During his fight with Kenshin, Sōjirō continually states he's only moving "three steps below "shukuchi"" or "two steps below "shukuchi"." While moving at the speed his "shukuchi" utilizes, the only thing that can be seen is Sōjirō's footsteps ripping through the tatami mats. During "one step below "shukuchi"", he is able to attack from an omni-directional angle, utilizing not only horizontal but vertical space. While performing true "shukuchi", he completely disappears and cannot be seen, even by Kenshin. Sōjirō can dodge the , a move which apparently cannot be evaded even by Kenshin himself. Sōjirō is also the first one ever to slash Kenshin in the back in the series.