Mikoto Clan

The Mikoto Clan come from a place called Takamagahara, a subspace within one of the higher realms Beri'ah, the Realm of Divine Thrones. Worshipped at countless shrines throughout Japan, they are often turned towards in order to receive blessings, providing

the defense of the nation against any supernatural means that would bring the people ruin or harm.

## Overview

The **Mikoto Clan** (命の一族, Mikoto no Ichizoku) descend from three gods of creation and have an incredibly long lineage of deities and warriors dating back to the beginning of time. They are the most important clan in all of Japan with a few emperors of the past being born as scions of the clan. The royal family itself consist of Mikoto relatives who have completely been assimilated into the realm of humans. It is very rare for a Mikoto to have demonic heritage and almost always is frowned upon by the rest of the family. Many Kami that exist were formed from the creator gods with the most famous being Amaterasu, Susano'o, and Tsukuyomi. They are the face of the Shinto Pantheon and have the most power out of all the deities that exist. Because they have over eight million clan members, three people are assigned the position of clan head with each generation and share the roles and responsibilities that come with the title.

## Abilities

**Muryō Zanmai:** A unique ki-based ability passed down to a handful of Mikoto Clan members, primarily of the warrior class. Through the flow of ki into the occipital lobe within the brain, an individual becomes capable of seeing the true form of their enemy and are able to interact with it, effectively cutting the true path as a warrior is intended. Muryō Zanmai translates to (無量三昧, "Realm/Sphere of Infinite Concentration.") So far, the only people capable of using this art are:

* Takamimusubi
* Izanagi Mikoto
* Izanami Mikoto
* Shira Mikoto

* Ishana Mikoto
* Susano'o Mikoto
* Takemikazuchi no Mikoto
* Takami Mikoto

To achieve this state of immaculate power, a person must learn how to conquer shikai (四戒, "The Four Sicknesses,") which are respectively called surprise, fear, doubt and confusion. In moments of surprise, you become surprised by circumstances that you are not expecting, so much so that the movements of your mind and body become disturbed. You become unable to make correct judgements, or take relevant measures. You assume a state of being at a loss for what to do. In times of fear, you become afraid of your opponent, and your spirit arrives at a standstill. Your limbs begin to tremble, and you lose the ability to move freely. In times of doubt, you begin to question the movements of your opponent, you lose the ability to make calm judgements, and you become indecisive. And in times of confusion, you are filled with hesitation, doubt and indecision. In this situation, it is impossible for you to make fast decisions, or swift movements.

Once these four plagues are overcome and the mind transcends all natural obstacles, one becomes completely free from negative obstructions such as fear, anger or ego. This mental state is also commonly known among swordsmen as Mushin (無心, "Mindlessness.") It is the pinnacle of power awaiting every martial artist at the end of their journey or Kaiden.

**Kōtari Zansei**: Another ability known throughout the Mikoto Clan as Kōtari Zansei, which translates to (神足残生, "Remnants of Spiritual Power.") It has yet to be seen, so no further description can be provided as of yet.

### Fighting Style

The only known style that has been currently revealed as a Mikoto Clan exclusive is **Manten Zetsuin-ryū** (万天絶印流, *"Myriad Heaven Termination Sealing Style."*) A method of sword fighting that is divided between Yin and Yang respectively. Yang harbors the more aggressive and offensive qualities, while Yin prioritizes a complete and solid defense. Yang attacks are empowered by mechanical oscillations that tear enemies apart and break through defenses, while Yin makes the most of Mushin or thoughtless for perfected defense. In addition to Mushin, incoming attacks are diffused because the flow of ki targets the center source rather than the excess energy created by a strike of a distinct nature.