pug nose; snub nose; upturned nose
beginner; newcomer; novice; new pupil; new disciple
state-sponsored; national
shishamo smelt (Spirinchus lanceolatus)
stealthy steps; spurt to overtake a leading horse just before the finish line
before or since; neither before nor after; no other time in one's life; stressing a particular moment or event as being unique or most extreme
black swan (Cygnus atratus)
trying out a new sword or blade (originally on someone, but now on soaked straw targets)
Nihi (the two former provinces of Hizen and Higo)
being two sides of the same coin; being the same (while appearing different); Very sincerely yours; (arch.) peerless; (arch.) unparalleled
secret swordsmanship (of a specific school); secret traditions of fencing
nisei; second-generation Japanese (or Korean, etc.); the second (e.g. Edward II); son
way of murdering; killing method; way of using a sword
second (party to an agreement); the B party (e.g. in a contract); stylish; chic; strange; quaint
exclamation of surprised disappointment, disgust, or worry (yuck, ick, ack, eeew, crap!, blech, gross)
ouch!; hot, hot, hot!; something hot; fire
wholehearted; earnest; determined; intent; single-minded; straightforward
to kindle; to build a fire; to instigate; to stir up; to incite
pressingly; demandingly; hey! hey!; oi!
blunt (e.g. sword); dull; lazy; cowardly; good for nothing
letter of invitation; letter of recommendation; reference
to suffer an embarrassing defeat
contraband; taboo; strictly forbidden
death; rejection (of a manuscript, etc.); lacking; without
chink in the armor (armour)
boom; bang; wham; Oh my God!; What a shock!
crown (of head); summit (of mountain); easy win for one; something received
technology; technique; technical
to boil (something in hot water); to treat with medicinal steam (a swelling, etc.)
hair; fur; wool; down; plumage