The smoke breathing
I have made a guide to the smoke breathing used by Shometsu, so that you may understand better what happens during fights.
First form, transience: this form is done by executing a quickdraw in reverse grip, done while advancing calmly. It is inspired by the momiji gasane.
Second form, false memory: to use this form, you just be in the kasumi no kamae stance. Then, you must put your back hand onto the spine of the blade, then, as you start a thrust, use the hand to transition to a slash.
Third form, ashen memory: this form is done by cutting three times in succession. I find both waki no kamae and jodan no kamae to be effective stances when starting this form, thought i find myself often choosing the latter. I suggest starting in the gedan or seigen no kamae, before moving to the before-mentioned stances, as it will allow you to parry and "riposte" an attack, leaving an opening for you to exploit.
Fourth form, prince of lies: this form is the act or changing hands or grips during a flourish, attack or defense. I recommend using this form to change the direction "false memory" will come from.
Fifth form, swirl: this is a defensive form, used to protect from horizontal attacks. You must block the opponent's attack with your blade's point towards the ground, then twist and slash back.
Sixth form, broken memory: this form is the inversion of the second. It has two variations. To use the first variation, you must stand in the jodan no kamae stance: you would have to bring your blade down, as if slashing without moving it forward, then move it to the midi gedan no kamae (it is actually closer to the pflug stance of HEMA. More accurate description at the bottom) and thrust. The second variation is done by standing in the waki no kamae stance. You must bring the blade upwards, without moving it forward, then move to the kasumi no kamae, then thrust. This form has the benefit of defending the practitioner, as, when done correctly, the blade will protect you as it is being moved.
Seventh form, sorrowful memory: to execute the seventh form, you must first rotate your upper body and feet. If this has been done correctly, you will find you have your back towards your opponent. Then, you must move your back foot in a sweeping motion towards your opponent's legs. Afterwards, you will swing your blade in an upwards motion. If this has been done correctly, your blade will naturally move to the waki no kamae position during the rotation.
At the current point in the story, Shometsu only made these. Those after will be created later
Eight form, remember the bond: this form is done by swinging downwards the blade, just short of the opponent, before transitioning to an upward slash. Know that it can be used as parry against downward attacks.
Ninth form, remember the light: this technique is done by executing the "veiled step" tecnique in succession. If done correctly, it will appear as if you continously appear and disappear from our world, as if diving and emerging from a cloud of smoke. (essentially, this is a series of feints)
Tenth form, remember the dark: to perform this technique, you must first take the waki no kamae stance. Then, you must slash along a horizontal path and rotate in the same direction. While it is true that a single cut may work, i believe cutting thrice will prove to be more efficient.
Eleventh form, distant figure: i execute this form by surrounding my body and blade in smoke, then sending masses towards one or more of my opponents, followed by a real slash from me. Of course, as you lack the ability to generate smoke, you cannot use this form. For this reason, i made a variation: a downward cut.
Twelfth form, haitensei: this form is done by slashing around yourself as you run. I find it best used when surrounded by enemies, or to escape.
Final form, veiled step: this technique is the very core of the smoke breathing, from which all other forms originate. It is done by erasing oneself: intent and emotion both. Once that has been done, you must focus on moving at a high speed. These two factors combined make it so "the mind feels no need to keep track of you", according to someone i once knew. Beware, for the moment you think of causing harm, or that your focus slips, this tecnique will be undone.
Stances
The breath of smoke uses two stances as idle. The first is the gedan no kamae, the second is similar to the midi gedan no kamae. It is done by crouching, not much thought, and holding the katana close to your body and back. If done correctly, your handle should be positioned near your stomach, and your edge facing upwards. You should be positioned in such a way that your feet are aligned, as are your shoulders, with the opponent, in what some would call a "bladed" stance. It is inspired by one of the European kind, learned by fighting alongside one who used it...or was it against? (for those wondering, it's fairly similar to the "pfluge" stance in longsword, here's a video https://youtube.com/shorts/xqaJUpr5fqI?si=GCaTrCT2CTHkubXE)
I have tried to "RP" it as Shometsu explaining them to "justify" posting it in this sub, but i understand this may have made them less clear. Please, ask me anything you don't understand and i will do my best to help you.
I feel i must tell that all but the ninth and final forms are doable IRL, so any question on their execution i will be glad to answer.
I have also hid some hints at his backstory, if you can catch them.
I hope you enjoy, and as always: "may we meet again on the road ahead".