Sneak peek of the new Thief and Pirate

To me it looks more like 3 different frames from the same animation (skill). 1st is starting the blast (not all the way out yet), 2nd is the blast widening, 3rd is the full power frame (white hot intensity). The 4th image looks like an upgraded/revamped Corkscrew Blow (longer range, newer animation, hopefully doesn't have the delay after moving before you can attack again).

Though I'm not sure why the first 2 "frames" of the kamehameha (and the "CSB") all spin clockwise, but the "full power" frame spins counter-clockwise.

If it were all the same skill everyone would have full reason to be disappointed. The only way they wouldn't be is if they SOMEHOW still kept the combo-noncombocount style while still improving on it. If they did a tiered attack though it would promote the building of power through comboing without discouraging comboing by giving us a spammable long range laser like every other pirate has. The problem is the tiered attack can't possibly be good for DPS just because it would take time to charge up and use, even though you'll still have a laser with what looks like the same range as dragon strike and is probably spammable, it just won't be as strong.

The different animations are the only reason for me hoping for that though. Changing clockwise is evidence of this being true, imo.