one's own army; one's own team
adapting oneself to the requirements of the moment; playing by ear; ad hoc approach
dead center; (right in the) middle; midst; midst (e.g. of a storm); heyday; (the) height (e.g. of a debate)
standing in each other's way; holding each other back; getting in the way of each other's success; hindering each other's progress
hidden ball trick; ace up one's sleeve; secret weapon
innate ability; innate talent; natural gift
position on the fingerboard (of a shamisen, koto, etc.); vital point; crux
has never (done, occurred); there has never been an instance (where); there is no precedent (for)
to withdraw; to abandon (e.g. a lawsuit)
firm; solid; steady; secure; unshakeable; unwavering
to get into a fight; to take up the gauntlet; to accept a challenge
instruction; teaching; guidance; informing
being roused; being stimulated; being inspired; being spurred on
these days; nowadays; today; at this time (of day); at this hour
enlightenment; spiritual awakening; reaching one's peak (as a performer, etc.); reaching the highest echelons; gaining eyesight; restoring eyesight
praise; glorification; extolment
to be proud; to be haughty; to be arrogant; to be conceited; to brag; to show off
to eat; to drink; to smoke; to suffer (e.g. defeat); to receive a blow
implicitly; indirectly; tacitly; by implication; obscurely
(philosophy of) not rocking the boat; (principle of) letting sleeping dogs lie
provocative; incendiary; inflammatory; suggestive; lascivious; risqué
contrary to one's expectations
essence; quintessence; spirit; soul; heart; pith (and marrow)
to assault with a sword; to stab at; to slash at
weapons; arms; fighting with swords; sword fight
grounding (in a skill or subject); knowledge; training; achievements; attainments; accomplishments
swordsmanship; line drawn by the tip of a sword when slashing
strict crackdown on and elimination of misconduct; strict enforcement of discipline
sudden fall; sharp fall; sudden drop; sharp drop
to storm (a house, castle, etc.); to raid; to attack
up through; up until; down to; from ... to ... (e.g. from head to toe); everything from ... to ...
going too far; going to extremes
sigh (of grief, disappointment, etc.); grieving; lamenting; deploring
shy; diffident; retiring; reserved
to sing; to chirp; to twitter
timid; faint-hearted; wimpish
repeatedly; frequently; over and over; exceedingly; sincerely; very much
to admit fault; to admit one is wrong
medium; mediocrity; average
special characteristics; peculiarity; distinctiveness
recognizing anew; seeing something in a new light