#// it's only during the culling game that it shows she is a natural born assassin who revels in the glory

[usagimen]

before I pass out from this scratchy throat, I've updated Sayuri's carrd to show in entirety her skillset, along with various information. You may access it, here!

[usagimen]

(h.c. // meta) inherited technique

         𝑨𝙡𝒍 𝒕𝙝𝒂𝙩 𝙞𝒔 𝒃𝙚𝒂𝙪𝒕𝙮 𝙧𝒆𝙢𝒂𝙞𝒏𝙨 𝙙𝒆𝙘𝒆𝙞𝒕, those of the Kobayashi bloodline have always held this mantra from when they were nothing but nameless shadows. For generations, young women that showed promise would unlock the truth, they held no allegiance to anyone but themselves. A gaping maw that moved in motion, with every piece considered valuable, to cover their form was akin to granting protection over those they adored. They would never run from the allegations of being born of assassins, they only knew that if the secret was ever discovered they took coin for blood, it would destroy this pristine world of theirs. Girls from the age of 10 to 25 are vigorously trained in artisan talents, dance, music, conversation, flower arrangement but the elders would laugh; pretty things are always devilish. It would remain a front for the seldom few who showed they can carry the weight of the clan’s inherited technique.

         Umi-ni-mo-Haru sprung forth from a nameless maiden who bestowed upon her bloodline the ability to conceal themselves, distort the perception of who they were, while essentially wearing another face. There is no powerful beholder, they all learn equally while some personalize the technique to who they are. Sayuri uses it as entirety as it was meant, weaponizing the idealistic beauty && charm to become another or sometimes, a figment of one’s greatest desires only to strike. She would not bother with the technique until post-Shibuya && the Culling Game to secure herself while traveling through the different colonies desperately seeking surviving students.

     Girls that possess this CT are not coveted, they are respected highly && viewed as a vital aspect of Clan Kobayashi, if anything, those who cannot possess such strength see this honor as a burden that is heavy to endure. It is common for individuals who possess this CT to completely revamp themselves cosmetically, even Sayuri is guilty. Subtly, she has changed the hue of her vision to coalscende with her ‘cosmic’ influence && rounded her cheeks for a more innocent structure, almost as if to construe she is frail when that is nothing short of the truth. Ironically, during the Culling Game she is more ‘natural’ in stature - emerald eyes && sharp features. While Sayuri has always heavily relied on Plastic Love since youth to carry her, she would start to show strength in shedding her ‘Maiko’ persona, allowing the petals of Spring to wilt in order to usher in her true might.

            Act one (mimic): Depending on the target, this particular CT can mimic voices, sounds, and characteristics. Though, it cannot align with those who possess cursed speech (the Inumaki Clan being in example). If anything, it can become distorted, the same will happen with those bearing the Six Eyes. Thankfully, the elder Kobayashi women have always violently stated; they have no strife with the Gojo Clan, thus it’s unneeded. Feminine && masculine voices can be replicated, for those who are experts && can wield their curse energy with higher concentration, some will even copy the output of residual energy from another sorcerer. Copying not only their vocal range but unique aura, smell && subtle quirks. 

     Act two (Death Blossom): Once the entire visage is seen in clarity, it is easy to replicate. From height to facial structures, young women that have learned to analyze quickly can even steal facial marks, scars or tattoos. Once more, the Six Eyes && Ten Shadows are the only exception, they are vastly on another tier that the Kobayashi Clan will not try to contend with. Both clans from era’s bygone have a strict policy; they would not claim the life of either. Some of the novices call this portion of Ume-ni-mo-Haru as fading into the shadows.

     In ancient days, Death Blossom was attributed to the usages by wives, confidants, lovers, even attendants that would faithfully serve until the last knife pierced into flesh. During the Culling Game, Sayuri uses it multiple times to escape danger while also phasing her opponent out. In the case against Ryu / Uro it was to mimic both && in some occasions, those who mastered this technique can make multiple variations of themselves leading to confusion. 

           Umi-no-mi-Haru is tailored mostly towards others, it is not something that is to be utilized against curses but can. The Kobayashi Clan knew that this task they wore would essentially cause them to be cursed. They accepted their role in life if it meant protecting their loved ones && the small shred of hope they all carry within them.