Though not exactly quick on his feet, Ryouichi was no slouch when it came to defensive positioning. Taking a step back with his left foot and bringing his blade up, Ryouichi applies his strength to not only try and deflect the blow, but to attack Masaru's muscles with a jarring counterblow.

Such was nothing new to Masaru. Ryouichi's, and the path of the Bear as a whole, centered on fatiguing opponents through an airtight defense and wearing their foe down like a stone against the tide. Who would break first?