Togakure Ryu Doton no Jutsu

The Art of Earth Evasion (Doton no Jutsu)

These are methods that the Togakure Ryu shinobi had for using topography to their advantage. The shinobi could hide in slopes, holes, etc. using the contrast created by the sun, moon, or artificial light. Dark brown or persimmon colored clothing was optimal for blending in at night. The shinobi could also cover himself with dirt from the area he wished to hide in, because he would match the color of his surroundings easily. Doton also included the use of mud, dirt, stones, and sand as weapons against enemies or as a quick distraction for evasion. The shinobi could dig pitfalls (Otoshi Ana) and other traps for opponents. He could also dig holes to hide special items. The shinobi could dig holes to tunnel into and out of restricted areas. The use of ash and metsubishi powders is also considered Doton no Jutsu. The shinobi could flip over a kettle heating on a brazier and send ash and smoke everywhere creating a cloud to escape in. Finally, Doton no Jutsu included ways of hiding within houses (Okuton no Jutsu) and using stationary rocks (Sekiton no Jutusu).

Sight Remover Method (Metsubushi no Ho)

These are methods that the Togakure Ryu shinobi had for using dirt or sand as metsubishi. The shinobi could either throw the dirt directly into the opponent's face or kick the dirt up with his foot. To kick the dirt into the opponent's face, the shinobi would stand with his katana in Low-Level Stance (Gedan no Kamae) and shift forward, digging his toes into the dirt. The shinobi would raise or move his katana in such a way as to distract the opponent. As soon as the opponent moves, the defender would kick the dirt up into the opponent's eyes. The shinobi would cut the opponent down while his sight was impaired. There were many ways for a shinobi to pick up some dirt without an opponent noticing. For example, the shinobi could grab a handful while doing a roll or any kind of ukemi.

The shinobi could use eggs, hollowed out and filled with a mixture of ash and ground chilies, as metsubishi.

Soil Dragon Method/ Mole Method (Mogura no Ho)

These are methods that the Togakure Ryu shinobi had for hiding under the opponent and attacking from this hidden position. Outdoors this would involve the hiding in a hole he had dug. When indoors, this would involve the ninja hiding under the floor. The houses in old Japan usually contained a crawl space under the first floor in which the ninja could easily conceal. When an enemy walked overhead, the ninja would stab up through the floor with a katana or yari. The ninja could use a similar method outside. He would dig a hole as long and wide as he was so that he could hide in it while lying down. The ninja would prepare bamboo poles by covering them with vegetation. The ninja would then lie in the hole and cover himself and the hole with the pant covered bamboo. When an enemy walked over the hole, the ninja could stab up through the bamboo and kill him. Naturally, the ninja would need to make sure the hole was in an area his enemy frequently crossed. The area also had to be one in which the enemy would not notice changes to the features of the ground.

Falling Petals Method (Rakka no Ho)

These are methods that the Togakure Ryu shinobi had for causing an enemy to fall into a hole. The shinobi would dig a hole and hide it with vegetation in a suitable place. If an enemy tried to pursue him, the shinobi could position the hole between himself and the enemy. All the shinobi would have to do was entice the enemy to rush forward and attack. Once the enemy fell into the hole, the shinobi could easily kill him. Traps like using holes could also be set along paths the enemy was sure to travel down.

Concealment Method (Inton no Ho)

These are methods that the Togakure Ryu shinobi had for hiding in a hole that he had previously dug. In preparation for a mission, the shinobi would strategically dig holes and look for caves and natural hollows. The shinobi could use these after his mission if he were pursued by an enemy. If the enemy came too close to the hole, the shinobi could use the Soil Dragon Method (Mogura no Ho).

Snow Method (Sekiton no Ho [possibly Setton no Hou])

These are methods that the Togakure Ryu shinobi had for using snow and is counted here in earth because all the previous earth methods apply to snow. During the winter, the shinobi could allow snow to fall on an earthen trap to conceal it naturally without a lot of work. On the side of a well-traveled path or road, the shinobi could dig a hole in the piled up snow where people had cleared the path. The shinobi could then conceal it with a fake wall of snow.

 

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