Zantetsusen

Zantetsusen (Slashing Iron Flash) is a normal attack of Haohmaru in the Samurai Shodown series. In The King of Fighters series, it is one of his Command Moves.

Description
Haohmaru performs a powerful heavy overhead slash via rearing back, and stepping forward for a two-handed side-reap.

It has a stronger, yet slower-special move variation in the form of the Zankousen.

Strategy
Hands down Haohmaru's most iconic normal, Zantetsusen encapsulates Samurai Shodown 's heavy damage. Although it is PAINFULLY slow, its damage output taking off 1/3 or 1/4 of your opponent's health (depending on the game) is more than worth it. Well... not really, as it can be easily punished if blocked, parried or Just Defended.

In the SamSho series itself, especially in installments that feature the Sword Gauge, spamming Zantetsusen recklessly can easily tire out Haohmaru in spite of its long range. As such, it must be used with caution.

In Capcom vs. SNK 2 however, both it and his close standing HP even have a dramatic slow-down effect upon connecting on-hit, massively adding to its impact and threat.