Fighting Abilities & Soujirou
Despite widespread belief, Soujirou’s fighting style is never actually named in either the manga or anime. But while Soujirou’s fighting style remains unknown, he has one named technique which he uses in the Kyoto Arc.
Natural Abilities
In one scene (chapter 70), Shishio describes Soujirou with the phrase Tenbu no Sai Niyoru Ken, meaning his natural talent for the sword is so great that it seems as if it’s god-given. The phrase is actually to be shortened – thus giving him his nickname, Tenken or Heaven’s Sword.
Thus has he always been driven to improve until his skill surpasses that of even the Battousai. [Shishio, ch128]
Suppressed Emotions
The “natural abilities” which Shishio refers to is never actually explained in detail. However, what he does mention is the effect his traumatic childhood had on his ability to fight. Because of what he experienced with his family, all of his emotions except for amusement were suppressed.
He has no ki, no “joy”, so he has no fighting spirit nor has he any do, or “anger”, meaning no aggression.
[...] Soujirou who knows no ai, no “sorrow”, and thinks nothing of killing [...] Unless he is willing to kill… Battousai will never beat Soujirou. [Shishio, ch70]
This is his advantage – Kenshin relies on the opponent’s ki to predict the next move and therefore would have no idea as to how Soujirou would act in a battle.
Shukuchi
Translated as “Reduced Earth”, this rare technique requires strong legs allows the user to change from initial speed to maximum in the blink of an eye. Kenshin describes it as the extreme godspeed and that it surpasses his own.
Th-that footwork…! So that’s how he could assassinate Okubo in a moving carriage…!! [Kenshin, ch128]
For any spectators, it would seem that the distance between the two opponents simply disappeared. In his second fight with Kenshin, Sanosuke states that Soujirou disappears.
Houji: Seen another way, Shukuchi is “speed even the eyes cannot follow.”
Shishio: Wrong. Don’t confuse it with the Battousai’s “Shinsoku”. The Shukuchi of Soujirou is speed that does not appear in sight. [ch129]
He uses this ability twice – when he assassinated Okubo Toshimichi and during the final showdown with Himura Kenshin.
Shun Ten Satsu
Translated as “Instant Heaven Kill”, this is Soujirou’s technique where he combines the power and strength of battoujutsu with the speed of true Shukuchi.
The only move I’ve named. Shun Ten Satsu. “Instant Heaven Kill”. You will drop before the pain strikes.
Even if you do read [my emotions], you’ll be too slow to react to the Shun Ten Satsu. [Soujirou, ch134]