[center][U][B]Mayonaka, Seisui[/B] - [I]The Tranquil Lotus[/I][/U][/center]

His attacking leaving a shallow gash in his opponent's flesh, Seisui swiveled his body the rest of the way after his strike had landed, moving into a more suitable stance should Nazo jump right into some form of attack. He did not. Instead the man proceeded to remove his shirt and ready himself, speaking calmly, respectfully, but seriously to him as he did so. As this was a challenge, and not a fight based purely on survival, the swordsman would wait for Nazo to ready himself so as not to win through disgraceful action. Listening intently to his opponent's words, Seisui's stance relaxed and he took one step before moving into a much more relaxed stance, right foot in front of the left, knees bent ever so slightly, sword in his right hand and tilted at a slight diagonal, though it was in a primarily vertical position. His left hand hovered just above the fingers of his right which were clasped about Chinmoku with the same arm slightly raised. The stance seemed, all in all, rather plain in comparison to those Seisui had been using prior, it was strange.

However, there was something to note about this stance, as while it was simple on the surface, Seisui's manner had changed. There was of course still a look of serenity and focus in his eyes, but now it was coupled with ferocity and what Nazo might recognize as complete assurance. Something had shifted. [B]"I would not dampen my skill at any point in conflict, Yagami. This you should know. However, since you insist, I shall show you something that seldom few ever witness."[/B] Taking in a deep breath, Seisui focused his chakra, amplifying the speed at which it flowed through his body and allowing it to synchronize with his blade even as he used it to isolate the Tōrenai-men to naikō from its counterpart. [B]"Shinzui no hasu(Core of the lotus),"[/B] his chakra writhing through his blade, Seisui unbridled and focused its form, allowing it to rush from Chinmoku, covering its surface with a subtle blue light until what appeared to by a cylinder with a conical point formed. Chinmoku's hilt and grip remained unchanged, but the blade was buried beneath the the man's blue chakra.

Seisui raised his eyes to meet with Nazo's as he finished, [B]"Mabayui mankai(まばゆい満開 'Resplendent Full bloom')."[/B] An air of stillness seemed to spread from Seisui, as if he was the aspect of serenity itself, it was a beautiful yet terrifying sensation. For the purest serenity was the one a man only met at the end of their life as fear slipped away and their soul exited their physical body. Yes, serenity in its purest and unadulterated form, was the sensation of the final letting go, of death. [B]"I hope you meant what you said, for while I pulled no blows before, there will be no chance for such now."[/B] With these words uttered, his techniques active, Seisui pushed off, dashing towards his opponent who stood a mere 5 meters away to begin the final portion of their battle.

It was life or death now as those who glimpsed the serenity of death were bound to be claimed by it. Only the Mayonaka had been able to harness its power, and only through their mastery of themselves could they resist the urge to succumb to it. Such was the way of the Mayonaka, and thus of Seisui who was their heir.