User blog comment:Xilinoc/Ch. 571 (Yachiru's gonna wreck it)/@comment-10205398-20140305152727

It seems there are two interpretations of the explanation of Sanpo Kenjuu's ability. I'll try to use visuals to explain the differences between the two.

One interpretation is that the "kids'" blades are in front of and behind Yachiru's sword vertically like this: |                                                                 |                                                                  | This would increase Yachiru's range length-wise and make her abilities similar to Tenken's. At first this was the way I interpreted Sanpo Kenjuu's shikai, but after a little thought and re-reading the chapter I've realized this is probably incorrect. If this was the case, wouldn't Yachiru herself get cut by the blade behind her's?

The other way to interpret the explanation is that the "kids" swords are in front of and behind Yachiru's sword horizontally like this : ||| This way, instead of just essentially one long attack, there are three separate attacks. This would distinguish Sanpo Kenjuu from Tenken. If you could only see Yachiru's sword, which is in the middle, and thought you were moving out of the way in time, the first strike would still hit you. And if you didn't move out of the way, all three attacks would hit you, like at the end of the chapter.

Please reply with which way you interpret Sanpo Kenjuu's shikai.