Description: Walking through the schoolyard, a young student who fights eyes closed with a set of headphones catch Daigo's attention. Intrigued, Daigo offers him to fight to test his skills.
Many schools had club activities after school hours. Gedo High was not different from them, however, the sort of activities that was encouraged were a lot more on the martial side. This school offering obligatory martial classes and periods during the day to allow the boys (and girls) to get their aggressivity out before classes and so they could stay on a chair long enough to learn something meant they often had continuity of those activities outside class.
Daigo was not taking part of those activities right now but he was making his way through the school. He enjoyed the fresh air and his presence was generally just enough to keep the studetns calm enough and avoid unnecessary brawls. Beside, those walks over the school yard were a sort of practice for him. Despite his brute strength, everyone knows that Daigo's personal martial art in this school is a variant of Tai Chi.
A student already made fun of Daigo for this unmanly style of combat. Up to this day, you can still see the form of his body in one of the school's wall outside.
And Tai Chi had never been so popular in Gedo High (still just a handful of students).
Kazuki Kirigana can relate to locally unpopular styles. He and one other student are praticing breakfalls. This may not draw too much attention from Daigo, as both students basically take turns throwing each other, but one of the pair is wearing a rather large pair of headphone around his neck during the spar.
Other than the head phones, the young man looks atypically average for a Gedo student. He doesn't have that edge of surly confrontationalism about him as he goes through his motions.
Also, he is intercepting his partner's attempts at violence with his eyes closed. That may be noticable.
On the contrary, this particular display catches the tall man's attention as he casually strides through the schoolyard. Daigo was used to see the display of violence most other students were showing when they used their fighting style. When he comes close to Kazuki and his sparing partner, Daigo's slow stroll comes to an halt.
He folds his arms against his chest and just stares from afar at the two fighting. While Daigo didn't know everyone in school, Kazuki's face seemed unfamiliar to him. New student? Perhaps... Or someone that never really stood out of the lot? Maybe...
Not only did he fight without the use of his ears, but also it seems like his eyes were closed. Quite impressive. Though his stoic facial impression hardly betrays the astonishment Daigo felt at Kazuki's prowesses.
He waits for now, to see how this will end.
%Six of one, half a dozen of the other.
Kazuki's partner whips a punch out at him, then another. The first is slipped, and the second nicks the earphones away, sending the piece of gear to the ground and drawing an almost snarl from Kazuki. There seems to be no music coming from the headphones, which appear to have their music player built into them.
Kirigana's hands fly up, grabbing this arm. With a rotation of torso and hips, Kazuki completes the circle and brings the other student to the mats with thunderous impact. Brown eyes snap open, and Kazuki mutters something better not repeated in most crowds. He holds a hand up over one ear with a wince even as he offers a hand to the fallen student.
"Sorry about that," he says softly. "You surprised me there."
"Impressive," Daigo says as Kazuki gives his hand to help the other student. The tall man keeps his distance, not wanting to get into their fighting space for now.
His lips curl into a faint smile and he says, "You fight with a lot of calm and serenity. Not the sort of thing we're used to see around here," Daigo says. "What sort of martial art are you specializing into?" The man asks casually, not really able to tell only by his arm toss.
Kazuki bolts upright at the comment, not relaxing at all when he sees who is doing the talking. Daigo may not recognize Kazuki, but the reverse is definitely NOT true. He forces himself calm, moving slowly to retrieve the headphones. He regards Daigo.
"A family version of Aikido," Kazuki answers in that same soft tone of voice. It's not fear, or a lack of confidence. Kazuki may just be a quiet person. "Kazuma-sempai," Kirigana nods to the man who is dusting himself off, "Practices Judo. It's hard for me to find someone to practice with here, and Judo's somewhat close to Aikido."
"You'll see a lot more Shotokan around here than anything else." Daigo admits with a slow nod, "Few have the drive to take a noble art like Aikido and Judo, who are often more used for self-defense," By his intonation, Daigo obviously felt it was a shame they were disregarded for those reasons.
He glances over to Kazuma and gives him a slow in greeting, then back to Kazuki. "My name is Daigo Kazama," He says, "I don't think we've met before," Daigo adds.
He tilts his head to one side and asks, "Is it your family that taught you how to fight without your eyesight?"
"Kazuki Kirigana," the young man replies. "I..." Kazuki pauses, looking away, looking nervous. "No. It's something I'm learning to do," he admits. "But it's not..." Kazuki scowls.
"It's hard to explain."
Daigo hums softly and arches a brow. Hard to explain? He can understand that, "It is hard to learn how to fight without an eye," Daigo says as he lifts his hand up to point to the scar in his face, "The dead angle it gives you..." He says, letting his words trail off.
He lowers his hand and says, "Your other senses tend to compensate, and I rely more on hearing to make up for it, however..." He glances at Kazuki's headphone and adds, "I doubt you could do that with those headphones on your ears... Which leaves you only taste, touch and smell... And I doubt any of those senses could really help you predict your opponent's moves as fluidly as you did,"
"The headphones don't block out everything," Kazuki says firmly. "Just the actual sounds. It's... like..." Kazuki fumbles for words for a long moment. "I can hear his intent." He tilts his head, focusing on a pair of students across the yard who are boxing. He points at them, "Two left jabs followed by a right cross," he says. The boxer does, in fact throw two left jabs. The cross is in motion, but the student gets laid out in a cross-counter before it can land.
"Or something a lot like it, and that's not even everything." Kazuki looks around for a moment, before pointing at a tree.
"There hasn't been enough rain lately, and that tree needs some water if it's going to make it through the season," he explains, "It's thirsty."
Daigo turns on his heels to look in the direction Kazuki is pointing. He stares silently, waiting to see of his prediction were correct. And it turns out they were. Definately amazing -- even for a seasoned street fighter like Daigo, being able to predict someone's move with such accuracy was quite a feat.
He has a hard time concealing his surprise though on his face, especially as he glances over the tree Kazuki is pointing and says this.
It was hard to believe, many would find this ridiculous at this point but... Not Daigo. Why would Kazuki lie to him on something like that? To impress him? There was little to gain from impressing him anyway.
After a moment of silence, the man says, "It is quite a gift you have," He says solemnly with a slow nod of his head. "Or maybe a curse, if you can't filter out what you can sense," Daigo says, glancing in Kazuki's direction with a faint smirk.
Kazuki doesn't look pleased at Daigo's surprise. He has nothing, at the end of the day, to prove. Kazuki tilts his head to one side, then the other. "It... gets a little difficult sometimes. Too much information can be just as paralyzing as not enough," he admits. "And it's only as useful as my ability to use it. Knowing how I'm about to get punched in the face is only helpful if I can actually dodge the punch."
Kirigana shrugs, "I'm still learning, and I find that staying calm almost always helps."
Daigo lets out a heartly laughter from his throat. Three loud 'ah's at the mention of getting punched in the face. "Indeed," His smile slowly fades away as his expression regains its usual stern facade, "Aikido and the classes here will probably help you with that, I suppose,"
Daigo lifts his hand up and stroke his chin slowly, gauging Kazuki for a moment. He wonders what he'd feel from Edge if he was near him. "Perhaps sometime we could spare, I'd like to see how you could predict my attacks," Daigo offers.
Kazuki raises an eyebrow at this; Daigo's presence is... intense isn't the right word. He takes a deep breath as he considers begging off, but... when would a chance like this come again? Kazuki nods, and hands the headphones to Kazama. "Please hold these for a moment, sempai," he says quietly. Kazama takes the headphones with a chagrined look on his face. "Dude's going to wreck you, Kaz," he warns with a rough chuckle.
"Probably," he admits. "But how often does a guy get a chance like this?" Kirigana takes a few steps away from his sparring partner. "I am ready whenever you are, sempai," Kazuki says with a resolute nod.
Daigo arches a brow, the only gesture that betrays his emotions. He did not expect him to want to do this right this moment, but if he was ready...
"Very well..." Daigo says as he takes a few steps foward in front of Kazuki. Daigo was not known for sparing with others most of the time which only contribued to the 'legend' around the man. He was often seen performing the meditating katas and stance of Tai Chi but actual fight? It was rather rare...
He slowly bends, moving his arms gracefully, one behind him and the back of his other hand is presented to Kazuki. Daigo waits, expecting him to close his eyes : after all, he was curious to see if he'd be able to read him like he did with his partner.
Kazuki's eyes only half close; he's not nearly so confident about his ability to get through this without taking some kind of beating. His eyes don't really focus on the much larger man, either, but on some point just behind Daigo, it seems.
The Aikidoka settles into a stance that is not much of a stance. Feet shoulder width apart, hands at waist level, one slightly more forward than the other. He gives Daigo a sharp nod, and waits.
COMBATSYS: Kazuki has started a fight here.
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Kazuki 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Daigo has joined the fight here.
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Kazuki 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Daigo
COMBATSYS: Kazuki focuses on his next action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Kazuki 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Daigo
Had Kazuki known Daigo more, perhaps he would have trusted the tall man not to use his closed eye as an opportunity to wreck him. It was more a curious test of sort, to see how well he would do that way.
The man approaches Kazuki silently and lifts his massive leg up, attmepting to kick Kazuki's side. He is more focused on making as little noise as possible, to test him, obviously, holding back his blow not to hurt him needlessly.
COMBATSYS: Kazuki counters Weakened Medium Kick from Daigo with Cambiare.
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Kazuki 0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0 Daigo
Kazuki's hands flare out, wrapping around Daigo's knee and ankle as the Aikidoka steps into the close distance. The wind rises around the pair as Kazuki tucks Daigo's leg close to his ribcage. Another movement, and a grunt of effort as Kirigana traps Daigo's planted leg with his own leg. Another twist, and Kazuki pushes Daigo over the trapped ankle and toward the ground. The wind kicks up a little more, carrying the larger man several feet in the process!
Kazuki takes a long exhalation and regains his stance, his unfocused eyes on Daigo.
Seems Kazuki definately isn't disappointing Daigo as he manages to react and reads into his incoming move, which allows him to counter the incoming kick. Daigo squirms a bit, attempting to struggle against his grapple but Kazuki's techniques and quick movements allow him to get him just where he wants.
In a blink of an eye, Daigo is knocked off his feet and falls down to the ground with a loud thud. Kazuki's push manages to throw him off some distance against the ground, which is quite impressive considering Daigo's size.
Kazama slowly rises to his feet and dust his jacket some, "Impressive," He states once more. He quickens the pace slightly now, to see how well he'll be able to react, hurling his bailed fist for Kazuki's midsection, though he feints and then use his other hand to give a palm strike/shove to Kazuki's midsection.
COMBATSYS: Kazuki blocks Daigo's Weakened Strong Punch.
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Kazuki 0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0 Daigo
Kazuki pivots with the second punch, seemingly ignoring the first one, bringing his arms down to block the incoming punch. Kirigana lets out a grunt at the impact, his back leg sliding a little bit under the impact.
The Aikidoka steps back in quickly, snapping off a quick jab at Daigo's jaw while continuing to press in close. It's dangerous; if Daigo gets his hands on Kazuki, there's going to be a Kirigana pretzel shortly. But there's little choice; Daigo's got a significant reach advantage!
COMBATSYS: Daigo blocks Kazuki's Staccato.
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Kazuki 0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0 Daigo
Fortunately for Kazuki, Daigo's at least holding his strength back in this fight. No reason for him to actually smash Kazuki and reduce him to a pulp either. He wanted to this his reflex, how he was reading into his move with his special talent.
He lifts his massive arm up, blocking the incoming jab to his jaw. As he presses on, Daigo steps back, "Alright, you better be ready for this..." Daigo calls out as he takes a moment to stare at him.
He was lost in his thoughts as he prepared himself for the next strike. He merely thinks about the following combo he intended to do, to give Kazuki an extra edge, a few seconds for him to figure out what was going to happen, to see if he would be able to defend himself when he wouldn't hold back.
COMBATSYS: Daigo takes no action.
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Kazuki 0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0 Daigo
Kazuki hears Daigo's words. Hears his intentions; that this is not not done. For all of that, however, Kazuki almost continues his pressure. That would be the tactically wise thing to do, to not let Daigo get a second to marshal anything.
But the Aikidoka stops short. Daigo can see the hesitation, that moment where Kazuki's logic and training clash as Kirigana just stops.
There are lessons he has yet to learn; this one may be physically painful in the short term.
COMBATSYS: Kazuki focuses on his next action.
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Kazuki 0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0 Daigo
Daigo clears his mind for a moment, visualizing what he desires to do. No feint or anything of the like. Once he has the various followups in his mind, Daigo takes a step foward to rapidly close in distance between him and Kazuki...
He hurls his palm right for Kazuki's face, following up with a rapid kneeshot straight for Kazuki's midsection. His other arm reaches out in an attempt to get a hold of Kazuki's arm's afterward, and if he suceeds he'll lift him off the ground over his imposing frame and tosses him down the ground.
COMBATSYS: Kazuki fails to counter Fierce Combo from Daigo with Cesura.
*KNOCKED AWAY*
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Kazuki 1/-------/=======|=====--\-------\0 Daigo
And Daigo does exactly what he intended to do. Kazuki starts to shuffle back, but Daigo's far too fast, and Kazuki takes the palm right in the face. He's not able to do much else about the follow-up attacks, and is sent flying... then crashing... bouncing across the yard. He slides to a stop on his side, and stays there for a moment coughing. Movement in the yard has pretty much stopped.
Kirigana rolls onto his back, staring up at the clouds and stars... Stars? It's midafternoon. There shouldn't be... oh. Right.
Kazuki sits up slowly, his head reeling from the attention. "Like I said," he says before letting out a light cough. "Doesn't help to know if it's coming if you can't do anything about it."
Kazuki lays back on the ground, breathing hard.
After his final toss, Daigo takes a moment to stare at Kazuki. Perhaps he went a little hard on him? Too late for regrets, alas. He closes his eyes and straightens himself up, letting go of his combat stance, "My apologizes, I got carried away a little," Daigo admits.
He takes a few steps in Kazuki's direction and he offers him a hand to rise. Looks like Daigo had enough for now, even if Kazuki might still be ready for more, it was enough test for him. His lips curl into a smile and he says, "I am still quite impress, I must say. For a moment, I thought you might have been able to react in time and avoid it,"
His hand stays there for a moment, so he can take it, but should Kazuki chooses to stay on the ground to rest instead, Daigo withdraws his hand, "I believe you'll make a wonderful addition to this school,"
Kazuki takes the hand. "Was trying to throw you again," he admits with a touch of chagrin. "Didn't get my hands up in time." He bows to Daigo, formally at the waist. "Thank you, Daigo-sempai."
The tall man gives a pat on Kazuki's shoulder, "Maybe next time," He says with a smirk. He nods his head to him, then gives a respectful nod of his head to Kazuma, who had witnessed all of this, "See you around, Kazuki and take care of yourself," He says, before he resumes his stroll through the schoolyard.
COMBATSYS: Daigo has left the fight here.
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Kazuki 1/-------/=======|
COMBATSYS: Kazuki has ended the fight here.
Log created on 11:13:10 11/28/2014 by Daigo, and last modified on 16:09:02 11/28/2014.