What to know
- Kick Cycle Water is a Samurai Martial Art (Transformed) for Cestus.
- Unlock it by finding Chijiko in Bakumatsu.
- The unlock requires a specific interaction sequence.
- Adds Water element and extended shockwave range to Kick Cycle.
Kick Cycle Water is one of the more unique Transformed Arts in Nioh 3, especially because of how you unlock it. Rather than defeating a boss or opening a hidden chest, you must locate a small yokai named Chijiko in the Bakumatsu region and complete a specific interaction sequence.
Once unlocked, this art enhances the base Kick Cycle technique for Cestus users, adding elemental effects and expanded reach. If you enjoy mid-range pressure and Ki damage with fist weapons, this is a significant upgrade.
Nioh 3 Kick Cycle Water details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Skill Type | Samurai Martial Art (Transformed) |
| Weapon | Cestus |
| Element | Water |
| Region | Bakumatsu |
| Unlock NPC | Chijiko |
| Unlock Requirement | Interaction sequence |
| Combat Role | Mid-range shockwave + Ki pressure |
Location of Chijiko in Bakumatsu
Kick Cycle Water is unlocked in the Bakumatsu (1864 CE) chapter. Based on the region layout, the nearest convenient fast travel location is Kawaramachi Crossroads, visible on the Sanjo map.
From this fast travel point, you can explore nearby streets and side paths to locate Chijiko, a small, mischievous yokai that appears in the area.
Chijiko does not behave like a traditional enemy encounter. It reacts to your actions and requires a specific sequence to trigger the unlock.
How to unlock Kick Cycle Water in Nioh 3
Unlocking the art requires completing an interaction chain with Chijiko rather than defeating it outright.
Fast travel to Kawaramachi Crossroads in Bakumatsu. Search nearby side streets and open areas until you locate Chijiko.
Shoot Chijiko using a ranged attack. This triggers its reaction state.
Approach and pet Chijiko once it becomes interactable. After completing the interaction correctly, Kick Cycle Water unlocks automatically.
You will receive confirmation that the Transformed Art is now available.
This method differs from standard Martial Arts Guide unlocks because the guide is effectively granted through the Chijiko interaction.
Nioh 3 Kick Cycle Water uses
Kick Cycle Water is a transformed variant of the base Kick Cycle Martial Art for Cestus.
When activated:
- Your weapon becomes enveloped in Water element energy.
- You release a wide shockwave attack.
- The attack reaches significantly farther than the base Kick Cycle.
The transformation adds both elemental damage and expanded hitbox coverage.
| Feature | Base Kick Cycle | Kick Cycle Water |
|---|---|---|
| Element | None | Water |
| Range | Short | Extended shockwave |
| Ki Pressure | Moderate | High |
| Crowd Control | Limited | Strong AoE coverage |
Because Water increases the likelihood of Saturation status, it can reduce enemy defenses and improve follow-up damage.
How to equip Kick Cycle Water
After unlocking, visit a Shrine. Open the Skills / Martial Arts menu. Navigate to the Cestus Martial Arts category. Locate Kick Cycle Water and spend the required Samurai Points (typically 2). Assign it to your preferred stance slot.
The art will not appear in your list until Chijiko has been properly interacted with.
Combat applications and best use cases
Kick Cycle Water changes how you approach mid-range engagements.
It excels at:
- Breaking enemy Ki from a safer distance
- Pressuring groups without fully committing
- Initiating combat before enemies close in
- Applying Water status to enable combo scaling
Because Cestus combat often demands close proximity, having a mid-range shockwave adds tactical flexibility.
In crowd scenarios, the extended range helps stagger multiple targets, especially in narrow Bakumatsu streets where enemy clustering is common.
Build synergy and scaling potential
The Bakumatsu chapter introduces tighter urban combat spaces and more enemy ambushes. Kick Cycle Water provides a controlled way to open engagements and soften groups before diving in.
Kick Cycle Water fits best into builds that emphasize:
| Build Focus | Benefit |
|---|---|
| High Agility | Faster repositioning after shockwave |
| Ki Damage Boosts | Amplifies break potential |
| Water Damage Scaling | Improves status application |
| Crowd Control Builds | Controls multiple targets |
Players who invest in Samurai scaling while maintaining mobility benefit most. Since Cestus rely on rhythm and pressure, the added reach allows you to maintain tempo without overextending.
Compared to purely close-range Cestus techniques, it adds:
- Tactical initiation
- Status application utility
- Safer Ki-breaking options
For players experimenting with fist-based Samurai builds, this unlock meaningfully improves consistency.
Mastering Kick Cycle Water in Nioh 3
Kick Cycle Water transforms the Cestus playstyle from purely close-range aggression into a balanced mid-range pressure system. By finding and interacting correctly with Chijiko in Bakumatsu—starting near Kawaramachi Crossroads—you unlock a water-infused shockwave that expands your combat options.
If you want more control in tight street encounters and better Ki-breaking from safer spacing, this is one of the most practical Transformed Arts you can add to your Cestus loadout in Nioh 3.
