Trackless Step

Trackless Step (抜き足(ぬきあし), Nukiashi, lti. "Without Foot") is an ancient movement technique.

Description

Trackless Step is an ancient martial art, where the user combines their breath control and footwork to slip into the consciousness of their opponent or intended target. As witnessing it first hand, Ikki explained that the brain is unable to process all the little details around them without overworking itself and burning out. As such, instead of accelerating one's movements, it instead makes their movements difficult to perceive since their opponent's brain doesn't recognize it as relevant information, thus making it appear as if they just zoned out until the very moment they're attacked.

This technique is noted to be one of the strong points of Nangou Torajirou, both the God of War and former rival of Ryouma Kurogane, then later taught it to Nene Saikyo, Touka Toudou, and Momiji Asagi. Ikki through his own observation was able to figure it out after seeing Nene then Touka using it for the first time; the former used it to appear in front of him and the latter used it against Shizuku. And Stella later used it after understanding the basic principals behind it.

The Trackless Step's effectiveness is based on how much the user has mastered it, as such, Nangou, Nene, and Ikki all displayed and/or have at least been heard to have been able to use it to an incredible extent compared to other Trackless Step users.

Nene uses Trackless Step on Ikki.

Touka using Trackless Step against Shizuku.

Weaknesses

Although the Trackless Step is a useful technique in itself it can still be countered:

1. The technique can be countered by skilled martial artists, especially by ones who learned the technique.
2. One known method is to shift their attention toward their unconsciousness, however, it can be hard, more so when fighting.
3. Shizuku devised a move where she covers the area around her in a thin layer of water causing splashes on the surface whenever the Trackless Step user moves around her letting Shizuku counter the technique.

Users

• Nangou Torajirou
• Nene Saikyo
• Touka Toudou
• Momiji Asagi
• Ikki Kurogane (Blade Steal)
• Stella Vermillion

Trivia

• Trackless Step or Nukiashi is a reference to the technique used by Shinobi to move across creaking floors and the likes.