Iaidō Draw-Cut

The myth

Iai, or iaijutsu, is the art of drawing the sword and striking in a single motion in response to a sudden attack, then cleaning the blade and sheathing it again. Tradition names as founder the samurai Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu, of the late sixteenth century, who in legend developed the technique after praying at a shrine to avenge his father. In the twentieth century the practice was organized as iaidō, "the way of iai", trained mostly in solo forms, kata, emphasizing focus, posture and the idea of winning before the fight.

Why it has this power

A Rare spell that destroys the opponent's strongest monster. The iai cut does not pick the easiest foe: it goes straight for the most dangerous, in a stroke that ends before anyone notices. It answers enemy legendaries and epics well and clears the way for your attackers that same turn.

Did you know

In Murayama, Yamagata prefecture, there is a shrine dedicated to Hayashizaki Jinsuke, where iai practitioners give demonstrations.

Connections

• In Renji, Ronin of the Snowy Roads's deck
• In Master Suzu of Mount Kurama's deck
• In Kaguya, Guardian of the Torii's deck

Where to get it

• Daily Offering: 0.11% per pack (Rare 2.8% per card)
• Traveler's Pack: 0.69% per pack · 3.6% in the themed pack (Rare 7% per card)
• Bronze Reliquary: 0.78% per pack · 4% in the themed pack (Rare 8% per card)
• Silver Reliquary: 1.3% per pack · 6.7% in the themed pack (Rare 15% per card)
• Golden Reliquary: 2% per pack · 10% in the themed pack (Rare 25% per card)
• Daily Showcase: Shows up on about 1.5% of days · 400 gems
• Craft with card dust: 600 dust
• Crossing of Myths: Can be offered as a reward during a crossing (the card stays in the crossing deck).

Sources

1. Samurai — World History Encyclopedia — Mark Cartwright
2. Bushido, the Soul of Japan (Project Gutenberg) — Inazo Nitobe