User blog comment:Tachikaze Master/Newb Questions/@comment-24965906-20150504191023

Ahem...let me anser them.

1. No. Look at the Q&A section of Bushi's cards. Q410

BT04/0101EN：Black Dragon Shield]

Q. Can I cast this card when damage is dealt to me by [Penetrate]?

A. No, you cannot. The effect of [Penetrate] is not a [Counter]. Also, Thus, when a monster with [Penetrate] attacks a monster in the center, you cannot cast this card as there is still a monster in your center.

2. The heck? When a monster with Soulguard is hit, it is considered to be destroyed. Soulguard only stops the card from leaving the field, not its destruction. Read: Soulguard.

3. Yes. You can pay the cost even if there is no valid target.

4. Yes, so as to prove you are not cheating. This also applies to any cards like Merlin where you search for a specific card(s), it's just common courtesy.

5. Yes, you take Lifelink