Iori knew from experience that is a lot harder to capture someone than to was to kill them. And usually that success hinged heavily on the element of surprise. It was far easier to kidnap a target in their sleep no matter how powerful they might be.
Despite their practiced movements, he could tell this battle wasn't only physical in a sense. The ambient Ki of the world itself around him was sucked up without mercy towards his assailants, their channels singing as they throbbed with energy. Which only further improved their physical prowess.
There was plenty of things he could do here. None of the Nekomata here had a single Divine Organ cleaned and it would be child's' play to just shut down every major organ in their bodies. But he figured that wouldn't go to well with Yasaka, and while this clan would be punished for this attempt it would be simply easier not just kill all these able bodied fighters. From what his student told him, there aren't too many of those that can have an actual effect like these.
'Should I just play with them?' He thought idly, well aware of the Yokai closing in,' That should give these kids a wake up call.'
Plus besides, it'll give him a chance to actually witness Modern Senjutsu in action. Taking a single strand of Ki from his crystalline core, he allowed it to encompass his body completely. Clothes and all. Even the fishing pole and it's line was protected using his most basic of all Touki techniques. There was no reason to use his more complex methods for such a group.
At once, they struck. The black clad figures stopped a good distance away from him, each equal in both distance and formation. Like a spider, they spun their web. Channeling thin wisps of Ki from the environment itself and lines of energy appeared in his mind's eye using the leading nekomata as a focal point. That's how they stood, silent and as still as statues. Acting more like pillars of support for this constructed trap.
Curiously, Iori took notice of how the leader seemed to effortlessly step upon these strands as though he was some kind of arachnid. Skittering across the web, he charged at the stationary immortal. As the yokai got closer, he immediately noticed how the web's center seem to have moved along side the man. And honestly such a formation reminded him a lot of the type that the sects of old use to preform routinely.
Ki in itself was a life energy with very little effect on anything not actually alive. And even then, it was generally considered impossible to actually leave wounds by using the substance itself. Internal injuries were simple enough. And like that, it was easy to apply the same logic to actually controlling the body itself.
'Guess they really are here to capture me…'
He thought, taking note of the nature of this formation. These strands were like spider silk. Seeking to immobilize prey for the predator to swoop in at their leisure. It sought to influence his muscles, to halt any possible movement and the tragedy it would bring about.
"This is our clan's infamous, Heaven and Earth Formation!" The leader boasted, now leisurely stalking towards his helpless prey. Looking exactly like cat that caught a mouse by it's tail. His left hand seem to ignite with a dark blue flame that didn't generate any heat waves, reminding the world how unfair it truly was. Not only did the heavens blessed Yokai with the insane levels of talent in Senjutsu as a whole, but they also saw fit to gift them with a mysterious power that was far outside norm for any other supernatural creature.
Youjutsu. The unique magic of the Yokai itself. The power that made them gods among mortals, illusions to trick the mind and calling down the elements themselves to eradicate their foes. The world was truly unfair in this. These creatures were already apex predators but it was like someone couldn't help themselves but put more weight on the scale.
"Please Master Yamato," The leader said confidently, clawed fingers leaving blue streaks in the air," Do not resist. When you wake up, you'll not be harmed. You'll be afforded all the honor and treatment befitting a figure such as yourself."
As though he was done, the kanji formed fully. Azure fire licked ominously at the floating text before it pulsed once and dispersed into the wind. Seeing the signature ability of their captain, the cat yokais sagged in visible relief. He was known as talent in Youjutsu and as anyone knows, those the nekomatas deemed talents were simply out of this world compared to any other Yokai.
His technique would force the target into an illusion of pure bliss. Like they were having a good dream in fact, which will lower their guard enough for them to naturally fall asleep without damaging the mind in the slightest. While not one of his more destructive techniques, it was still such a move that made him famous and treasured by their elders.
But despite seeing their target still, they didn't dare to let down the formation. He was still a power Senjutsu artist and they honestly had no idea what tricks he might have up his sleeve, even the leading Nekomata kept his Youki active and ready in-case anything happens. Slowly, the net shrunk in size as they drew in closer just like a spider getting ready to wrap up their unfortunate prey.
"This is rather nostalgic." Iori asked leisurely, halting their movements as they looked at the immortal in both shock and horror. Not only had this human resisted their formation enough to actually speak but also seem to have shrugged off their leader's technique without much issue. Tensing up, they intensified the formation in hopes that drowning out the man's resistance with overwhelming numbers would be enough.
While that happened, a scowl appeared on the leader's face as the immortal spoke. Those azure flames seem to flicker with the cat man's agitation.
'It seems no one has resisted his techniques?' Iori felt like an iconic scene was about to appear as he sensed that man's wounded pride flare up along with his Youki,' Here it comes..'
"It matters not how you resisted the Heaven and Earth Formation nor my Tsukuyomi's Mercy!"
It was like he had stepped on a cat's tail or something, as the Yokai seem to stand further on his haunches looking ready to pounce," But I deem you to be uncooperative! The elders won't mind if I take the time to humble that arrogance of yours!"
And just like that, his clawed fingers whirled wildly and formed a trio of kanji that swirled ominously through the air. But instead of fading like last time, the azure text sunk into his palm. Causing the previously harmless flame to completely encase his hand. Extending it formed what looked like a massive paw with a series of wicked looking claws that itched to rip and tear into flesh. To act as the whip needed to bring this man to heel.
The Yokai as one took in a deep breathe as the vicious energy lapped at their senses, they could all one and all feel their leader's intent. This man had insulted him and he saw this as a chance to get some pay back before the practitioner was forever out of his reach.
Leaping forward, he truly represented those famous predator feline that stood resolutely at the top of the food chain. Creatures that stalked their prey with leisurely ease before pouncing in a blur of violence that stole life away in a single blink. His wild black hair came undone as the wind ruffled his fur, muscles bulged and teeth barred.
Just as they were prepared to witness an absolute slaughter that none of them could or would stop, they were brought up short when the frenzy induced Yokai swung forward with all his might on the still sitting man and stopped. No, the nekomata definitely swung his Youki infused claw but it stopped just an inch above the man's skin.
"They had that exact same look on their face."