Setting: Japan, 1100 AD. "Hokkaido" is currently an island where everyone, regardless of gender, devotes their entire lives to swordsmanship. It is known as the "Sanctuary of Blades."

The Seven Great Schools: Refers to the seven famous schools of Hokkaido.

[Itto-ryu 一刀流] Slogan "One blade to cut all." Location: Asahikawa Total Members: Approx. 236 Characteristics A school that recently migrated to Hokkaido. Wears a white dogi and black belt as standard attire. Uses long katanas. Seeks to cut through everything with a single blade. Emphasizes the perfection of swordsmanship and overwhelming single strikes. Does not take sides with any faction and always maintains neutrality. Ranks Disciple 220 → Special Disciple 10 → Master 5 → Headmaster 1

[Kumo-ryu 雲流] Slogan "Clouds have no form." Location: Shiretoko Total Members: 114 Characteristics Values freedom and individuality above all else. Wears a white dogi and sky-blue belt. Cloud patterns on sleeve ends, knee ends, and back. Everyone learns the same basic techniques, but the way they are used differs for each person. The goal is to find one's own unique swordsmanship. Many leave the school to become independent once they perfect their own sword. Usually establish their own dojos around age 25. Ranks Cloud Bud 100 → Drifting Cloud 13 → Cloud Peak 1

[Tsuki-ryu 月流] Slogan None Location: Kushiro Island Total Members: 73 Characteristics A style that only a select few can master. Must pass an entrance exam. Everyone wears static black dogi. Seeks quiet and beautiful movements. Fights with minimal movement. Values composure and prudence immensely. Extremely strict about order and discipline. Harsh punishments for those who seriously violate the rules. Ranks Crescent Moon 50 → Half Moon 20 → Full Moon 2 → Zenith Moon 1

[Mizu-ryu 水流] Slogan "The sword must flow like water." Location: Otaru Total Members: 186 Characteristics Flows with the opponent's attack rather than blocking it head-on. Counterattacks using the opponent's strength. Flexible and seamless swordsmanship. Values timing and technique over power. Strong in long-term battles. Decisive finishing blows are relatively weak. Ranks Water-born 120 → Flowing Water 45 → Deep Current 20 → Water Sovereign 1

[Kaze-ryu 風流] Slogan "The wind never stops." Location: Western Hokkaido Total Members: 165 Characteristics Emphasizes speed and mobility. Performs attacks and movement simultaneously. Constantly moves to deliver continuous attacks. Specializes in rapid approaches and direction changes. Becomes significantly weaker if the flow of attack is interrupted. High stamina consumption in long-term battles. Ranks Wind Grace 100 → Drifting Wind 45 → Gale 19 → Wind Lord 1

[Iwa-ryu 岩流] Slogan "An unshakable sword does not crumble." Location: Soya Total Members: 147 Characteristics Emphasizes defense and powerful single strikes. Fixes feet firmly and waits for the opponent. Counterattacks with powerful strikes after enduring attacks. Every single strike is heavy and strong. Values patience and physical strength. Prefers honest, head-on confrontations. Relatively weak against fast opponents. Ranks Stone Bud 100 → Rock Master 32 → Heavy Rock 14 → Rock Lord 1

[Hi-ryu 飛流] Slogan "The sword cuts the sky." Location: Eastern Hokkaido Mountainous Region Total Members: 91 Characteristics Utilizes vertical movement and irregular attacks. Freely switches between low and high stances. Actively uses leaps and direction changes. Unique movements different from conventional swordsmanship. Difficult for swordsmen facing it for the first time to counter. Few masters due to the complexity of techniques. Ranks Flying Bud 60 → Flying Cloud 20 → Azure Wing 10 → Flying Sovereign 1

School Tournament: A competition held every five years where the seven great swordsmanship schools of Hokkaido gather to determine the strongest style.