Kendo Pride

Finally, the last bell hand rung and the classes were over for the day. Though the majority of Naito's classmates would most likely be heading home, he'd be staying after school for practice. Standing up from his desk, the silver haired scholar would fold his papers and place them in his case. Once everything was in place, he'd secure his possessions and make his way towards the door. Through the chaos of people trying to escape the school grounds to their freedom and find their friends; Naito would bump into the Kendo club captain, Hibiki Kei. The two would exchange glances for a few seconds before Kei would break the silence with a laugh and a pat on Naito's back. The silver haired students face remained its usual calm expression, even though the pat almost knocked him off balance. "Going to practice today, right, Naito-kun?" Hibiki asked with a friendly tone, and Naito would close his eyes while answering. "Of course. If I'm to be a member of such a shameless kendo club, I'll be sure to make sure they win some competitions in the future." His response was as blunt as usual, and caused Hibiki to laugh abit. Throwing an arm around Naito's shoulders, Kei would begin to walk with him towards the Sports Club building. Though Naito wasn't particularly a fan of such close encounters, he didn't speak against it. He had a sort of profound respect for Hibiki, if not because his fellow love for Kendo, but because the hidden potential he had. Every time they fought, Hibiki's skills seemed to become more and more potent. If he were to apply himself, it was possible that the Captain could one day be far better than Naito himself. Though the silver haired student wouldn't allow such a thing to happen. He'd make sure to train and grow in strength himself. After all, swordsmanship was like a religion for him.

After several minutes of walking a preparations, the two students would be standing within the Kendo Club's main training area. Both dressed in the standard clothing and holding their wooden bokken swords, they would be awaiting the other members of the club. They were rather early, which rarely happened. Using his hand, Naito would slick his long bangs back, clearing any obstructs from his view. It was something he was known to do when holding any sort of blade, even if wooden. It had become his trademark in his previous school aswell. "Before I leave this school, our Kendo team will certainly be number one in the continent. I won't allow any less." Naito crossed his arms over his chest and looked towards Hibiki, who simply returned his gaze with a smile. "Most of us just do this for fun. Can't forget about that fundamental part of the sport." He was right, though Naito would never admit such a thing. Instead, he'd simply nod his head as the fellow club members began to arrive upon the scene.

After the last bell had rung, all the students of 2-A began hurriedly packing and rushed out of the classroom as soon as they were able. Some went in groups, others in pairs, some alone. Reiguu Ejji, however, remained seated and calmly hid his belonging in his own school bag, only glancing at the crowd as it went. He honestly disliked being a part of any large groups, and he always made sure to stay aside, lest he be swept away with the current of chattering, flailing bodies. Well, of course, they were living, breathing people - but that did not make it any easier for him.

After the wave of excietement had passed, and only few students remained inside the classroom, Ejji stood up. As he made his way out the room he pondered where to go next. He could spend some time in the library, where the rest of the Literature club would be gathering today, or he could go to the Kendo club. He easily recalled that yesterday he had visited the Literature club, and that had meant he had to visit the other one today. Ejji made a rule to attend them in a certain order, unless some important activities or events were going to happen in either one, so he would break the pattern.
With that decided, he made a swift turn towards the area of the Academy that housed the Kendo Club.

He had arrived a few minutes later, and unluckily for him, during the time when most other members arrived. Ejji made sure to change as quickly as he could, greeting a few other members, who had earned a bit of respect from him during thier matches. Whatever the bad points this club had - being respected was one thing that outweighed them all, Ejji had to admit. Naturally, not all saw his capability at the sword arts as fair. Some were envious, but they kept to the shadows for now.

Ejji finally stepped out into the main training area, clad in the traditional protective armour, a bokken in his right hand, the helmet - "Men", in his left hand. The Captain was already here, and it seemed like he was not standing alone. It wouldn't be proper not to greet him, so that was the first thing to do now. Ejji quickly approached and bowed, as always.

"Greeting, Hibiki-taicho." the Reiguu heir raised his head, as serious as always. "A good day for practice."

The Captain, Hibiki Kei, also clad in his armour only smiled, making a stark contrast between their expressions.

"Ah, Reiguu-san. As formal as always." a small laugh escaped Kei's lips. "Lighten up, you're gonna scare the guys out of practicing with a face like that."

Ejji's only reaction was a small frown. This was the usual way things went with the Captain. It was like a routine for them. Ejji would always act serious, while Kei simply teased him about his approach. Too serious, too pressured, too prideful. Ejji would always disagree, saying that Kendo was an art - not simply as sport.
Kei gestured to the student beside him.

"This is Tsurinai Naito, I don't remember if you've met, but he's kinda like you." Hibiki sighed, introducing Ejji as well. "And this is Reiguu Ejji. He's one of our best, after me."

Ejji turned to his fellow club member.

The moment Hibiki Kei spoke of a similarity between Naito, and the other, the silver haired student scoffed. "Kei, don't insult me. I am not another fish in the can of sardines. I have no similarities with this 'other.'" Thanks to the superiority complex Naito had built over his years of success, he didn't particularly care if his words hurt any feelings. He was above that, after all. Though this royal prince wished to spread his "love", which in his terms meant "domination", to everyone, he had no intentions of controlling those similar to himself. Infact, he despised those who mocked him. This student before him was surely one of these people who would claim his hostility in the future. With peering eyes, Naito would look this person named Eijji up and down before making sharp eye contact. He didn't say another word, making Kei take over the conversation once again. "Haha... I should have expected such an answer from you, Naito-kun. You've got to learn to take it easy, bud. I was just kidding!" Kei would give Naito a pat on the back, and the silver haired student with reciprocate with a stern glare. "So in other words you were joking? I'm not one for such insulting jokes. Either way, isn't it about time we began this practice session?" With that said, Naito would grab his bokken and look towards Hibiki. "Regardless if we're ready or not, I expect you to show up during our first competition. I've heard the rumors of your cold feet. You're infamous for it, apparently." The boy would close his eyes and tilt his head slightly back while speaking. Kei, on the other hand, would rub the back of his own head with a nervous laugh. "Ahaha..You heard about that, huh? Sort of embarrassing..."

Tapping the head of his bokken to the wood flooring of the makeshift Dojo, Naito would let out a smirk towards Hibiki. "Do not worry. In my previous school, they always said the team was as weak as their weakest member. So to be sure we're strong, I'll beat anyone into shape here. Including you." Though he said it with a smile, his tone was ice cold. If there was one thing he took seriously, it was the Kendo Club. With those final words spoken, he'd head off towards a small group of his fellow club mates to get some practice rounds in. This would leave Hibiki and Eijji together, as he wasn't interested in their response to his proclamation. Though at that point, there wasn't really anything Hibiki wanted to say. He simply stood there with a half excited, half nervous, expression plastered across his face. Though somehow through it all, he was still smiling like the laid back guy he was. It was impressive.

Standing with the smaller group, Naito would look back over his shoulder towards the one named Eijji. "Oi." He spoke loud enough so the student could hear him, but not loud enough to be yelling within the adequate sized room. "How long have you been doing Kendo, yourself? He says you're good, but such a label is thrown around too easily these days. Especially here in this Academy." Naito spoke with his usual calm tone, as he turned completely towards the fellow student. Though he didn't particularly like Eijji, he didn't hate him either. The saying of opposites attracting went here. If they truly were alike, Naito would want no part of him. After all, why waste your time with an inferior double of yourself? Man, he was a stuck up asshole sometimes.

Ejji listened carefully to the exchange between the two fellow practitioners before him. Hibiki was his usual self, easy-going, humorous and dismissive of any possible critique sent in his direction. Tsurinai, however, seemed to be as guarded and serious as Ejji himself was. The stark difference between them, however, was that unlike the Reiguu heir, who made sure to keep his ego in check during conversation and leave it to his inner thoughts - this boy was making himself sound like he was the one in charge of the Kendo Club instead of Kei. It was interesting enough, and perhaps even refreshing for Ejji to encounter such a person. It made all his efforts of keeping an ideal public image not in vain. The young man had to supress a smirk at that. He could easily keep standing above Naito, by simply being far more charismatic than him.

Ejji looked back over his shoulder as Naito moved away, and wasn't surprised when the said young man called out to him. As the other one talked, the Reiguu heir walked up to him, stopping to Naito's left, leaving thier Captain to watch the further exchange from the sidelines. Hearing the question, Ejji made sure to give back a similar stare he received earlier, only much more concentrated. He would not back down from a challenge of will.

"I have been practicing since I was eight years old. Kendo has been long practiced in my family." Ejji began, easing the stare a bit, going for a look of benevolence. After all, he knew a bit of the one he spoke with, being in the same class. "It is not surprising you've just first heard of me. You are... after all, a transfer student." Ejji made a small pause, watching Naito intently for a reaction. "I have yet to see for myself how good your skills are."

Ejji geastured with his head for the others to move away, and they quickly understood what was the instruction. Ejji did not hold any particular position in the Kendo Club, but many would think of his as a sort of Fukutaicho of the Club. The other club members made sure to give the two all the room they would need, in case Naito would take up the subtle challenge.

"Right." Naito spoke to himself at the students response to his words. There certainly was something about this Eijji that made his stomach turn. However, instead of showing this Naito would replace his calm expression with a smirk. "I suppose that's your way of challenging me. Fair enough." Walking over to the center of the sparring section, Naito would reach down and grasp a Men from the floor. Using his arm, he'd slick his hair back to keep it out of his eyes before placing the safety helmet upon his head. Once everything was in place, the boy would grasp his shinai in his left hand with a firm grip. "Alright then." Since his face was now covered by the helmet, Naito gave a sinister smirk with the wooden blade in his hand. Perhaps his public image made people mistakenly think he was similar to this boy Eijji. In truth, they were nothing alike. One main difference was ambition. Naito had a talent of being able to read body language and interpret abit about someone with how they carried themselves. Someone with the untrained eye would make the mistake of the two being similar, simply because they both appeared to be on the higher end of society. But it was much more than that. Every fiber of Naito's being was based on one day controlling those around him. Though his words were scathing, it left an impression of himself on those around them. Surely his name would be burned within their subconscious, even if by hatred. Hiding behind a false smile didn't get you remembered quite like that. That was currently why the majority of Naito's classmates spoke with him on a daily basis. And thanks to his sister's connection with Student Council, his influence would easily spread through the school over time. Not with just his class, but all other classes, without needing to bend over and play nice. Now that was the true power of control.

Taking his proper stance, Naito would stand with his blade at the ready while facing towards Eijji. Instead of having some long thought out monologue, the silver haired student would simply say "Come."

Seeing the other student get ready, Ejji proceeded to do the same. He slicked back his hair, reaffirming his already flawless haircut and donned on his own "Men". Naito had quickly caught up on the challenge, and did not start a useless talk about how good or masterful or flawless he was, which was a good thing. Ejji did not come here for a monologue, and this certain attitude showed a degree of truth to whatever Naito would claim about his skills. Actions, afte all, spoke louder than words.

Taking his place facing the Tsurinai boy, the Reiguu heir swiftly took his stance. After going through the needed introduction, as both kendoka stood opposite each other, Ejji decided to start light. He'd try a technique that he had calculated as a faliure anyway, and he'd begin with it more as a test of sorts.
He decided to test the boy's resolve first.

Ejji initiated a "Tobikomi-waza" - a technique used when the opponent has weak spirit, to create an opening "suki" under pressure. The Reiguu heir could muster some pretty serious resolve, an unflinching pressure he often used to score a point or two on weaker opponents. He decided to try it out on Naito now. Perhaps he was all for show after all.
A 'Tobikomi-waza" was always used with an attack, so as soon as he was ready, and not giving his opponent a chance to move before him, Ejji made a quick strike with his shinai, using his remarkable speed, aiming for the right side of the "Men", hoping to get the first point quickly. In case the attack failed, he would be ready to block and take a step back to create some distance.

During all of this, Ejji did not speak once, opting to remain silent. He also made sure to not yell, keeping the element of surprise to his attacks. Instead he simply used breathing techniques.

Stats:

Spoiler:

Actions:

Spoiler:

Naito stayed at the ready. He was one to underestimate most things, but when it came to Kendo he was always focused and prepared for anything. Already being on the defense, seeing how he told the opponent to come first, he foresaw the attack. With finesse and confidence in his skill set, Naito would take this chance to use a technique thoroughly practiced when training himself to become potent with parries. So as the attack went towards the right side of the Men, Naito would have already chosen his reciprocation to the situation. Using a simple technique, called the Kaeshi-waza, Naito would immediately parry the opponent's shinai with his own to knock it back and towards Eijji's left side. In a fluid motion, he would turn hand over hand, and strike at Eijji's opposite side. This being the right side (your right, my left) of his Men where a pull back defense would be most difficult. And thanks to Naito's skills in parrying, the opponent would need to recompose themselves before being able to pull back and respond with an adequate defense. This gave more leeway for the fluid motion to go through with an attempt at landing square against his side.

Whether the attack was hit or miss, the silver haired student would take a slight shuffle back to create several feet of distance. He kept his shinai at the ready while making sure to keep his footwork steady. The opponent certainly wasn't a stranger when it came to swordplay, as he tried a fairly good move to start off the match. If Naito was an amateur, it would have most likely succeeded without question. Perhaps Eijji was underestimating him? That was what Naito figured to himself, though after the rebuttal from that attack he had a strong feeling things were about to pick up alittle more. So saving the comments for later, he kept the focus at hand.

Naito Stats:

Naito Strengths:

Actions:

Ejji was facing a serious opponent, of that he was sure after his pressure was ignored and the attack parried. Naito definitely had prior practice and seemed to have some talent. The Reiguu believe that no such thing as a "beginners luck" existed, so he decided not to fool around anymore. This was serious business.

Ejji's eyes were trained for quick reactions, and so he could see the counterattack that naito launched as soon as he parried. The strike and the block were very fast, as they should be when two opponents of skill met in a spar. Of course, Ejji had to thank his sensei once he got home, once again for providing all the training with him. Parrying this attack was not an option, since it was a bit faster than anticipated. That was why Ejji dogded out the way, his head tilted back to avoid the tip of the woodden blade.

His swift legs were one of the strengths that Ejji always used in battle. He preferred not to remain stationary whenever possible, unless he knew he had the advantage when facing an opponent.

Ejji saw Naito make a few steps back, which made any possible attack null at this point, and that meant they had to return to their initial positions. Ejji showed no hesitation, and in truth - he felt none. It was true that in day-to-day life he felt insecurities. But here - where he could truly concentrate he had limitless self-confidence.

Once in positions, Ejji decided to take the initiative again, although in a different way. He would try to initiate a "Debana-waza" - a technique involving striking your opponent as you realized they were about to strike. So, waiting for that exact moment, Ejji would make for a quickest attack he could muster, aimed for Naito's left side of the armour, hoping to score a point by simply being faster than him.
A pretty risque move.

Stats:

Spoiler:

Actions:

Spoiler:

The opponent certainly was quick on their feet, however their movements with the blade were lacking when compared to Naito. What Eijji had in foot speed, Naito had in arm speed. One thing Naito seemed to have over his opponent was a surplus in reflexes, which would certainly come in handy. After the first exchange, Naito's mind was already analyzing the opponent before him. Since the counter attack was almost a success, he would most likely think twice before attacking first again. To test this theory, Naito would strafe around his opponent, not making any sort of attack as of yet. He wanted to see if his theory was correct... If the opponent was awaiting his own first attack this time, in a hope of parrying and counter attacking himself, perhaps. If that was the case, Naito would need to use a sort of decoy maneuver to make it appear as though he was going for one point, and then toppling back to attack another more vulnerable point upon his opponent. Thankfully Naito had plenty of time to think of a plan of attack, thanks to the opponent making no feints to keep the pressure up. Though it probably wouldn't have mattered either way.

Making a feint shuffle forward as though he was about to commit to an attack, Naito would narrow his eyes and see if his opponent would take the bait. The moment he made the movement, Eijji was already on top of him with an attack of his own. He was using his foot speed to his advantage, but it meant nothing if your arms and reflexes weren't on the same level as your opponent's. As the attack came his way, instead of parrying and countering attacking like usual, Naito would clash blades with his opponent so they were at a stalemate. After all, parrying into a counter attack was one of Naito's specialities. And how the opponent dodged the first one, he was already prepared for how he was going to counter attack the second time. Though, he wanted it to be abit more meaningful. This meaning, he didn't want to do it after such a risky move as this. So keeping his feet staggered and his blade pressed against his opponent's; Naito would make a slight "Heh.." noise. "Impressive, Eijji." Would be the only words the boy would muster beneath his breath. He was more focused on the task at hand to be saying a long drawn out speech about how surprised he was. Perhaps this Kizuna Academy had a chance in regional championship after all.

Naito Stats:

Naito Strengths:

Ejji had almost forgotten how it felt like, to meet a worthy opponent. One who did not show fear, did not hesitate, did not make unnecessary movements. This was one of those few instances when he could truly enjoy himself, and where he would really enjoy defeating his opponent. Battle was a clash of skill, experience and a bit of luck. Ejji was not the type of person to rely on luck, however, but only the Gods could tell what would happen.

Unbidden, a real smirk formed on his lips, hidden by the helmet. He would be thankful for that later, but for now he paid it no mind. Even his spars with Hibiki Kei weren't so much fun as this. He could come to respect Tsurinai Naito, simply as a token of respect for his skills.

The young man, concentrated on the shinai before him, making sure to keep up the the pressure on his own practice sword for a bit longer. A warrior's spirit stirred underneath. It was not brutal or angry, no - it was cold, calculative and authoritan.
Hearing his opponent's words Ejji deemed it neccessary to reply.

"A worthy opponent." he slightly nodded his head, not noticing that some emotion leaked into his voice. Excitement. "Omoshiroi."

A shame he could not show his best in this spar, since the shinai were not made for the unique laido style. Besides, practicing that against an oponent was strictly for masters, since the chance of injury was very high.

Ejji would keep the stalemate, until Naito decided it was enough. He would give his opponent the initiative now. He wanted to see what his attack would be like. Twice now he had attempted a strike, and twice he was blocked. Now he would go to the defensive. Perhaps Naito was a tad faster, but Ejji could still react well enough, especially with some distance.
Once again he regretted not having his real sword. He would show Naito real speed. Ejji nearly frowned.

Stats:

Spoiler:

Actions:

Spoiler:

As the two stood in their stalemate, Naito's sinister smirk remained on his face. He half expected his opponent to back off at this time, but instead he seemed drawn in to continue it. The silver haired boy's plan seemed to work. Eijji was fast on his feet, so sticking close was priority number one. In close quarters Naito believed, without a doubt, he could overcome his opponent in pure clashes. Unlike the freedom his Iaido prowess allowed him to hold, he had to take Kendo sparring matches very delicately. With an aggressive display, Naito would preform his own version of the Uchiotoshi-waza technique, suddenly pressing Eijji's shinai off to the left and coming in with an attack immediately after. By doing this, it meant Naito's shiniai would be between Eijji's own shinai, and then his own body. And with Naito's speed with attacks, the probability of Ejji's blade coming back to protect himself would be nearly impossible. However, Naito took into consideration of his opponent's foot speed aswell. This was why he went for a stalemate to begin with. It kept them close.

His strike was aimed towards the left side (his left, your right) of Eijji's Do-bu, which was the bulkiest part of his armor. It gave more of a chance of success than attacking the Men again, which was an easier area to dodge from. If the attack was a success, Naito would back up in a reset. If it failed, he would have continued to press forward to stay close to the opponent while preparing to twist his wrist for a parry to his failed attack. The plan of action at the moment was simply to box him in.

Naito Stats:

Naito Strengths:

Ejji had realized that holding the enemy back with his shinai was a mistake a few seconds too late. It seemed that the little influx of emotion made the Reiguu heir make a mistake. This rarely happened, perhaps due to not having a good opponent in a while, or perhaps because of Ejji's own overconfidence. He would take time to berate himself ater this was over, but now was not the time.

Ejji made a last second attempt to dodge backwards, but it was too late. His shinai to the side and the opponent so close - it was a no-win situation for him. Good thing that the armour was made to pretect him, Ejji thought, as he felt the swing connect to his right Do-bu. Ejji stagerred back into a more confident position, abruptly stopping his failed attempt at a dodge. A moment it took him to exhale a breath he did not know he held, since realizing what was going to happen.

It was a point for his sparring partner, and should have been humiliating for Ejji, but instead it only made him realize that this was indeed a worthy opponent, and now he could give a bit more effort. His resolve increased and steadied.
Ejji decided to comment on Naito's small victory.

"A point for you." he nodded his head, a small token of respect. "And that means we can start for real. I don't plan to lose this, Tsurinai-san."

Ejji knew a bit about his opponent now. He could act accordingly. He swiftly took the initial position, returning to the middle of the sparring zone, his wooden blade at the ready.

Stats:

Spoiler:

Actions:

Spoiler:

"Ejji..." Naito would speak the boy's name as he tapped the tip of his shinai to the floor. "It's understandable to think you won't lose: you're very skilled. However, you've already lost. Allow me to demonstrate the meaning of these words." Though it didn't sound like it, Naito did give his classmate some praise. Though, there was some truth to Naito's words. The determining factor of this spar came down to who got that first point. It was imperative for Naito to get that strike, simply because if he hadn't, then he would have been forced to approach his opponent. Being forced to approach an opponent who could keep away from you with fast footwork was very difficult. No matter how skilled you were in combat yourself, if you couldn't close the distance, you couldn't get the results you needed to win. However, now that Naito had a point over his opponent, it meant Ejji would need to come to him if he wished to claim victory. That was exactly what the silver haired student would want. There would be no reason to chase this faster opponent. Now the opponent would come to him, allowing Naito to utilize the skills that put him above Ejji in the first place. And if his opponent failed to make advances, that simply meant he was wasting precious time. Either way, he was now fighting an upwards battle against a foe that acknowledged the variables of the situation.

Naito made his way back to the center of the sparring zone and reclaimed his own position. His eyes were narrowed as he focused on his opponent before him. Outside distractions were removed completely, and the students watching the spar didn't even seem to exist in Naito's world now. There was no more need for words at this moment. Naito expected his opponent knew the circumstances now, and was sure he would attempt a few feints or even an aggressive approach. Either way, Naito was well experienced in this. Infact, that was the main reason he trained his reflexes and arm speed. To be able to encompass the possibility that the opponent was the aggressive type with a number of decoy methods during their attacks. The moment the second round of the match would begin, Naito would carefully shuffle back three feet and then shift towards his left, attempting to get to the side of the opponent. He kept his Shinai at the ready, as he was already calculating his next method of scoring a point. But first, he needed to analyze how his opponent would go about their approach.

Naito Stats:

The Reiguu heir decided not to pay any attention at the fact that Naito had developed a habit of calling him by his first name, without using any kind of honorifics with that. Now was not the time to get frustrated, seeing as the next few moments could decide the outcome of the spar. And Ejji had already planned out everything - all he would have to do now, was be predictable, to an extent. Play into the opponent's possible strategies. The only way to get to know one's opponent was to spar a bit, which had already been done.

Ejji understood now, that Naito was no novice when it came to kendo, and would know all the small facts. Good. However the situation was not an ideal one - being so experienced, Naito could probably still put up a good fight and foil a lot of strikes before the right one came.

Just as Naito started making some distance, Ejji sprung into action, taking the initiative once again. He would have the distance as his trump card, and wouldn't let the other young man use it against him. Keeping close distance, Ejji would take an agressive approach - unleashing a flurry of fast strikes upon Naito - a Nidan-waza. That was the first step of the plan. Naito was supposed to parry.
Right after that, in the midst of the strikes, Ejji would try and position his shinai below Naito's own shinai, suddenly breaking Ejji's own rythm, hoping to catch the opponent off-guard. This way Ejji would be able to preform a Harai-waza, going in conjuncture with his earlier technique. With the second technique Ejji would attempt to sweep up (and a bit sideways) Naito's shinai, making it impossible to counter-attack in time. The third and the final phase of the plan, if all was successful - would be to twist the wooden blade and make a diagonal slash down towards Naito's own left Do-bu, keeping close distance.

Ejji decided to act predictable, and yet try a surprise attack. A hard combo, but it had to pay off in the end. He knew his opponent was fast, but unless Naito would realize the second phase, he would have no way to defend. At least, Ejji didn't see anyone defend against that before.

Stats:

Spoiler:

Actions:

Spoiler:

A smirk formed beneath Naito's mask. The moment he saw his opponent move forward so he couldn't make a big difference in space almost made him laugh. What was once a keep away game became abit more technical. Now was the time for the finishing stroke. Ejji moved in for the attack, and Naito would reciprocate. His opponent was most likely thinking he would be overly defensive when it came to the assault. In all honesty, this was what Naito was hoping for since the beginning. An aggressive approach from the opponent. He gave Ejji a good idea on his speed, but he never showed his opponent what he could truly do. Yes, that was correct. His rapid succession was never shown in full throttle. He had only made one move and stopped previously, and thus his opponent hadn't had the opportunity to witness just how fast his attacks could come back to back. He was saving this strength of his until now. Instead of allowing the opponent to take the initiative, Naito would cut him short the moment he made the advance. As his opponent came in and sprung to life, he'd be met with a completely different Naito than he had seen before. Utilizing the Debana-waza technique, plus his own rapid succession ability, Naito would strike at his opponent before he could graze him with his own attacks. Like said before, Naito knew since he had the lead his opponent would need to make more actions towards him. Thus, this was rather perfect. He fell for the bait of advancing towards the opponent, and the silver haired genius planned to show him the error of his ways.

As the two finally engaged, Naito unleashed four consecutive attacks immediately one after the other. His motions were fluid and insync, almost making it appear as though he only made one attack. The first strike would come to his opponent's Kote-bu, as it was probably the least expected place he would suspect a sudden surprise attack. Following the motion, and keeping his shinai between his opponent and himself for protection, Naito continued to flick the wooden blade upwards to strike towards the opponent's Tsuki-bu, keeping the fluid motion the next area of attack was the opposite side of the Do-bu. With the opponent so greedy to come in for a flurry of attacks, and not a single attack into a defense, he'd most likely have difficulty pulling back to protect himself from the sudden amount of blows Naito had went for. "Kyaa!" The silver haired student would let out a yell as he went to finish his attack with a horizontal slash back across the do-bu. Though Ejji was quite fast, Naito specifically trained himself in the speed of his strikes, not his foot speed. Looking to challenge him in a test of strike speed was foolish. His opponent had the means to think of another way of attacking, but instead decided to spring forward like a spring chicken. Naito couldn't help but feel this... Ejji... was mocking him. He had seen him around practice before. His speed conquered those he went against, yet he refused to use it against Naito. Was he going easy on him?

Naito Stats:

Strengths:

Technique: