Weapons Workshop: Clashing Steel [Tetsuko's Group]

"Remember that although she is a student, she is your sensei and an expert in weaponry," Jeeves informed Niji, flipping through pages of a file he put together. Jeeves had elected to pick Niji up from the school for some personal time with her. It had been a month since he got to talk to the young Uta and wanted to give her some helpful advice. "Tetsuko Shindou would help make a style that it is suited for your quirk. Since you can change between armors and weapons and create them as well, Shindou-san is the perfect teacher for you, Uta-san."

Niji stared out the window at the buildings passed by. She wasn't a fan of riding limos. It made her feel arrogant and self-important. But it came with being the heiress of the Uta wealth. The last Uta. It hurts to even think that way after all these years. "Jeeves," Niji said staring at some children playing, "what if I can't do this?" She had been wondering about this for some time now and still felt like she didn't belong.

"No need to worry, my lady," Jeeves said with a smile. "I am sure that Shindou-san is an excellent teacher and-" Niji waved a hand to dismiss what he was saying as she shook her head. "No, not that. I mean what if I can't be the hero that people want me to be? I feel like the more I try to get better, the further behind I am. Even the people that watch over the wealth might not have a lot of faith in me."

Niji had little access to the wealth that her father once possessed due to legal reasons. Mostly because the works that he had perform made quite the profit. For the profit to continue, her father had to continue publishing his findings to the scientific community. His death was an untimely one, which put the finances in sort of a strange predicament. Niji was the only living heiress to the wealth, but she didn't have the proper training to continue her father's work. The people who were in control of her father's wealth gave Niji an ultimatum. Prove to them that she was capable of continuing her father's work and become a hero to prove that she was able to handle responsibility.

Jeeves looked at the young woman he cared for all these years with a sad look. He understood her worries and why she felt this much pressure. For Niji to assume the entire fortune, she had to show that she was a capable hero and scientist like her father. That was the basis of the entire wealth in the first place. However, Niji had a long way to go. She needed to understand her quirk more and she had to show that she was capable of continuing her father's work. "Do not worry, my lady," Jeeves said with a sad tone. "You are more than what you think of yourself."

Niji turns to look the old butler in his eyes. She could see the years of hard work and sacrifice etched into his face. "You think I can pull this off?" she asked, worried what the answer might be. "I know you can, little Ki," the old butler replied with a smile. He always likes the nickname her father gave her. "You are just like your father. He may not have had your quirk, but you are the same. You have his mind and his heart." The old butler closed the folder as the car pulled up next to the dojo's entrance. "We are here my lady. I will be back to pick you up. If you need anything just call."

Niji stood on the sidewalk as she watched the limo pulled away and drive off into the distance. She turned to face the dojo and took a deep breath. 'I can do this,' Niji thought to herself. She stepped inside and saw the young white-haired woman who would be her sensei for the day. Another person who seems to be covered in wool was also before her on his knees in front of the woman.

Niji smoothed out the wrinkles of her yellow sweatpants and T-shirt. Her Rainbow Core shined brightly in her chest and was displayed proudly for people to see. She had stopped worrying about showing it in the first place. If most of the people were proud of their quirk and looks, so should she. She tied up her cream-colored hair into a ponytail with a rainbow hairband to keep the hair out of her eyes. She bowed before Shindou-senpai as a sign of respect shown from a student to a teacher. Her yellow eyes show determination as she sat next to the other student on her knees. She was going to give it her all. "I am ready, Shindou-sensei," Niji said her voice filled with determination.

One by one, Tetsuko's students for the day rolled in. The Shindou girl already knew who each of them were, and even had an idea what some of them might be looking for, but meeting them in person would already begin expanding her understanding of them, and thus, her understanding of what weaponry and styles might suit them best. Though anyone could pick up any weapon, some people were naturally predisposed due to physical characteristics or prior training. In the world of Quirks, however, it was the former that came into play the most.

Such was the case with the first of Tetsuko's students to arrive, Burabura Buruburu. He had quite the stature, to say the very least. Even Tetsuko, who hailed from a town full of burly steelworkers and carefully crafted martial artists, couldn't but raise a brow at how plainly large he was. That was certainly going to be an advantage for him, no matter what weapon he chose. His physique naturally lead one to think of something with raw power, and as it so happened, Tetsuko did recall him mentioning his interest in using a two-handed axe for his weapon of choice.

His respectfulness was admirable, as he'd even come in how own gi and took a kneeling position before Tetsuko. The swordswoman would bow her head to him in greeting. "Nice to see you, Bura-kun. The others should be here shortly."

Sure enough, the second member arrived. A girl from U.A.'s support class who looked considerably more normal compared to her peer. The only standout feature was that glowing core of hers, but she otherwise had the build one might expect of a high school girl. However, this didn't really limit her options compared to him. Although it was true that size mattered in fighting, when it came to weaponry, the gap between the weak and strong was considerably smaller.

She too took a seat, eager to begin. "Then we have just one more left..." Tetsuko explained.

It was not long after that Edward Eckles arrived, a boy whose stature was closer to Niji's than Bura's. He had, however, previously mentioned that his Quirk allowed him to shift size, so Tetsuko was certainly going to consider that when thinking of what weapons might be best for him. Edward, like the other two, would be seated, and they could at least get things truly underway.

"Well, looks like you're all here. Thank you for coming to this workshop, I admire your initiative in improving yourselves, and will do my best to help you." Tetsuko uttered with a bow to her temporary students.

"As you know, my name is Tetsuko Shindou, 3rd Year at U.A. You can call me senpai or - for today - sensei, it's up to you. We'll be doing things more casually than usual." She didn't expect everyone to know all the proper etiquette, after all, and didn't feel quite confident enough to be called sensei.

"Now, to begin, I'd like to talk briefly about how you can use weapons to augment your fighting styles, leading into choosing what you'd like to work with today. As you know, I myself specialize in Japanese swordsmanship: kenjutsu. However, I am trained in a wide variety of historical weapons, and am personally very interested in the use and study of historical martial arts. Particularly, how they can aid us, as Heroes."

Tetsuko would remain standing, looking to each of her students and talking calmly and confidently.

"Weapons are, essentially, tools. And every tool is designed to make humans more proficient at a certain task. Through this, weapons can 'augment' your fighting style, opening up new possibilities, emphasizing your strengths and even making up for your weaknesses. Whether it be as simple as the range granted by a spear, or as intricate as the enhanced grappling of the fundo-kusari. Deciding how you'd like to 'augment' your fighting style is key to deciding which weapon you'd like to try your hand at. Stand up, if you will."

She'd wait a moment, giving them all a chance to get to their feet before addressing them again.

"I'd like each of you to introduce yourself, and state how you want to 'augment' your abilities with a weapon. Your answer can be as complicated or as simple as you like, whatever is the most natural. Then, tell me which weapon you'd like to try your hand at today, or ask me for suggestions if you're unsure. Whatever it is, even if we don't have it on hand, I can probably make it with my Quirk, so obscurity isn't an issue."

With her hands behind her back, she'd nod to her students, ushering them to begin the initial decision phase of today's lesson.

---

Niji took her seat next to Burabura. She had heard his name and description in the chat before and this was her first time meeting him in person. To say the man was a giant compare to her was an understatement. Was he even a student? She did think the multitude of wool on him was kind of cute. However, this was no time to just to admire someone's fashion sense. She was here to learn a new skill that would enhance her fighting potential. Yes, she was a support student. But being able to defend yourself and others was vital to making a rescue mission a success.

As Niji sat quietly, she noticed another person entering the room. She had never met this person before. He had on a long scarf and he wore opaque glasses that seem to hide his eyes from the view of others. He had long messy white hair and seem to be a quiet person. Niji noticed the small nod he gave to Burabura before he took his seat, maybe implying that they knew each other.

Tetsuko-sensei laid out what the purpose of the class was. To find a weapon or fighting style that fits them. After Burabura, introduced himself, she stood up next and gave her introduction. "Hello, Shindou-sensei," Niji started with a bow. "My name is Niji Uta of Class 1-S. I am here to figure out a style that would allow me to fight with any weapon. My quirk allows me to create different things, such as weapons and armors. However, I can't find the best martial art that would allow me to learn every weapon. I know I can't do it overnight and I know it will take a lot of hard work. I figured you would be the best expert to help me. If you would have me." When Niji finished her introduction she took her seat and waited for the next person to introduce himself.

Tetsuko had to keep a somewhat open mind as she listened to the intentions of all her students. After all, they were likely not all that well versed in actual weapon usage. If they were, they wouldn't be coming to her for help, would they? She also had to consider that each of them possessed unique Quirks that might influence their decisions, and might also create abnormalities in deciding the most 'practical' choice. Tetsuko's own knowledge was based mostly on history, and consequently, based on human limitations. Quirks did not have those same restrictions, but she was confident enough in her ability to adapt her knowledge.

Furthermore, one could quite easily extrapolate outward the use of weapons in history to how they might help Heroes of the modern age. For example, the first student to arrive, Bura, had some very clear factors that influenced his choice of optimal weapon. Being the first to be called upon, he stood up quickly, only adding to hints that he might have martial arts training already; though likely not in weapons. It wasn't too surprising, given how popular hand to hand styles like Karate and Judo were in Japan. As expected, Bura mentioned his size as something to consider, which was the most obvious thing to consider.

He mentioned having trouble against smaller opponents, given his imposing size, and Tetsuko could understand the potential issue. An advantage in height was normally a boon, but when that height was as dramatic as Bura's, it was only natural that he'd find it awkward to engage with significantly smaller foes. He suggested something other than a two-handed axe may be necessary, but Tetsuko actually still thought the weapon suitable.

"Taking on more agile foes can indeed be difficult. In order to account for them, one generally needs flexibility and range, to catch them in their assaults and retreats. Fortunately, a two-handed axe can do just that." The Shindou girl explained, moving over to the bag full of synthetic weaponry and fishing around until she found the desired weapon. The long shaft was made of a strong wood, but the axehead itself was synthetic, a polymer design of decent weight. The axehead itself was intimidating, though not overly large like many fantasy designs. Tetsuko held it in both hands as she walked over to Bura.

"Naturally, it provides range. With strength, it provides momentum and agility, and the shaft, horn give you flexible options at any range. The axe is no brutish weapon. Instead, it turns brute strength into adaptability. A shorter, lighter weapon wouldn't give you this, so I believe an axe is still quite useful for you." The Shindou girl would explain her decision as she handed the axe over to Bura, noting that his thick fur and great stature already gave him quite the defense. It was for that reason she decided against the more traditional one-handed axe and shield combination, as the latter may be redundant and unnecessarily sacrifice some of the flexibility of the two-handed axe.

After Bura, Niji spoke up, and to Tetsuko's surprise, revealed she was a member of the Support Studies course. Interesting, but not shocking. A moment's thought had her realizing it did make season to learn some self defense. Being somewhat vague with her Quirk, she did still mention that she could feasibly create many weapons, and seemed to express an interest in learning them all. This did have Tetsuko raising her brow a bit.

"While I understand your interest in expanding your skills, I don't think it's wise to try and learn every weapon to equal skill. Furthermore, there is simply no singular martial art that knows every weapon. Learning multiple styles is a must if you wish to learn multiple weapons. However..." Tetsuko thought for a moment, before going over to the bag again and getting the next tool.

"Though I recommend specializing, and insist again - there is no such thing as a martial art that will teach you everything - I can at least offer you a good 'starting point'. For one can at least apply the principles of this weapon to other tools quite easily." Tetsuko pulled out a rather simple weapon. A synthetic, two-handed European longsword. It was of the German style, one might notice, with the blade a bit over a meter long. Despite its size, it weighed about 1 and a half kilograms, a standard weight for such a weapon.

Handing over the practice sword to Niji, Tetsuko would give her a nod as she explained. "The longsword is perhaps one of the most well-documented weapons in history. There are countless manuals from many traditions, and its teachings can be applied to fighting sticks, greatswords, and even Eastern blades. Again though, I must stress; learning all weapons is not advised. Mastery over one area is much preferred. If you'd like a different weapon, let me know, at least." A spear or even staff might also be a good choice, but for now, Tetsuko left Niji with a longsword as her tool for the day.

Last to speak up was Edward, who was quite polite like Bura, impressive given he was foreign to Japan. He gave a level-headed explanation, and one that piqued Tetsuko's interest. She'd heard him talk of his size-changing Quirk in the past, it was true, and this was a difficulty she hadn't ever had to consider before. There were two options; a weapon that could be modified to grow in size, or that was effective at any size. Both interesting options.

He noted his Quirk already gave increased strength, reach and toughness, so he wanted something to augment his abilities in a way that could throw his opponents off, something to shift the tides and give him an unexpected advantage. Lastly, he also had some skill in boxing, which was perhaps relevant in deciding on a weapon. When he was done, Tetsuko raised a hand to her chin, wracking her brain over the best weapon for Edward. His was easily the most interesting case.

His specialty in boxing had her thinking of shorter ranged weapons that were used in similar fashion. Things like the katar, tekko or even simply a gauntlet; but all were very straightforward and almost redundant with the advantages given by Edward's Quirk. However, one did come to mind as something that could potentially be something more.

After considering the possibilities for a few moments, she spoke up again.

"Regarding the need for your weapons to grow, blunt weapons are ideal for that. I'm sure the Support Studies students could whip up something there. However, most clubs might not fit your desire to have something not entirely 'straightforward'." The swordswoman began. "However, there are some that come to mind. The first is the tonfa. Very easy to use with regular hand striking techniques, but with the benefit of being also being able to hook, grapple and deliver deceptive attacks. There's also the sai. It's a blunt weapon too, with many of the same utilities, a surprising affinity with hand strikes, while also being a good general tool."

Both the sai and tonfa were Okinawan weapons, interestingly enough. They always had been a craft bunch...

"Alternatively, you could use other staff or stick weapons if you'd like. There's also the possibility of using the fundo-kusari, a weighted chain that's used to strike, grapple and disarm. It's trickier, but you could get away with not having it need to grow with you." He was a more unique case, it seemed, as Tetsuko didn't really know which would truly be the best call for him. "Given the difficulties, I'll leave it to you to decide which of these options you'd most like to use. Of course, you could take any of them, or something simpler like a club, and augment it with Support help too. Whatever it is, I can provide."

Once Edwards decision was made, she'd provide the appropriate synthetic practice weapon, and turn to all her students once more. This had been a surprisingly long process, so she wanted to take a moment to collect them all again.

"Now, if everyone's happy with their choice, we can began. I want everyone up and in stance, and we'll start by seeing how much these weapons 'click' with you." Once everyone was up and ready, the Shindou girl would nod to them all, before asking them the deciding question.

"Now, is everyone ready to begin?"

Welp, that made this a little harder. According to Tetsuko-sempai, there was no martial art that could teach all weapon styles. As much as Niji wanted to accept that answer, she knew she could find a way to pull it off. It was going to take time and study to adapt. She wasn't going to give up that easily. The one thing that her father taught her is that the whole point of an experiment was trying something over and over again until she got it right. But for now, she needed a starting basis, a foundation so to speak.

Tetsuko-sempai handed her a longsword and asked her to give it a try. Niji was not that familiar with a sword as she was with hand-to-hand combat. Mostly because Jeeves had taught her a barehanded martial style for the time being. But now she was trying to expand from that. She got into a stance and attempted to swing the sword a little. It wasn't heavy, but it didn't feel natural to her. She looked at Tetsuko. "I apologize," Niji said, "but I am more used to hand-to-hand combat. The sword feels kind of... not right to me." She wasn't trying to sound like she was complaining or anything. She just didn't want to use a weapon that didn't right to her... for the time being.