>>5253400“Zanjutsu, I think. It’s fundamental to be a shinigami and all, y’know?” You murmur, smiling. “Here.” You chuck Shin a shinai you’d picked up on your way out, Kazeko silently watching, as you wield a nomen yourself, knowing kendo isn’t your style. As you both begin to settle into stances, some of the other students milling about begin to stop what they’re doing and watch, curious as to why the two of you are beginning to watch.
You hold the training sword lightly and loosely in your right hand near the tsuba, running your left hand through your hair. “Alright then, let’s-“
“You’re holding it wrong.”
You and Shin stop in your tracks, both of you turning to look at Kazeko. “Huh?” Shin asks, confused.
The girl just shakes her head, seeming almost disappointed. “You’re holding them wrong, both of you. Shin-san, right? You’re far too stiff. You’re holding your shinai too tight, and your legs and knees are locked instead of fluid. You’re trying to copy the kendo you’ve seen shinigami use from afar, right?” After a few seconds of Shin not answering, seemingly embarrassed, she continues. “Bend your legs more, and have a looser grip. It’ll help your mobility and your ability to defend and counter properly, without losing power.“
She then turns to you, with that signature stare. “As for you, Danketsu-san, you’re <span class="mu-i">too</span> loose. It’s like whoever taught you how to wield a sword did it as an afterthought, because it is an afterthought for them. You need some rigidity, otherwise anyone with even a little power will break through your defence as if it wasn’t there in the first place.”
>(1/2) 