one can expect dramatic changes in exchange to what one would expect normally.
  
  The process will start up twice as quickly, as well as wounds healing twice as fast, no matter what level they are. And, for the users that tend to pour more energy into their kuji-in, both figuratively and literally, they would find it going three times as fast. As stated, Sha is one of the most important hand signs that a ninja can learn -- as well as perfect. After one has finished healing someone with bone-deep wounds, they would find a cooldown of five posts, with them only being able to use this once per post.
  
  Sha Mantra: "On hayabaishiramantaya sowaka."
  
  
• Kai – There is one thing that many find impossible to learn. Considered another myth within the realm of ninjutsu, people wonder how the ninja ever obtain it. That would be the sixth sense. This is something that ninja have been assumed to have learned naturally throughout ninjutsu training, when this is anything but true. While it is possible, and extremely likely for a ninja's reflexes and such to be improved upon during training, gaining this so called "sixth sense" is not possible through natural training. Well, it's at least not common. It is possible for this to happen, but it is incredibly rare to happen, and is around one in a thousand chances.
  
  So, to begin with this hand seal, one must perform the hand sign. This is the one hand sign that all ninja manage to master within the span of mere minutes, or even seconds. This is because of how simple forming the hand sign is. All that one needs to do is to clasp their hands together, with their fingers interlocked, and presto. You've just formed the hand sign for Kai. So, with that said, like all other hand signs in kuji-in, one must speak the mantra. With that done, one would be able to begin to tap into the power of the sixth sense within a ninja.
  
  Within a few moments of the hand seal being performed, the ninja in question would begin to feel what one would call an extensive awareness, being able to "sense" possible dangers that would come their way. When this hand sign is performed, this causes a small portion of energy -- which would be used in order to channel one's energy into having this sign take effect -- to travel to the brain, and causing an extreme level of alertness to awaken in the mind of the practitioner in order to obtain the full effects of Kai.
  
  The entire process usually takes an entire post before fully taking effect, causing the brain of the user to be able to think, process, and react much faster than they were before. This takes place in the part of the brain that gives us that small, itching feel that makes us feel as if we're being watching. Acting upon that, and increasing the sensitivity of that specific part, one's mind can become easily able to detect some parts of danger that they normally wouldn't be able to.
  
  But, when it comes down to it, Kai has some pretty hefty limits. While this is meant to be an awareness booster that can help defend against some attacks, this only lasts around four posts, and after that period is up, cannot be used again for a short time, usually around three posts. Something else that should be noted about this ability is it's ability to boost the mental skill of Focus by one level for the duration of the hand seal, but is unable to boost itself higher than Grand Master.
  
  When it comes to those who have a Master level of Focus already, these are a bit harder to work with, since the power that creates the effects of Kai are meant to boost up the Focus skill by a skill level. But, those with Master level Focus are not simply abandoned with Kai. Instead of receiving a boost of an entirely skill level, they are instead rewarded with an even greater perception and focus than a Master. While they still vastly fail in comparison to someone of Grand Master, they would still be able to go beyond their normal limits of a Master level.
  
  One final thing that should be noted is the rather hefty downside of boosting Focus. When the mind is in such a state, the body will quickly become used to the state of having such a expansive state of mind, which will bring down the Focus level a single level further down than it was before. So, while the ninja's sixth sense is immensely powerful, and can sometimes end up foiling many assassination attempts -- it, like all of the hand seals of the ninja, are far from perfect.
  
  Kai Mantra: "On nōmaku sanmanda basaradan kan."
  
  
• Jin – What is something that many considered impossible? An elderly man lifting a tree? A child seemingly knowing everything? Well, those would be considered impossible. But what about reading thoughts? The act of hearing the mental conversation of another, and using it to your advantage. While it may seem impossible, with ninja magic, fantasy can become reality. So, to perform the hand seal for Jin, all one needs to do is to do the same thing as Kai. Clasp the hands together, and make sure that the fingertips inside. Speaking the mantra and allowing your mind to clear, you have just performed Jin.
  
  Something else that should be noted before going any further would be that this only affects one target at a time, as it takes an immense amount of willpower for someone to focus on just one target, and trying to perform this on two would be mental suicide. Now, when it comes to actually reading the thoughts of someone, this can vary, depending of how high the Mental Deduction of the enemy is. If someone has a level of Beginner, their thoughts would be singing out like a canary. When it comes to the higher levels, things start to get a bit tricky.
  
  If someone were to have a Mental Deduction of Adept, the user would still be able to at least make out what the victim was thinking. Sure, the voice would be a bit distorted, and the words wouldn't be entirely clear, but it would be something that the user could work with. Advanced would have even more distortion when it came to listening, as well as having barely any coherent words to go off of. Master and Grand Master are the worst people to attempt this on, as they would be able to mute out their thoughts entirely.
  
  Now, while this is very powerful, this hand seal is very complex to truly pull off to it's full potential. This hand seal cannot function properly if the user is not at complete peace of mind. Hence why the mind has to be cleared in order to initially perform this. Another downside to this would be that if someone has the Willpower to break through this (Advanced or above), the user would find themselves unable to gain the effects of this hand sign for around five posts, while also experiencing a rather large headache for the duration.
  
  Jin Mantra: "On aganaya in maya sowaka."
  
  [Author's Note: When it comes to Ziamichi, the spirit would have to have a Mental Deduction level higher than the host.]
  
  
• Retsu – When it comes to a ninja's training, perception is one of the key factors. But, there is one thing that a ninja is said to have perception over. Another item that someone considers as impossible -- the perception of time. This is another one of the hand seals that dabble in the mental levels of the user, and partially enhances them to be able to unlock a higher level of perception of the world around them. To perform the hand sign, one must point their hand upwards in a fist, with the index finger extended. The right hand in it's entirety wraps around that index finger, and the thumb of the right hand pressed against the tip of the index finger.
  
  After the mantra is said, the user would then have to allow their mind to clear before the effects would hit. It wouldn't take long for the user to realize that they would be able to sense more from the world around them. As a starter, a minor version of the effects of Kai would take place, with the user being able to have a "sixth sense", and gaining the ability to detect a small bit of things that would be around them. Think of it like a small buzzing in the back of the head, giving you a slight warning on what is happening.
  
  Eventually, this will build up until the user is able to sense and feel even the passing of time in exact precision. What does this do, exactly? Well, time is only a small byproduct of what the Retsu hand seal truly holds. When it comes down to perception, this seal allows for an even further level than the sixth sense seal, Kai. Instead of sensing things however, Retsu focuses on seeing the energies of the world. Any sort of energy, whether it be Za Koa, Reiryoku, or Psions, they will all be able to be seen on a much finer level than a normal person would be able to see.
  
  This allows a practitioner to perceive another's energy type in a physical sense. Instead of just a simple flicker or tinge or the energy in question, one would be able to see in it's entirety, usually in the form of a small aura around whatever the user is looking at. Now, the main limits of this would be the time limit. Only around four posts, and the user's eyes will return to normal. Afterwards, they wouldn't be able to access the power of this hand seal for around three posts.
  
  Retsu Mantra: "On irotahi chanoga jiba tai sowaka."
  
  
• Zai - This...this is the main power that people look for when they look to learn kuji-in. This is the second most powerful standard hand seal that kuji-in has to offer, and rightfully so. With Zai having the most simple hand sign, and the most basic ability to perform, many have longed for the secrets of the ninja. What is this ability? To control the aspects aspects of nature itself. Now, this is a tad bit exaggerated, as it is technically impossible for one person to control all of the elements of nature. However, there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for this.
  
  After the hand sign is performed, with the user outstretching their hands, and touching the index and thumbs together, the user will be able to tap into the power of what the ninja call "The Ring of Sky". This is considered the void within the five philosophies of Japan, and resembles fullness within emptiness. However, it is all much more simpler than that. Simply using this sign once grants a user access to channel and manipulate their energy and change the nature of it. This means that upon using the hand sign and chanting the mantra, it allows one to have such a high level of control over their energy that they are able to change the physical properties of it.
  
  Now, there are five basic natures that one can either attune towards naturally, or learn from others. Each one has their own strengths and weaknesses against other nature types, simple because it is what it is: nature. Those five basic natures are:
  
  Fire (火, Hi) is strong against Wind but weak against Water.
  Wind (風, Kaze) is strong against Lightning but weak against Fire.
  Lightning (雷, Kaminari) is strong against Earth but weak against Wind.
  Earth (土, Tsuchi) is strong against Water but weak against Lightning.
  Water (水, Mizu) is strong against Fire but weak against Earth.
  
  Now, upon learning and using Zai for the first time, there is one thing that a user will notice above all other things, which would be the type of nature that one's energy will naturally attune towards. The most common for people to have on a first try would be only one nature, however, there have been some special cases to this. For Henrex, his energy was so powerful at the time that his energy diverted into three different nature releases: Fire, Lightning, and Yin. However, this is an extremely rare case, and Henrex is one of the only ones who obtained three nature releases without learning them from others.
  
  Now, when it comes to the question of combining the nature releases, it is indeed possible. It is possible to combine certain nature releases in order to create new abilities for the user, as well as others to learn. Now, back to the releases themselves. While there are the combinations of natures, as well as the natures themselves, there are two releases that are the source of non-elemental techniques for the ninja. These are incredibly hard to obtain, as they are meant to deal with the Chinese yin and yang, as they are named such.
  
  The Yin and Yang releases are mildly complex to understand, since they do not change the "nature" of one's energy at all. Instead, these two utilize the aspects of the body and mind in order to mold that together in order to create something new. As in the philosophy, Yin and Yang are the said to be the opposite, yet complimentary forces of man. Yin, being associated with all things dark, and cold, while Yang is is associated with all things light and positive in a person. These two releases CAN be combined in order to form Yin-Yang Release, but this is something that can only be achieved with someone who has a true mastery over their mind and body.
  
  This is the only hand sign that has no time limit, and has no cooldown, simple because it doesn't do anything other than change the nature of a user's energy. It is a passive effect, and will only deactivate when the user is out of energy.
  
  

  A List of Combined Natures:

  
  Zai Mantra: "On chirichi iba rotaya sowaka."
  
  
• Zen – The final stage of Buddhism is enlightenment, to which one is free from the cycle of Samsara, and has fulfilled their purpose. For this ninja hand seal, this is no exception. This is the most powerful hand seal that exists in the core nine, due to the effects that it brings about upon activation. It should be noted that this is an Event/Near Death/0 Tier Opponents ONLY hand seal because of how situational this is. Upon the performing of the hand sign, with the hands forming a circle, with the right hand overlapping the knuckles, the user will immediately undergo a transformation. Rising to float in the air, and with arms extending to make them appear as if they are a Buddha, and a beautiful golden light shining from their body.
  
  As this form takes place, the area of a mile around the user will become a healing zone, using an enhanced version of Sha to heal any ally that comes into the zone, their wounds being closed at an alarming rate. Stamina will be restored, moral will be boosted, and overall, this "form" is meant to be a last ditch effort to restore and repair those around the user. This, as always, has major downsides. The first being the time limit, which is only one single post per thread, and cannot be accessed for a month after the thread is concluded. This is due to how powerful this hand seal is, and how much of a tide-turner to a fight it is. So, this is not something that can be used lightly. Pick the time carefully, and make sure that it is always used to protect those you love.
  
  Zen Mantra: "On a ra ba sha nō sowaka."
  

WHY?

Sixteen Fists: The reason that I feel Henrex deserves these is because of him, well, being a ninja. He has trained in ninjutsu, and has gotten a good knowledge of what he has learned, especially the Sixteen Fists. These are a collection of techniques that Henrex learned in the Iga Mountains (which was off-screen). It is something that fuels his prowess as a ninja, and is one of the first upgrades in a while. Not to mention that Henrex has a decent knowledge of fighting with his hands, so I feel that Henrex has earned this.

Ninja Magic: Henrex has shown multiple times that he knows this, mainly his custom ninja magic. It's not something that he uses incredibly often, but he does know it, and I believe that he has worked for it immensely. With such a high level of mastery over his energy, and with the ninja training that he received, Henrex is quite adept at using the mystical arts of the shinobi.