[D0, AS, OPEN] The Old Punching Bag

Still no attack. That made the Daidoji worry. Either Ryuha was very serious about doing nothing but testing her defenses, or this was a trap. He'd seen both things before in his training, and he'd never been able to tell one from the other until it was too late and he'd committed to his choice of action already.

Then he remembers this isn't an attack from the Shadowlands. This is a spar. Even if it was a trap, it's not like Ryuha would grow a thousand teeth in a dozen mouths to eat him alive.

He takes in a long breath and decides a change of tactics is in order. He shifts again, mirroring her own motions. But rather than go on the offensive or defense, he tries to focus. Sometimes, pure aggression didn't work in breaking down walls. Sometimes, what you needed was brute force applied to a precise point. This is what he would try.

(OOC: taking Center Stance.)

One last breath, then he makes his move. Unfortunately, only once he's committed to it does he realize this isn't going to work.

"My apologies if I've disappointed," he says. He doesn't seem to mind the barking and sounds...genuinely sorry.

He took a deep breath. She asked for it. He discards the spear. It was never more than a secondary weapon for him anyway. His school taught him to use his hands, to fight without the encumbrance of a weapon. So when she asked for his best, he decided it was only fitting that he use his best weapon.

Unfortunately, it seems he misjudged something and his attack comes close, but doesn't connect.

He returns the bow, looking exhilarated. He holds it a little longer than is strictly required.

"There is nothing to forgive. Isn't the point of a spar to push each other's abilities?"

A pause, and then a thought occurs to him.

"Would you care to do this again with me, senpai? I'd understand if you're busy, though."