HA1 7.1 - Knife Skill
There were many knife throwing techniques, but Hide specifically chose the no-spin technique. He chose this particular technique because it could be applied with a knife that had a balance point at its front tips, at its middle section, or at its grip. Also, if the thrower's feeling and touch had reached the deepest level, the no-spin technique could even be used with scissors or other tools.
Every morning, after carrying his regular warm up and stretching Hide would hone his knife skills. He focused his knife skill in two things, silent killing and knife throwing. As his sweat was dripping to the floor, he placed the combat knife on his palm and then gripped it using all his fingers but the index finger. He placed his index finger on the back of the knife as straight as possible.
After that, he made an underhand swung as if he was swinging a whip upward. Just before his index finger pointed at the target, he released his grip and used his index finger to make a small upward touch so that the combat knife wouldn't spin as it left his palm.
As his hand stopped with his index finger pointing upward, the combat knife flew straight to the target.
Takkk!!
The combat knife perfectly pierced the wooden target six meters in front of Hide. After taking a deep breath, Hide then grabbed five steel nails as big as chopsticks and threw them using the no-spin technique.
Takkk!!
Takkk!!
Clank!!
Takkk!!
Clank!!
"Four out of six," Hide muttered softly.
After glancing at his watch, Hide closed his eyes in preparation before practicing knife silent killing.
---
Hakka Plateau, Nikko Army's Advance Sniper Training Center
The gentle evening sun shone on a row of bivouacs on the edge of a small stream. Each bivouac was no more than 40 cm high and was well camouflaged among the high grasses.
Not far from the row of bivouacs, an instructor in green olive tactical pants and a sand brown T-shirt calmly stood. While holding a scarecrow made of stuffed weed, the instructor looked at the six cadets kneeling before him.
The cadets’ body was thin. Their cheeks were deeply sunken like a deer. Their faces were covered with beard and sideburns, while their hair reached their napes and ears. Their combat dress was also worn out. Yet, their gazes were as sharp as an eagle.
After giving a small smile the instructor said, "Congratulations, 14 out of 47 cadets had completed the Marksman Phase, but only you are selected to proceed to Stalking Phase."
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"""Sir,""" the cadets calmly answered in unison.
"Do you know what you're going to do for the next six weeks?"
One of the cadets appointed by the instructor replied, "Infiltrate various objectives guarded by a platoon of Airborne Ranger specializing in countering Special Forces or sniper, executed 300-600 meter perfect shots without being caught, at the minimum got five success out of eight opportunities."
"Right, shooting from 800-1000 meters will be too easy for you. So, you have to work a little bit harder to proof yourself." The instructor paused for a moment before asking again, "But, what if you have to kill a target silently at close range, at night, behind enemy lines."
Another cadet replied, "No matter how good the sound and flash suppressor we use, muzzle flash from sidearm will still leak our presence. Therefore, silent killing must be done using combat knife."
"Correct, and so, for the next six weeks, I and the other 16 instructors will teach you how to kill silently using combat knife, axe, steel wire, poison, dart, or other toys."
After looking at each cadet one by one, the instructor added, "The result of silent killing class will not affect the graduation of Stalking Phase. But believe me, master the skill until you are worthy of being called a sentry slayer, and one day you will be grateful for it when the opportunity to use it comes by."
"""Sir."""
"For today, I will teach you the knife silent killing," the instructor then showed a black chromed combat knife as he explained, "Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife or Britiss Commando Knife. It’s made based on the old bayonet model from Hoa Republic. The flat part is slightly triangular, while the edges are not very sharp. It is by their nature for stabbing and tearing, and not for cutting large muscles, veins, or blood vessels.
It was very effective at draining their victim's blood. It was also very easy to insert it between the ribs to give a touch to the heart or lungs. In short, it was a knife made specifically for killing."
"""Sir."""
The instructor then pointed at several locations on his scarecrow. "The seven major veins, unless you intend to take medical course, you don't need to remember their names. Just remember their location and how to destroy them.
If the grip, movement, and angle of the knife are correct, the victim will be unconscious in four seconds, enter a coma in six seconds, and arrive in the afterlife in 8-10 seconds."
"""Sir."""
"Now, make your scarecrow so we can start the practice right away."
"""Sir."""
A few minutes later, the scarecrow butchering practice began.
---
Slowly Hide opened his eyes. While the memory of knife silent killing practice was still fresh in his mind, he grabbed his training partner. A doll from a 1.8 m long wooden block, wrapped tightly using an old blanket and towel.
For seven targets in knife silent killing, 76 techniques could be used. Most were techniques that were executed from behind in a standing position. But there were also techniques that had to be performed from the front, from a kneeling position, or even from a prone position.
Of course, Hide couldn't practice all the techniques. But at least, he could restore the sensation and familiarity to some of the techniques he most likely would use.
"Hello, Teddy my old friend. We meet again."
After a warm greeting, Hide then stabbed Teddy using his Fairbairn Sykes, in various angles and positions. Sometimes, after a stab, he would push or pull the Fairbairn Sykes handle sideways. Other times, he'll just turn it around like a drill.
Within half an hour, Hide managed to make hundreds of stabs without the slightest pause. If Teddy was a living being, his blood would have been drained dry and pooled on the floor along with Hide's sweat.
"Phewww..."
After checking his watch, Hide then mumbled softly, "Ten minutes before Aizawa comes down. Today I also promised her to take her for shopping after school."
After gulping down a glass of warm water, Hide then rushed to the side yard and started Hanna's exercise program.
*****