Strangeness and wonder with 奇
奇 represents something that is different from the norm or an unusual state.
Etymology
This kanji is pictographic-phonetic compound, combining 大 (a large person) and 可 (to bend) for the sound.
Surprises
奇襲 (Surprise attack)
奇襲 refers to an attack that catches the enemy off guard by striking at an unexpected time, place, or in an unexpected manner.
It combines 奇 (unusual) with 襲 (attack) to show an unexpected attack.
During a training session, Tsubaki quickly subdues Asagao. Sazanka uses this opportunity to launch a surprise attack, only for Tsubaki to anticipate it and take her down as well.
- ツバキ:
- 「不意をつくばかりじゃダメです。」
- “You can't rely just on surprise attacks.”
- 「基本があるからこそ奇襲が活きるんです。」
- “It's precisely from having fundamentals that surprise attacks become effective.”
- “You can't rely just on surprise attacks.”
- サザンカ:
- 「はい…」
- “Yeah...”
Tsubaki is teaching that being clever or tricky (using surprise attacks) isn’t enough on its own. True skill comes from mastering the basics first, which then make those surprise moves actually work.
Wonders
奇遇 (Fortuitous meeting)
奇遇 refers to an unexpected meeting or a mysterious twist of fate.
It combines 奇 (strange) with 遇 (encounter) to show a remarkable chance meeting.
On her way home from grocery shopping, Urushi sees Ayumu from shogi club at school.
- うるし:
- 「なんだお前か 奇遇だな」
- “Oh, it's you. What a coincidence.”
- 歩:
- 「いえ 奇遇じゃないです」
- “No, it's not a coincidence.”