Ochazuke made no reply at Battersea's barb. Neither, it seems, did he make a single movement, even as the ki around Totoma gathered inwards and expelled in a shockwave carried by a massive bellow. And when the dust died down as the landscape shattered, he all but disappeared from sight.
Courtesy of their benefactor the flames rose about Battersea, veiling the actions of his violent soul within Totoma's silhouette.
"How fitting it would be fire. A King without people nor succession is worth less than the paper with which he declares himself."
Had Ochazuke escaped unscathed? By the loss of his traveling cloak and the surface wounds, no, not entirely. But using
Tai Sabaki at that range had allowed him to dodge and reposition him within striking distance of Battersea, and he had not been idle nor unprepared.
Drawing into the world about him, reaching into the genius loci of an environment was a technique for a practitioner to reach a state of oneness with the environment. A true martial artist should be aware of all things; from where he stands, to where the rivers flow or where the leaves fall.
As the power gathered toward him to augment the
Bear's Strength and the
Wolf's Prowl, it became apparent that furthermore, they were surrounded by Hozon. Vaikuntha, in a way, was like reaching into the very spiritual memory of their host where she allowed him a portion of its power.
It'll have to be decided quickly. Not just for Totoma, but for our sakes.
Using his perception skill of
Kyokushin Keihatsu, Ochazuke examined the extent of Battersea's possession. If he were to do something about it, he'd likely have to get closer.
"I don't know why you've come back, Battersea. Frankly, I don't care," he said. Ochazuke drew his hands up into a stance that mirrored Battersea's own for just a moment, before tilting his head to the side.
"Cheh."
Seamlessly, he transitioned to something else far more familiar to the man.
He shift sideways, the pugilist's stance loosened, fists unfolded to open palms.
Samson Balon's Dragon Stance.