Yep, this is something I was thinking along the lines of. Much how archer/bard is a proc based dps, the samurai would base damage mitigation and evasion stacks. And depending on the stance, could also have a counterattack proc which has an additional chance to chain into more powerful slash if proc\\\\'d additionally based on crit chance or something, maybe like this:
Each successful evasion procs an ability "be like water" which increases physical and magical damages capping at 30%
Stacks of water can be used up to heal the characters health or tp or mp. I\\\\'m tired now.