Toramaru-style Fuseki  

This fuseki appears to have been utilized for force White into a difficult position if they approach at either a or b. It is a fighting fuseki makes it difficult for White to settle with a comfortable base.

Professionals have also used it as a fuseki that pushes White into the complicated small avalanche joseki. In fact, in historical professional games, the most common sequence is the immediate small avalanche. However, it is Black's privilege to prepare and choose the fuseki, so they are better able to prepare before a match.

If White ignores the formation and plays elsewhere, Black is content to enclose the corner around a, as the spacing with the stone is good.

Classic Usage

Low Approach  

If White plays the low approach with , Black kicks with and White cannot make a natural extension due to the presence of the stone.

High Approach  

If White plays the high approach with , it was historically common for Black to play the small avalanche with . Interestingly, Black would do this even if they lacked the ladder, which is normally unfavorable for Black.

The presence of the stone likely makes the small avalanche more favorable even when Black lacks the ladder, since it plays a role in the fight.

High Approach (Alt.)  

While not especially common in historical professional games, Shibano Toramaru advocated for the diagonal with . If White descends at a with , this transposes to the kick joseki, which is unfavorable for White.

Instead, White might try to move out, but they lack a base.