Description: In the first round of the Trial of the Dragon, three fierce spirits converge as Hyo, Dudley, and Hayato take on one another for charity, and their own personal purposes. In this event, three surprisingly kindred spirits find those purposes crossed, and politely let blood and sweat to decide who will advance. (Winner: Dudley)
Putting on a tournament for charity, and to help stop gang violence, is a great way to get the participation of Hayato Nekketsu. It's a praise-worthy endeavor /and/ he gets to cut loose on some folks. What more could he ask for? Of course, in this particular tournament there is one other thing that Hayato has some interest in. With word out that Zaki might be in the area and involved in some trouble, there's a situation that Hayato just can't ignore. Current plan: find her and drag her back to Seijyun by any means necessary. And that's pretty much the entire plan. Hayato isn't much for nuance.
He'll have to work on that later, though, as for now he's striding into the Dragon Arena, grabbing one of the ropes around the ring and flipping himself up and over with a flutter of his red track jacket. He grins at the audience, leaning back against the ropes for a moment before straightening up and grabbing hold of his shinai. He taps the bamboo blade idly against his shoulder, humming to himself as he waits for the good times to start.
Dudley has also heard of Zaki's troubles... but where Hayato wants to drag her back, the Gentleman Boxer is hoping that this is a worthwhile learning experience for her. They had spoken at length about her motives, and whilst Dudley can't agree that this is the best way to go about things... he /also/ can't argue that she is a young woman with a fierce and passionate heart. One that is not evil, but that might be a little... extreme. With luck, this entire experience will temper her youth with wisdom. He had been a young man once himself, after all! Before he hit that ancient age of... twenty six.
Dudley walks out into the arena with all his usual flair. When he reaches his side, he shrugs his jacket off, tosses it over his shoulder, and produces a beautiful red rose. Which, he breathes deep from, before nodding his head to Hayato. "Mister Nekketsu." He greets the burning teacher, "I trust that we will have a good, clean fight." He didn't actually know who this other chap was supposed to be - some sort of... ninja? Not renowned for their spirit of fair play, but that has never stopped him from coming out on top before.
A charity tournament, a crusade against gang violence and injustice. On the surface, this is a noble endeavour in a sprawling, onetime jewel of the Pacific coast. There's something just beneath the surface, however, Hyo can taste it; he can smell it. It goes beyond any of the five accepted senses, beyond any deductive logic. He isn't even sure where the blame lies, only that what infests this place, the forces that now struggle over the city's very soul... they run far deeper, far darker than the violent impulses of the titanic Abobo and his marauding minions. To cleave to the heart of the taint in Sunshine City, to expose to the light and judgement of justice the perpetrators of this destructive conspiracy is at the very core of Imawano Hyo's mission here.
As ever, with the deceptively young shinobi, however.. there are layers. He is also here to fight, to raise money. The ninja is the sort to make sure it is used properly, or to use the clues that it is not to his advantage, as well. To fight, and to scout.. as ever, the upper classman and President of Justice High's illustrious Council believes nothing more firmly than that he is fighting a war; perhaps, they are all at war. War requires dedicated warriors. Lesser men would make a quip about not being able to spell one, without the other. For Hyo's part, ninja or no, his appearance is not unlike Dudley's, while his arrival is more understated but no less direct.
Hyo certainly doesn't look much like a stealth assassin, now. Imawano wears his rather unique version of Justice High's military style dress uniform, not unlike a general might in an army in more civilized times. Crimson, trimmed with black and gold, complete with ornate armored epaulets, and yes, a Japanese longsword at his hip. It's held loosely, in his right hand, by all appearances the darkly trimmed blade has always been part of that arm. The other disengages a flowing, snow white cape as he steps out into the aging arena, inclining his head deeply and respectfully to each opponent in turn.
"It is my honour to face you with the same." The Justice paragon offers in silken, but softly forceful, projected tones. "Both of you." Nekketsu is even more familiar than the famed British gentleman pugilist. Taiyo's BURNING phys-ed teacher has been a problem for Hyo before, will he be as quick to suspect his one-time nemesis of nefarious intent?!? ... the shinobi does not appear concerned.
While everyone is probably focused on the three heavyweights in the middle of the ring, a dark presence hides in plain sight within the audience....ok, that might be exaggerated, but there is definitely a dark figure in there, which is...actually kind of ironic. After all, no one ever accused Vyle of cutting a dark figure, with his sickly neon green and purple ensembles. But those iconic colors are nowhere to be seen, the mohawked rudo watching from the upper levels in but a plain grey hoodie and dark jeans.
Icognito, and what not. After all, it's easier to case out marks and future opponents under the radar......that, and he'd get mobbed with hate if he was out in the crowd openly. And perhaps that's why he's so silent: who'd expect someone as intentionally insulting as him to be as quiet as a mime? In any case...he finds himself not knowing much about the group...perhaps save what Shadaloo had on file for them, and even then, it was precious little that he cared for. What better way to fill them out than personally surveilling them?
Hayato gives Dudley's inquiry a friendly nod in response. "Of course! This is all in good fun, right?" The teacher grins, slicing his shinai through the air a few times without actually looking at it. Then he glances at Hyo for a moment. He doesn't entirely trust the ninja, but Hayato does believe in second chances. And so far as he knows, Hyo hasn't done anything to throw away the chance he's been given. Doesn't mean Hayato doesn't intend to keep an eye on him, though. Still, Hyo gets a nod as well.
And with all the fighters here and ready to go, it doesn't take long for the announcers to start up their spiel and then trigger the signal for the fight to begin! Hayato glances between his two opponents, then his gaze settles on Hyo. "Here we go. Let's see if you've kept in practice with that sword!" And then he lunges toward the younger man, lashing out with his shinai.
COMBATSYS: Hayato has started a fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hayato 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Hyo has joined the fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Hyo 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hayato
Dudley nods his head to Hyo as well; a gesture of respect. He might not know the younger man, but he is glad that neither of his opponents seems to be the brash, disrespectful type. Whether he wins or loses, tonight, he feels, will be a victory for decency and fair play! Under those circumstances, he's very happy to agree with Hayato. "Indeed." He says, and the boxing glove tightens momentarily around the rose. "We shall fight... as GENTLEMEN!"
And the bright flower is tossed into the crowds, where it lands suspiciously close to the hoodie-clad figure of Vyle. Dudley himself is in nowhere near the same rush to get into the fight as Hayato, instead hanging back and watching both fighters, as he sets up his footwork. The Gentleman Boxer's eyes slide from one to the other, as he tries to work out who he should focus on, from this initial clash of fighting spirit...
Assuming, of course, that he gets a say in the matter at all.
COMBATSYS: Dudley has joined the fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Dudley 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hayato
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Dudley focuses on his next action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Dudley 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hayato
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Hyo blocks Hayato's Power Strike.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Dudley 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 0/-------/-------|
There's the smallest of smiles on the shinobi's face at the declarations of his opponents, even if he does not voice full agreement. Hayato's sentiment is one that rings familiar, now, to Imawano's ears, but it's never been one that's fully resonated with his heart. He doesn't fight because it's fun; the ninja fights because it's what he was made for. Brainwashed and honed from birth into an edge that were he to meet god, god would be cut. It's a discipline that Hyo has kept, nay relied upon to maintain control, in the years since that brainwashing seemingly unraveled at the hands of his brother, his cousin, and /all/ their crazy, fiery friends. To say it was a show was an understatement, Imawano remains impressed to that day. Those that know the Justice scion, know that is high praise.
The shinobi lunges /into/ Hayato's strike quite willingly, a fervent embrace of the challenge of battle nonetheless as he meets Nekketsu head on. Or more literally, forearm on shinai. With a loud **CRACK** out of the rush of air, Hayato's practice blade whips harshly against covered forearm, the rising welt covered by the already crimson fabric. As he steps in, Hyo flows fluidly to his right, extending one foot deeply as he suddenly twists. It's easy for the gathered spectators to miss, and likely a threat even to the formidable Taiyo taskmaster: Imawano's navy-clad katana shines to life in fractions of an instant, radiant steel singing a melodic, wind-touched note as the razor's edge cuts on the draw, a horizontal line at waist level. The blademaster, almost in the same instant, also seeks to carve a vertical line along Nekketsu's flank. It's worth noting, members of PETF, that Hyo is precise enough -not- to align his stroke with any vital organs. Not that that makes the punishment of muscle and flesh any kinder than it ever is.
COMBATSYS: Hayato blocks Hyo's Juumonji-giri.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 0/-------/-----==|
While the crowd is certainly receptive to all the good natured sportsmanship shown by all three men in the ring, at least ONE spectator finds it rather sickening. Vyle ends up gagging as he hears and sees all the buddy buddy 'fight like gentlemen' stuff. But at least he knows the nature of the three beasts in the ring. He's got enough control over himself not to simply shout something crude about getting a room. Barely enough control.
And at least Shadaloo, down on its luck as is, has enough tech left that he can record the fight for later analysis under the radar, pinhole camera hidden under his hoodie. God bless the technological advancements of criminal enterprise...
Messing with the stroke of someone who's trying to cut you but /not/ kill you might not be the smartest of ideas, if you think about it. Even so, Hayato quickly tilts his shinai down to intercept Hyo's slash. Under normal circumstances, that would probably leave somebody with only half of a bamboo sword, but Hayato has gotten very good at using the weapon, and doesn't have it handled by just any martial arts supply place. He manages to partially deflect Hyo's strike, although it still nicks the side of his torso, cutting through the edge of his white shirt. After a moment the edges of the cut start staining red, but it doesn't appear to be that bad a wound.
With Dudley observing the situation, Hayato spares him only a fraction of his attention for now, just enough to hopefully notice when he does make his move. Hyo's still right up in front of him, and all in good fun or not, Hayato would still prefer to avoid getting cut if possible. He feints toward Hyo with the shinai, but then suddenly lunges forward, reaching out with his left hand to grab the student by the collar and yank him forward. His right hand follows up, coming in at an upward arc for Hyo's gut with a blow aimed to lift him off his feet, making it easier for Hayato to then use his grasp to hurl Hyo to the floor.
It often surprises people just how quickly Dudley can move when he wants to. He observes the flash of steel and bamboo as the two swordsmen clash, and he is impressed. He is a champion in his own right, naturally; in the world of boxing, he could count the competitors he wouldn't be quietly confident of taking a victory from on one hand... but swords always change things up a little. It is the reach that does it. That, and people generally care less if you smash their sword than if you smash their arms.
Lesser men may mistake hanging back for a sign of cowardice, but they would be sorely mistaken. Dudley is no coward, and now that the fight is on, the gentleman boxer decides that it is time to add his fists to this dance. Both move with prodigious speed, and so he will have to do the same himself.
His angle of approach allows Hayato all the time he needs to see where he is coming from; to do otherwise would be most ungentlemanly. There's no attempt to deceive the teacher, or the student for that matter, but the large man barrels into the fight without fear or trepidition, ducking in low so as to try and avoid any niggling worries about stray steel (or bamboo) blades, and bring his right arm forwards in a powerful, straight punch for Hayato's gut, his whole body twisting into the motion.
COMBATSYS: Hayato successfully hits Hyo with Power Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 0/-------/---====|
Luckily, for the both of them, Imawano is as quick to adapt as he is to strike. The blade turned aside, Hyo takes the hint of blood as victory enough for this first moment. We did mention that the skill and strength espoused by the vocal and (in?)famous instructor is familiar indeed, didn't we? As quickly as he strikes, scabbard is slipped into his belt, and Hyo's blade is sheathed into the saya now at his left, sliding crisply home with a practiced precision. The next instant, quite literally, his arms are coming together to form a crossed guard against Hayato's incoming grapple. Rather than deflecting it high, however, the shinobi arrives a moment too late.. !!
Plucked from his feet, the gym teacher's meaty fist steals Hyo's breath quite thoroughly and suddenly (this would never be tolerated in the States), and sends the Justice scion crashing into the arena floor. He rolls despite the agony of the impact, coming up in a sliding crouch, polished boots sliiiiding along the Dragon Arena as white-gloved hand helps balance that unintended jaunt, and it subsequent momentum, before he tumbles clear of the fray entirely. That, you see, is seldom the shinobi's intent. Jaw set, brown eyes hardened, once more the blademaster steps in on the rival Gakuen's instructor.
The nihonto sings, touched by the spirit of ancient crusades, as Hyo's right hand draws the sword forth. It acts as an extension to the warrior himself; the more attuned could sense Imawano's very spirit in the honed steel. At the least, Nekketsu may feel a biting cut as he's struck with another abrupt, two-stroke combination, flashing off the draw as the nigh-invisibly sharp edge slices at the edge of its reach for Hayato's chest. He sidesteps to maintain position, flanking yet facing Nekketsu, and avoiding accidental contact with Dudley; for the moment, it would be accidental. The horizontal arc seems to be the same cut, impossibly, as the one that follows, a diagonal line shorn in flashing afterimage for sheer force and velocity that inverts its momentum and rises sharply for Nekketsu's shoulder.
The shinobi does not speak, does not congratulate. The hard set to his features are all the confirmation either of them should need that they have his full attention, and utmost respect.
COMBATSYS: Dudley successfully hits Hayato with Ducking Straight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 0/-------/---====|
COMBATSYS: Hyo successfully hits Hayato with Iai-giri Kai.
> Determined Hit! <
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 0/-------/=======|
Dudley's approach doesn't go unnoticed, but Hayato also has the issue of Hyo getting back to his feet and coming in slashing. The teacher's intention for dealing with the situation is to turn and take Dudley's punch with one of his arms, using the impact while at the same time stepping to the side to evade Hyo's first slash and then just go with his instincts for whatever follows that.
Unfortunately, the first part of that doesn't work out. Hayato's breath escapes him in a grunt as Dudley's fist drives home. Then a thin line appears across his shirt, followed by another one rising up at a diagonal and slicing through his jacket as well. A section of the shirt flops open, showing the blood that starts flowing as Hayato first staggers back, then takes a quick hop to open up some distance between himself and his opponents. He coughs for a moment as he tries to get his breath back, then manages to grin again. "Good one. I really felt that!" The battle is heating up and so is Hayato, orange chi starting to radiate off of him as he feels his soul burning. Things may not be looking great, but that just means it's a challenge to be overcome!
COMBATSYS: Hayato gathers his will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/-----==|=======\===----\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 0/-------/=======|
It is most ungentlemanly to attack a man who is trying to recover - Dudley doesn't like doing it in one on one fights, let alone when a chap has just been hammered by two opponents simultaneously. Therefore, as the burning phys ed teacher starts to focus his power and catch his breath again, Dudley instead turns his attention to Hyo.
He's seen enough to know that the sword is a dangerous weapon in this young man's grip, but it isn't the first time he's gone up against a traditionally 'deadly' weapon with just his fists and guts to back him up. Dudley is suddenly stepping around Hayato, to place himself between the teacher and Hyo. At which point, his fist comes lashing around in a vicious right hook. Before, he had been crouching, but now, he stands up tall and proud. Surprisingly he isn't /that/ much taller than the Student Council member. That bright blue glove travels in a simple arc, however, aiming to crash into the side of Hyo's jaw. Hardly the most inventive or flashy of techniques, perhaps... but no less effective for that.
COMBATSYS: Dudley successfully hits Hyo with Hook Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/-----==|=======\===----\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/------=/=======|
It's a moment that could happen to any of them, that has happened to all of them. A hair's breadth earlier, it was Hyo on the ropes, his breath hard to find, his muscles crying for a moment's respite. Discipline, honour, and focus demanded that cry go unheeded, demanded that the shinobi remain diligent and unrelenting. His two-handed grip on the katana's handle reverses, then diminishes to a single, white-gloved hand starkly contrasting the blade's midnight blue wrappings which guides the weapon to its momentary rest.
Imawano comes to the same conclusion Dudley does, in virtually the same moment. Silver topknot trails behind him as the champion of Justice turns abruptly to face the distinguished boxer. He seeks to weave in, maintaining proximity while evading blows, his agility infamous, yet no moreso than the fists of his adversary, today. The ninja's darting feints might as well have been telegraphed to Dudley in advance, the british boxer's gloved hands ringing Hyo's bell soundly, sending the shinobi reeling.
At least, seemingly so: Jaw tight, eyes /narrow/, there is, for a moment, nothing except Hyo and Dudley. Hyo sees his opponent through the jarring pain within his skull, pushes aside the ringing, focuses muscles honed to an edge as fine as his blade's through a lifetime of discipline and ambition. The sword sings freely through the air, slicing vertically at Imawano's whim, the cruelly effective outer edge threatening to cleave a nasty slice into the pugilist's torso. The agreement with Hayato Nekketsu is silent, but quite present: Hyo also felt that! The moment he calculates the gentleman from Britain to be within reach of his blade? Imawano seeks to reciprocate.
It doesn't take Hayato too long to recover, and then he's moving back in toward the clash between Dudley and Hyo. Turnabout is fair play, so Hayato attempts to swing around Dudley while he's dealing with Hyo's blade, attempting to come lunging at him from behind. He's not really cooperating with Hyo, but he's guessing that the sharp, shiny sword will rank as a bigger threat and give him a chance to get his arms around Dudley's torso.
Should he succeed in getting that grip, Hayato follows up by lifting and leaning back, trying to pull the boxer up off his feet, then bring him crashing back down to the ring on his head and shoulders. The gym teacher then quickly rolls away to spring to his feet, not wanting to provide his own opening for an attack from Hyo.
COMBATSYS: Hayato knocks away Dudley with German Suplex.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/=======|=======\====---\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/------=/=======|
COMBATSYS: Dudley just-defends Hyo's Power Strike!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/=======|=======\====---\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/------=/=======|
Vyle scratches his chin as he watches. There definitely seems to be one guy running away with the three-way so far. And the name Dudley was known enough even without Shadaloo inside info to know what the gentleman boxer was capable of. Still didn't make the rudo terribly happy though. After all, those gentlemen sorts are always tough nuts to crack, and Dudley seemed almost stereotypical in that sense....what to do about that....
Dudley finds himself being gripped around the middle, at the same time as Hyo's sword comes in for him. Both gloves smash up and together quickly, and for a moment, they actually catch the blade between them... Hyo's attempt is good!
But it is Hayato's attack which saves Dudley from the worst of it. The blue gloves squeak against the metal as he is wrenched up and off his feet, only to crash painfully into the floor of the arena. His attempt to catch himself fails, but, on the other hand, it did quite successfully prevent him from being slashed in twain!
Rolling up and out of the grip still takes him further back from the fight than he would like, and he hmphs as he wipes his jaw with his gloves. "Attacking a man from behind, eh?" He says, "Now that just isn't cricket."
And to punctuate his displeasure, as Hayato recovers from the suplex, he'll find Dudley rearing his fist back...
And then darting forwards, almost jumping to put himself back in the fray, and crack the teacher square on the jaw. Hmph!
Hyo's stroke may be on target, may be impossibly fast, but the defense is precision enough to momentarily surprise the shinobi, white brows arching in pronounced regard for the sudden, if momentary catch. It's enough to slow the tip of his blade, enough to give the exchange /thoroughly/ to Dudley in the opinion of the roaring crowd, enough to make Imawano Hyo smile a second time this match... on the inside. Still, the gentleman boxer and the BURNING coach are a match Imawano can certainly appreciate, if in his own rather reserved way. As reserved as a man apparently trying to cleave one in twain can appear, at least.
Austere features nigh-unreadable, the champion of Justice frowns lightly, in intense concentration rather than any disapproval, a light sheen of sweat wiped reflexively away from his brow with the subtly thicker section of glove between thumb and index finger. Yes, the ninja broke a sweat. Already. Trial of the Dragon, indeed. Drawing a deep, steadying breath, Hyo slides his blade away once more with a subtle click, the saya reversed at his hip as he backs two steps from the sudden reprisal, eyeing the two fighters evenly.
Hyo breathes deeply, focuses his mind - chi flows through him as he centers on the falcon's cry in his mind's eye. The shinobi's breathing falls suddenly in perfect rhythm, brown eyes voids of only ice-cold intent as he scans from one to the other. Like the boxer, he does not hesitate; he prepares the proper cut.
COMBATSYS: Hyo calculates his next move.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/=======|=======\====---\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/------=/=======|
COMBATSYS: Hayato fails to counter Short Swing Blow from Dudley with Counter Thrust.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Dudley 1/------=/=======|=======\=====--\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/------=/=======|
Hayato blinks in surprise for a moment. "Hey now, it's not that bad! It's not like I snuck up on-" But then the time for talking has to stop for a bit, as he has to deal with Dudley's incoming fist. Hayato makes a poor decision here, attempting a counter punch against a boxer with good technical skills. The teacher is used to having a more significant reach advantage over his opponents, as well. He attempts to use Dudley's momentum against him, but doesn't actually get to land his own punch before Dudley's boxing glove smacks into his face.
Hayato spins partially around on one foot from the force of the blow, sending him staggering back and flailing his arms for a few moments while he attempst to regain his balance and not collapse to the floor of the ring. After a moment he succeeds, but then he still needs just a little bit longer to shake the stars out of his vision.
There are always tough moments in a fight. Whether it is struggling on when you are having to fight against odds which seem insurmountable, or in moments like this. Tests of character. Dudley finds himself having to choose between following up to punch Hayato as he flails and recovers his balance... or attacking Hyo, who is staying out of the fight for the moment to observe. It is definitely not an easy decision to make.
When he meets Hyo's eye, though, he can clearly see; this is not a fighter who is hesitating, it is a fighter preparing to launch his offensive. And so he simply nods his head. So far, it is true, the fight has been favoring him; the rhythm of the battle has definitely swayed in his favor... but he is not so arrogant as to believe that this will last for a moment if he lets down his guard.
Time to give the crowd what they came here for!
"MACHINEGUN, BLOW!"
And in an instant, Dudley is in front of Hyo. The large man's left fist leads the way, and it isn't one punch, but a dozen, in a flaring instant. Swirling chi energy covers that shining fist, and he aims to drive Hyo back, crush through his guard through the sheer, surprising number of attacks. Dudley's style so far has been calm, considered, and characterised by singular, powerful blows. This sudden shift onto the offensive, an almost frantic burst of speed... well, he hopes that it is enough to keep the young swordsman on the back foot, before he can turn things around!
COMBATSYS: Hyo blocks Dudley's Machinegun Blow EX.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Dudley 1/------=/=======|=======\=====--\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/-----==/=======|
Hyo prepares, he also honours the exchange between the other two warriors. Dudley's offense, slight as it may have been, is addressed in instants with Hayato, in actions. There is no vengeance, no ire from men like those in the arena, to Imawano's eye; while some in the world may beg for and have begotten evil, some simply cannot abide the sight of it. Whatever their reasons for fighting, they have their moment to settle the dispute like men; like gentlemen. Then, the fight is back on in earnest. The explosive flurry would overwhelm the defensives of nearly any fighter on the planet, before they could even blink.
Imawano is on every blow. If he's not a half-step away from where he should have been that instant, he's slamming an elbow into the incoming fist. A forearm, a shoulder. One epaulet rips asunder and flies away in a clatter of light-catching gold armour, a palm catches the next. The deflections come just that fast, ending with Dudley's gloved fist rocking harshly into the katana's pommel, the iron fittings rattling soundly as the reverberations are projected into Imawano's arms. One in the same being, indeed.
"Forgive me." Because Dudley -is- being a dapper and jolly good chap. Even with those bruising, mighty fists. "But I believe it is time for you to join us." There's a certain level reached, when pressed. When pressed past any logical limits, as when faced with fights such as this. Nihonto is unsheathed in the next moment, as the shinobi /lunges/ past Dudley.
It's a moment etched in Samurai cinema since the dawn of time, and there's a moment when even Hyo's opponents may wonder when the stroke truly fell, seeking a deep cut of the British fellow's abs as the ninja passes him in an abrupt, apparent translocation. He doesn't go far, however, and here's the twist: That iron kashira is the leading stroke in a reversed blow aligned for Dudley's head, the sword seeking to return the rattling impact. As Imawano sweeps the boxer's feet out from under him in brutal tandem.
After blinking a few more times Hayato manages to recover both his vision and his balance, and quickly takes stock of the situation. He could take a longer moment to catch his breath... but that's not the way of the burning spirit! No, with two opponents duking it out right in front of him, he's not going to rest unless he absolutely has to. And for now he can still move, he can still fight, and he can still attempt to kick some ass.
Hayato brings his shinai back into play again, lunging toward Hyo and swinging out horizontally with his opening strike. He then follows it up with slashes at a number of different angles, trying to get through any openings that might present themselves and keep Hyo too off balance to put up his guard.
COMBATSYS: Dudley blocks Hyo's Armed Combo.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Dudley 1/----===/=======|=======\=====--\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/----===/=======|
It is sometimes easy to presume that all boxers are oafs. Men like Michael Bison do little to rectify the sport's reputation for attracting dangerous, brutish, and frankly, stupid individuals. But there is more to boxing than the master of the Gigaton Punch, and Dudley's elegant style of ducking, weaving pugilism is plenty of evidence of that.
Hyo comes forwards, and in the same moment, Dudley steps forwards, too. Swirling on the spot more like a dancer than a boxer, his braced forearms come up to meet the upper strike, and his legs simply /take/ the sweep. He refuses to be moved by it, and now he can see the teacher coming in to chastise the student with a series of punishing strikes...
Dudley seizes on the opportunity, recovering his guard back for a moment, and then stepping once more into the fray. He's more restrained this time, but his pressing assault on Hayato does not slow. A swift jab from the right, and then three more from the left. His famous right hook being kept largely in reserve. There's no words from the Gentleman Boxer just yet, either. Perhaps a testament on its own to Hyo's prowess that he doesn't feel he can afford to compliment the student AND maintain awareness of the packed melee swirling about him.
COMBATSYS: Hyo dodges Hayato's Scolding Slash.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Dudley 1/----===/=======|=======\=====--\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/----===/=======|
Were Hyo here to eradicate villainy, it might make sense to press the dazed Hayato. Were he here to seek glory, it would certainly make sense to strike the coach out while seemingly vulnerable. Nekketsu hasn't brought everything he has to the fight, yet, however; and Imawano seeks not glory. He, too, is glad to give that moment to find one's bearings... not that there's not /plenty/ to occupy his focus, even in not seeking to execute Nekketsu Hayato as an assured enemy of the Imawano Clan. With Dudley's fierce defenses, Hyo is left without his mark, pushing off the guard to land a short span away.
Sliding to a stop in his gleaming leather jackboots as Hayato charges in, the shinobi vanishes abruptly /up/ as that shinai whooshes roughly through the air, his blade vanishing back into its scabbard in the same motion. It leaves Dudley free to collide with Hayato - for a moment. There's a second, perhaps three, that hang as the ninja somersaults to the apex of his high leap, and /hurls/ himself groundward. The katana sounds crisply as it exits saya once more, this time in a forceful, overhead chop.
It threatens to cleave anything fully in its path in twain, nigh-literally even including another man, were one careless enough to be caught just so. Of course, as with any warrior capable of lethal force, Imawano had /first/ mastered the discipline to apply his blade with the utmost care. Cold comfort to the British boxer, as Hyo seeks to open him deeply with that descending slash, a flaring spectral flame coursing through the blade before /exploding/ outwards in a gout of fire where the scion of Justice lands in a tremendous shockwave. It's enough to take any man from their feet, Mugen assures Hyo from somewhere beyond the grave.
COMBATSYS: Dudley successfully hits Hayato with Rapid Combo.
Glancing Blow
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Dudley 1/----===/=======|=======\=====--\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/-----==/=======|
Hayato might not have Dudley's level of skill and experience at boxing, but for just about every sport you can name, Hayato has practiced it to some degree. And the ones with combat applications in particular. At the very least, this helps him to have some degree of familiarity with the kinds of moves Dudley is making. Actually acting on that is the tricky part, of course. The teacher manages to sidestep the boxer's opening jab, then most evade the followups. The final jab manages to clip him on the side of the head, though, and he quickly hops back just in case there's another blow coming in.
And then Hayato sees Hyo descending and takes another step back. He doesn't want to get caught up in that. Once Hyo /does/ land, though, Hayato has no problem running in, ducking low and attempting to grab Hyo while leaping up into the air. Grappling makes it harder to use a sword, so Hayato isn't /too/ worried about that as he attempts to flip Hyo upside down, then begin spinning around as the two men start falling back toward the ring, leading with Hyo's head.
COMBATSYS: Dudley interrupts Tenraizan EX from Hyo with Cross Counter.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Dudley 1/----===/=======|=======\=====--\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/-======/=======|
"CROSS!"
The word gets an indrawn breath from the crowd. Hyo is still in the air at the time, and Dudley's eye /glints/ as the descending slash rockets towards him. For a moment, the pair are a tableau. Dudley's lowered right fist, held back after all but the first of the strikes on Hayato, coming up as the flaming sword comes down.
"COUNTER!"
The energy may well have been enough to rock Dudley from his feet, but it does not detonate near him. The gentleman boxer demonstrates just how he got his heavyweight champion title, as his fist smashes into the descending ninja, and takes him out of the air. He's sweating intensely, not just from the spectral heat or from the metaphorical heat radiating from Hayato... but because that maneouver, so carefully calculated, practiced a thousand times before, had been much, much closer than he would like to admit.
"Good show!"
The words are heartfelt as he turns back to the pair, his left glove wiping some of the sweat from his brow. He couldn't remember the last time a fight had pushed him quite so intensely towards the edge of his skills. And it could still easily go any way! Fantastic!
COMBATSYS: Hyo blocks Hayato's Kaiten Shinai Otoshi.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Dudley 1/----===/=======|=======\======-\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/=======/=======|
'Land' is a kind way to put it. A very kind way. Hyo 'lands' into that rocketing, coiled fist. It /launches/ the ninja out of his descent with barely a tenth of the fireworks show expected, somewhat like the british Queen's Jubilee. He /crashes/ into the arena floor, bouncing once, twice, and landing in a shockwave that's, thankfully, also not as dramatically forceful as his intentions. Still, that /smarts/.
To his credit, the ivory-haired blademaster is on his feet again, lightning quick. It's not that his head isn't still ringing, but while Hayato and Dudley have honed their skills in sporting arenas, often among friends and comrades.. Imawano Hyo has always learned his blade's edge is all that stands before himself, and death. 'Friends' are a rather new factor to the deceptively complicated equation of the lone raptor's existence.
Here, it serves him, as Hayato is upon him in a flash. Grabbed, inverted, Imawano abruptly inverts /again/ in a forceful backflip that carries him clear of Nekketsu in a second painful landing. Skidding on his back, Imawano kick-flips back to his feet unsteadily at first, but anchors himself in a deep battoujutsu stance and /reaves/ outwards in a forceful, wind-provoking cut that seems to refract with the passage of lightbending, mirror-polished steel that threatens to open Dudley from one shoulder to the other in a quarter blink of an eye, followed abruptly by a lunging, forward stab for the gentleman puglisist's midsection with the needlepointed tip of his blade.
Ninjutsu is serious business in the Imawano household, folks.
Hayato lands on his feet after Hyo breaks from his grasp, and the moment he's back in contact with the ring he starts charging toward his two opponents. There's been a fair bit of punching and swordplay, so maybe he can mix things up a bit and catch somebody off guard. As the teacher closes the gap he leaps into the air toward Dudley, twisting his body about as he brings his right leg up. The limb scythes out, bringing his foot swinging in on a collision course for the boxer's head. And despite the occasional flinching as the pain of his wounds catches up with him, Hayato still has a grin on his face. This fight is an actual challenge, and he's loving it.
COMBATSYS: Dudley just-defends Hyo's Fierce Strike!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Dudley 1/----===/=======|=======\======-\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/=======/=======|
COMBATSYS: Dudley blocks Hayato's Strong Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Dudley 1/--=====/=======|=======\======-\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/=======/=======|
Dudley's guard seems nigh impenetrable as he focuses intently on the pair coming at him. Hyo's sword is smashed into with Dudley's fists, the horizontal slash punched up from below, to send it slashing far above his head, and with the stab, he swings himself around to the side, gloves swirling around, to crash into the swinging foot of the burning teacher. The force of the impact does send him back a step, but he soon recovers his footing, and takes a deep breath.
"ROOOOOOOLLING!"
It is the ninja who attracts his attention. As quickly as he had been put on the defensive, Dudley is storming forwards on the offensive all over again. His left fist and right aiming to work Hyo's ribs, but this is really just the beginning; an attempt to force the ninja's guard down low.
Before he moves the combo into a series of punishing smashes to the jaw, back and forth four times, and moving in for what he hopes will be the finishing blow - because if it isn't, he's not entirely certain that he'll be able to put the ninja down.
"THUNDER!"
And he leaps for the final uppercut, a signature move which - whilst not honed with any intent of killing - has nevertheless put paid to many fights before.
COMBATSYS: Hyo parries Dudley's Rolling Thunder!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/------=|=======\======-\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|
It's remarkable, the boxer's show, here. Thus far, Dudley has stolen the show with his technical perfection, particularly on the defense. His measured offense gets results, and it's forced Hyo to rethink his approach in dealing with the formidable pugilist. Hayato hammers in hard, but even after the nigh-uncanny deflection of those probing cuts, Dudley is prepared for it. One of Hyo's white eyebrows /twitches/ high. It's quite a quizzical look, at one curious and challenging. A challenge the boxer is quick to meet, and the shinobi aims not to disappoint - he's still, up until that fist launches.
The ninja's guard doesn't entirely transition low: one hand drops to his tsuka, and he heaves into a sharp, clockwise twist, pinning that seeking fist momentarily under swordhilt. Then he's off again, leaping backwards off the impact, legs bent up beneath him, a bird of prey gliding momentarily backwards, graceful as can be. Dudley allows no respite, but now, too late, he gets his wish. Hyo lands, and drops low, weaving under the /brutal/ flurry of near fight-ending fisticuffs. If one looks closely, the ninja is actually gazing up, carefully studying the technique as he slides into a deceptively defensive coiled stance, blade half-concealed behind him.
Naturally, it doesn't last. The Justice scion strikes with a ferocious amount of force, all but exploding upwards in a twisting cyclone of bladed cataclysm. The sword's voice sounds clear, deadly and melodic even over the arena's fervour as it's drawn with no shortage of the deceptively young swordsman's own skill and power. Time and time again, Dudley has deflected the deadly assassin's strikes, and fought all the harder. Suddenly, Imawano Hyo is /very/ curious as to this honourable pugilist's /true/ limits. If he's caught in the reaving, rising cut that would carry both warriors skyward? He'll be one step closer to finding out!
Hayato kicks off from his impact against Dudley, landing smoothly on his feet. Dudley is showing himself to be quite the formidable opponent, and this match isn't going quite how Hayato expected. Not that he doubts the boxer's skills, but he was expecting Hyo to be the greater threat. Some recalibration of assumptions is in order. And by that Hayato means that Dudley needs some hitting.
Kicking didn't work out all that well, so Hayato falls back on the use of his shinai. He starts to rush in, but then he sees what Hyo's up to he backs off for a moment. No, he doesn't want to get caught up in that. But once Hyo's setting comes back down from puree, Hayato is there to step in, lashing out with several strikes aimed just under Dudley's ribcage.
COMBATSYS: Dudley endures Hyo's Ouryuuzan EX.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/-======|=======\======-\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/--=====/=======|
COMBATSYS: Dudley interrupts Crushing Strike from Hayato with Cross Counter.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/-======|=======\=======\1 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/--=====/=======|
Dudley steels himself as he sees Hyo's approach. The assault is a terrific one, and after putting so much into his offense, Dudley is quite certain that he is not going to be able to defend himself completely from it. So, rather than try, he opens himself up to it. The reaving slash takes the gentleman boxer high into the air, and he grits his teeth together. By the time he is hitting the ground again, his shirt has been cut to ribbons... but he /does/ hit the ground, and he is facing Hayato. Both arms down low, jaw deceptively slack. "Come on then!" He declares, and Hayato? Well, it seems he hasn't misjudged his opponent, because Hayato does just that.
"CROSS COUNTER!"
MUCH faster than the last time it came out, Dudley's fist is a blur when Hayato comes in with the strikes. Before the first impacts him, he's slammed his right hook home into the burning teacher's jaw, and is straightening himself up again. He's still standing tall, and the crowd are absolutely loving it. He isn't through yet! He's determined to see this through to the end.
And that determination is shining in the boxer's eyes.
Dudley's all-out embrace of the battle - and substantial pain - at hand is admirable, after a fashion. Reckless, impulsive, with ample 'cool scar' potential. The shinobi almost appreciates it, after a fashion. It's the kind of will that gets things done. It's something that the cursed heir of the Imawano Clan understands intimately; something he suspects Nekketsu himself knows, as well.
"Hayato Nekketsu." Hyo intones, speaking for one of the first times this fight. There is only the scarcest moment given for cognition, or reaction. "It has been an honour." Then, Imawano Hyo is gone. Well, not /gone/ exactly. He charges at, and ideally all but through the Burning Coach, blade sheathed until the very last moment. It's all too easy to lose that moment, many in the audience won't see it until they frame-by-frame their blue-ray.
In said moment, the shinobi seeks to, plainly, cut Hayato cleanly as he passes. Many epic duels have ended this way, and while Hyo has little intention of disembowling Hayato, should he fail to find a way to stop the ninja, and swiftly.. Hyo's passing will mark the eruption of several precise, painful cuts. These wounds would then /erupt/ outwards, bathing Nekketsu in purifying flame.
COMBATSYS: Hayato counters Ankoku Shippuuzan from Hyo with Burning Cross Counter.
?!? Weird Hit! ?!?
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/-----==/=======|
Hayato's already taken a number of blows to the head at this point, but what else should one expect when facing a boxer? And hey, what's one more? Well, enough to send Hayato staggering again, anyway, after the right hook clocks him in the jaw and pushes him off balance to one side. But he recovers in time to hear Hyo trying to get his attention. He turns to face the student, and then he's... gone?
Or not. Hayato's eyes narrow, and to the audience's perception there's barely any windup. There's just Hayato standing there... and then he's standing there with his fist planted firmly in Hyo's face, blazing orange chi flaring out from the impact. It would look really cool... except for the fact that Hayato is still slightly dazed, and didn't quite plant his feet properly. The impact with Hyo is enough to cause Hayato's foot to slip, sending him briefly spinning around before falling to the floor.
In a word, Dudley is amazed.
If this fight has done nothing else, it has solidified the reputation of his astounding right hook... but to watch Hyo simply vanish, and Hayato to somehow manage to keep up enough to actually stop the move in its tracks? Well, that's a level of skill that leaves the gentleman boxer genuinely taken aback. He had thought that Hayato was done for... and indeed, the burning teacher does fall over. He doesn't look like he is down for the count yet, though.
The truth is that Dudley is again faced with the difficult decision of attacking a man whilst he is down... or attacking, well, probably another man whilst he is down, really! But he can't back off now. Every instinct he has as a fighter tells him that breaking this momentum now would be the gravest insult to the other two men. This fight has been astounding, and it is into its final stages! He must bring it to conclusion.
Which is why, as Hyo is recovering from the blow, Dudley does something he rarely attempts. Coming forwards swiftly, both gloved hands aim to grab Hyo's feet, whether he is in the air or on the ground at the time. Despite all conventional logic, he can get quite an astounding grip in those huge gloves of his.
"It has indeed, to you both..."
And if he manages to get that grip, he'll simply /fling/ Hyo up into the air, trusting brute force and gravity to finish the work that his finest punches could not. With a loud cry of...
"DYNAMITE THROW!"
And who is ever going to expect a boxer, to suddenly go for an attack that would make most professional wrestlers proud?
COMBATSYS: Hyo instinctively blocks Dudley's Dynamite Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/-----==/=======|
In truth, Hyo had expected that stroke to finish the mighty Coach as well: but the Taiyo instructor's impressive skills are legend in Southtown for a very, very good reason. Hayato's reflexes as sharp as any man's ever were, the attempted finisher nigh becomes the ninja's own funeral pyre as he's /blasted/ backwards in that explosion of fist and fiery fury. He skids, smouldering, to a stop a bit more wearily, this time, coughing smoke upwards.
It doesn't last long: the shinobi can all but sense the urgency of his situation, the tenuous grip he has on his own fighting will, faced with Nekketsu's formidable technique, and Dudley's unyielding spirit. It is not, however, in the Justice prodigy's nature to yield, either. Despite the force in the grip that finds him as he rolls to his feet, and regains his bearings, the ninja is already back in control (mostly) midway through the arc.
Hyo kicks outwards, downwards, spiralling into a corkscrew that crashes, resoundingly, into the arena floor, rocking the aging structure with the sheer force transferred from the shinobi's knee. Imawano's face is as finely tempered steel as his blade, intent on the fight, stoic to the end. Dudley simply gets a nod. It comes after the ivory-haired swordsman's eyes /snap/ upwards to lock onto the boxer anew.
In those scarce instance before his katana surges free of its saya, the blade seeming all but weightless in the deceptively young shinobi's grasp, a razor's edge gliding harmoniously through the air itself, as it seeks to draw british blood anew. Across, in a flicker and flash... a cut meant to steal the last of Dudley's fight in a spray of blood from his chest as Imawano feints the opposite direction, seeking the boxer's flank.
Reversing his grip, the shinobi maintains his unhesitating, instinctual pace as he pivots and turns his back to Dudley while stepping in... and aligning his sword's point to reciprocate the boxer's attempt to end the battle decisively. /That/ part of that battle, at least.
With a moment to breathe, Hayato can actually respond to Hyo now, and include Dudley as well. "You're right, this has been a great fight. Now let's make sure we end it on a high note!" While Hyo has got his blade focused on Dudley, Hayato rushes in toward the student. His plan is to strike down Hyo before he can react, then hopefully follow through with another blow against Dudley. He's got to get past the first obstacle before he can worry about that, though.
Hayato leaps into the air as he closes on Hyo, arm raised high to bring his shinai slamming down onto Hyo's head and shoulder with a full force swing and all the momentum of Hayato's descending body behind it. He only holds back enough to hopefully be able to move quickly after he actually lands.
COMBATSYS: Dudley blocks Hyo's Iai-giri Kai.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Dudley 1/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/-----==/=======|
Dudley has been fighting all out for quite some time now, and the boxer's steel guard does not let him down yet. Hyo goes in for the vicious cut, but meets the boxer's braced arms instead. The crossed guard moves smoothly to intercept the second part of the attack, and whilst both do draw some blood for their efforts, the fight is far from gone from the gentleman boxer.
Calling on reserves of spirit even he would have been hard pressed to imagine he had, Dudley is actually inspired by Hayato's words. Going out on a high note. It is a spirit that he can appreciate. Hayato throws himself into the fray, and Dudley moves with him.
The punch he throws isn't hugely fancy, but he aims to smash it square into Hayato's jaw, regardless. His brow shining with perspiration, teeth gritted with concentration and body pivoting into the attack. He doesn't have much more left in him, he knows that... but he'll give it all. For this, is what it means to fight... like a Gentleman!
COMBATSYS: Hyo parries Hayato's Fierce Strike!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/----===/=======|
Rare indeed is the target truly resilient in the face of Hyo's perfectly tempered longsword. Rarer still is one who can oppose its cutting precision until the bitter end, struggle onward and defend as blood is shed, sweat is bled, and bodies near their very limits. It's a razor's edge, one moment from victory or defeat; often, life or death. It's a difficult struggle to detach one's survival instinct from these moments, and the ninja doesn't really try. It's all but intrinsic to his style, the almost preternatural grace which infuses the shinobi's very motions.
Hyo has walked that edge many times. Sometimes, he has fallen. Sometimes, the Justice swordsman has flown high; cut deep. In a flourish of instantaneous reflex, the ninja's saya is brought in line, a horizontal guard against the descending shinai. Bamboo meets lacquered hardwood with a reverberating crack, denting the saya with its force even as Hyo crouches with Hayato's descending assault. Steel sings like the avian predators adorning it as the katana comes free, as Hyo steps right and rights his stance, pushing off the guard and drawing his blade, flowing into a singular, powerful horizontal stroke across the Taiyo coach's flank.
He speaks not of inspiration, or of showmanship. He simply executes that picture perfect, reflexive cut.
COMBATSYS: Hayato blocks Hyo's Iai-giri EX.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/-----==|=====--\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/---====/=======|
COMBATSYS: Hayato dodges Dudley's Medium Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/-----==|=====--\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/---====/=======|
Even as his bamboo blade impacts with Hyo's scabbard Hayato is drawing the weapon back, seeing what's coming next. He manages to bring his weapon into a defensive position as Hyo's sharper blade slices out, deflecting the blow into a shallow cut that he barely even notices on top of the wounds he's already sustained. At the same time he's already starting to move, stepping back far enough to avoid the punch heading for his jaw. He's already had enough of those so far!
But he doesn't attempt to keep his distance from Dudley. Instead he steps back in, turning his body so that he can lead with his right leg. He snaps the limb out in a blow aimed for Dudley's stomach, his foot flaring up with orange chi as his legs extends. Hayato's body may be battered, but his soul still burns!
COMBATSYS: Dudley blocks Hayato's Devastation Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\ < > //////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/---====|===----\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/---====/=======|
Dudley brings both arms down as Hayato's kick powers into him. The flames lick up his gloves, but he refuses to be burned, shoving the burning limb down and back. Dudley's guard is all but broken by the effort of the motion, and he is finally starting to look like he is on his last legs. Both arms raised, and he knows that all the will in the world isn't going to see him through another offensive like that.
He needs time, and he can only think of one way to buy it. As the teacher collects himself, Dudley comes in again. As fast as he can, he aims to work Hayato's ribs, but, this time, he's attempting to get right into the burning teacher's guard, and batter him around, bring him between himself and Hyo.
It'd be a miracle if it worked, really. Hayato has proven incredibly difficult to take down, and if he takes him down too /fast/ that might actually work against him, too! But his fists have carried him through the fight so far... he has to see if they can carry him the rest of the way!
For one of the final times in this tournament bout, Hyo's katana flashes downward, bloodspatter whipped dramatically off the steel before it disappears back into its scabbard. The defense, the strength of all three combatants.. it's commendable, to say the least. It comes down to these last few strokes, each warrior in perfect step with the next, flowing from technique to defense to technique to defense in a seemingly endless cycle of near-misses and one-ups. It's this sort of pushed down a flight of stairs envelope that the ninja had sought, earlier.
What is the old adage about being careful what one wishes for? In this case, Imawano Hyo indulges it, embraces it, exercises every ounce of precision and clarity his ninjutsu training have given him. Eyes narrow, scanning from fighter to fighter; every movement, every clue as to their style. This may be the last volatile exchange he gets to witness between the two warriors, and his interest is more than strictly academic. /Are/ either of them what he needs? What the /world/ needs?
The shinobi's breath remains rhythmic, his intentions unwavering, mind clear; he sets his stance, maintains his study, steadies his hand. The scion of Justice scarcely steps back from the point of impact, as if there were clues in the very distortions of air around Dudley and Hayato.
COMBATSYS: Hyo calculates his next move.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/---====|===----\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/---====/=======|
COMBATSYS: Hayato dodges Dudley's Rapid Combo.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/---====|===----\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/---====/=======|
Hayato is battered at this point, but he's still moving pretty well on his feet. He's not too confident in his guard at this point, though, because his body is getting close to its limit. Taking too many more blows of any sort would not be a good idea, and he's not sure that he can stop them. So, that leaves not getting hit. He backpedals away from Dudley as the boxer tries to pummel him, avoiding the blows. But he knows that also means he's getting driven closer to Hyo, which isn't good.
In fact, it looks like Hayato might end up just backing into whatever Hyo has up his sleeve... but the teacher isn't going to go that quietly. He suddenly whips around, going from escaping to Dudley to on the offensive against Hyo in the blink of an eye. He's not sure how long he can keep it up, so he's just got to push, push, push, unleashing a flurry of shinai strikes against the younger man as he burns through his remaining energy.
Dudley is definitely impressed by Hayato's speed. The teacher has managed to evade two of his best, and now he becomes aware of the fact that Hyo is... watching again. The last time that happened, it had precipitated a marked increase in the offensive strategy of the young man. The ebb and flow of this fight has been a frantic one, back and forth with none of the three ever coming close to anything like a clear cut advantage over their rivals. And here it is. Dudley doesn't know the reason, but he can sense that he is being judged. To be judged by a man so many years his junior (if easily at /least/ his equal as a fighter...) is not something he is used to.
The gentleman boxer straightens back up from his flagging position, rolling one shoulder back as he regards Hyo seriously. Hayato's offense hasn't slowed in the least since the fight began, either... but there is now an energy between the ninja and the boxer. Hyo is judging them both...
But Dudley's wary eye is reserved for Hyo. He can almost /sense/ that higher purpose suddenly in Hyo's actions, and he wants to know what that is about. Perhaps... he will have to seek out this young man after the fight is concluded, one way or another. For now, he works on maintaining eye contact, and waiting to see for himself how Hyo will deal with Hayato's assault.
COMBATSYS: Dudley focuses on his next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Dudley 0/-------/---====|==-----\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/---====/=======|
COMBATSYS: Hyo interrupts Scolding Slash from Hayato with Ichimonji-giri EX.
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > ///// ]
Dudley 0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0 Hayato
[ \\\\\\ <
Hyo 1/------=/=======|
Some would argue that Hyo was a man /born/ to a higher purpose. The shinobi may have taken a few twists and turns in understanding and pursuing that destiny, a maze he is forced to navigate still.. but the crusade at Justice High, and indeed the core of Imawano Hyo's own lofty intentions, shadow and underscore every carefully measured move the ninja makes. If one is going to play at changing the world, after all, one should at least play Go.
The crimson-clad ninja holds his position, calm; almost too calm. It lasts up until the point Hayato makes his move, and the ivory-haired swordsman is no longer inclined to play observer, no longer inclined to study the style used against him. Hyo does not give way to the assault, meeting the flurry with a blocking arm, then an abruptly ascending sword.
The flat edge of steel catches the side of the bamboo weapon on the draw; the same draw that brings that lethal edge of steel across Hayato's charging form, impressive kinetic force transferred through the simple and sudden, angular stroke. Blood drips evenly from the length of steel as it rests momentarily at Hyo's side, weapon bared as he returns his attention not simply to Dudley, but to Dudley as /well/. He's not taking an eye of Nekketsu /yet/.
Hayato doesn't stop swinging right away after the strike from Hyo, but he does begin slowing down. He's been bleeding from a number of wounds for a while now, and this additional slash is about all that his body can take. He drops to his knees, tries to rise for a moment, then slowly collapses to the floor. He still seems to be breathing, though, so he's probably fine. He's not bleeding enough to make much of a pool underneath him, at least.
COMBATSYS: Hayato takes no action.
[ \\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Hyo 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Dudley
COMBATSYS: Hayato can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Hyo 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Dudley
The Gentleman Boxer watches as Hayato rushes in, and he watches as Hayato is cut down. The move is nothing if not effective. Smooth, precise... Dudley has to hand it to Hyo, although he himself had demonstrated that his technique is a powerfully honed thing, Hyo's swordsplay is the best that he has ever seen. The crowd are going wild, of course, but it may as well be silent for Dudley. The entire world boils down to these last moments. The final crunch where two fighters bring to a close the battle that has raged between them.
This is why he got into fighting. He is no hero out to save the world, nor even a man particularly interested in changing it. But in self-improvement? In providing a shining example of all that is good and right in pugilism? That is a cause that Dudley can champion.
"And so we enter the final movement." He says, not for the crowd's benefit, but for Hyo. "Let's finish this symphony, and as always..."
He leans back, before suddenly throwing himself forwards, intent on ending the fight in the same way that he started it; a simple, powerful, forward-lunging blow. This time, not aimed at the teacher, but at the student, to crash into his midsection and bring him down. Will it be enough? Has he judged his opponent accurately enough? He cannot know. But he can announce:
"Keep it classy!"
COMBATSYS: Hyo auto-guards Dudley's Ducking Straight!
[ \\\\\\\\ < > ///////// ]
Hyo 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Dudley
Saving the world is a somewhat endless proposition. Even if they were somehow to eradicate all the worst humanity had to offer overnight, there would be new avarice, more selfish and destructive acts. While from one perspective it is hopeless, it simply means that such forces must be contained, combated, and confronted: if that is a lifelong quest, well; one should feel gifted by such purpose. For his part, Imawano Hyo is satisfied with the fight regardless. The ninja may still be without answers to the plague afflicting Sunshine City, but several other curiousities have been answered, as others arise.
The challenge, the adrenaline, it fills him - he is only human, after all (by most reports). That much is unavoidable, but the excitement of combat is secondary to its purpose, to the necessity of martial readiness in the /right/ hands. As ever, that ordered ideal remains his own symphony, the shinobi a shining example to, perhaps, a different sort of hero. There's little time to really contemplate as the boxer's gloved fist careens in, met squarely by sheathed sword.
Imawano barely has time to grunt agreement. The hardwood saya all but explodes around the weapon, erupting outwards in a shower of harmless splinters as it's forcibly unsheathed by Dudley's fist with a resonding note of vibrating steel. The sword's owner feints sharply left... and then, he's gone.
It's the speed that impressed Dudley before, now focused on him: One instant, the Justice scion is before the British boxer, the next? Imawano intends to be /behind/ Dudley. In the passing, the bare steel slashes out with a lightning-quick stroke, a cut that bleeds crimson, but gushes red, fire erupting from the cut in a flash of brilliant, mind-searing heat.
COMBATSYS: Dudley interrupts Ankoku Shippuuzan from Hyo with Cross Counter.
[ \\\ < > //////// ]
Hyo 0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0 Dudley
And here it is.
Time almost seems to slow for Dudley. He had marveled at it when Hyo had pulled the same move on Hayato, and he had been astounded by the raw speed with which Hayato had responded. He feels the sweat cool in his brow, and as the steel comes in for him, he focuses. There, it is. He can't see Hayato, but he /can/ see the glimmer of the sword. The glint of metal echoed by the glint in the boxer's eye.
"CROOOOOOOSS!"
It sounds impossibly slow to him, as his body moves on reflex. His fist comes smashing out, and where before his fist had met nothing but wood... this time, his attack finds home. The heavy blow crashes into the ninja with a final, resounding thud.
"COUNTER!"
And he is standing. Somehow, through it all, he is standing. Hunched from the exertion, drenched in sweat, both arms coming back to re-raise his guard, but he is here, and he has managed to knock Hyo down one more time.
"Hah... hah... it doesn't, /get/ much, classier than that."
As far as Imawano Hyo is concerned, time is at a standstill. The stroke of his sword across the determined, unexpectedly resilient boxer. What he anticipates, is the scent of blood. The scorching of flesh; for honourable combat to come to a resounding end. In a sense, the shinobi gets his wish. Before steel can bisect Dudley, that gloved fist crashes home. Despite being apparently less lethal, the weaponmaster is not a creature defined by the lethality of his implement, but rather one who perfectly masters and controls that variance to the broadest range.
So it is that the ninja's head /rings/ as the crack sounds from glove on flesh, as if struck with a baseball bat, and Hyo finds himself abruptly taken from his feet. Crashing backfirst to the floor, the ninja blinks once as his eyes readjust, and refuses to leave himself prone near the exhausted boxer.
Still with reserves of his own, despite his utterly battered frame, there is clearly will to use that lingering strength. Hyo comes up in a crouch, on Dudley's flank; he rolls to three points, left hand pushed to the ground, left knee knelt, right foot anchoring beneath him. It's an uneasy foundation, but it -is- a foundation - the ninja's right hand still holds his Nihonto.
The arena's lights refract in a long shimmer to a glimmering point on the solid steel razor's deep, wavy hamon as the decidedly lethal, expertly wielded weapon is brought about before the British pugilist... brought across with grace, precision, mune grazing along soft glove before sliding smoothly along Hyo's side, sheathed into the saya that no longer exists, as the Shinobi simply lowers his head in respect, and stays his hand. "Your place is here." The shinobi concedes; who is he to argue with fate? Destiny? Sheer human will?
Of the three of them, it is Dudley who values this tournament the most, Dudley who fights for the sheer sport of it. The show here tonight tells Hyo that the boxer will pursue that sporting glory with his all; it tells the shinobi that his place never was in the spotlight. Not in a city with so, so, so many shadows...
COMBATSYS: Hyo takes no action.
[ \\\\\\\\ <
Dudley 0/-------/---====|
COMBATSYS: Hyo can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\ <
Dudley 0/-------/---====|
Log created on 20:07:10 06/11/2012 by Hyo, and last modified on 09:06:11 06/18/2012.