Katsu may have been a thuggish sort, always getting into fights and whatnot, but he understood strength. Strength of body, strength of mind, strength of spirit. Sitting in this jail cell was a combat of spirit, its bars and interior attempting to oppress his morale. But, in truth, this pressure and oppression strengthened his resolve even moreso. He was always a small sort, but it only made his victories that much greater, that much more worth it.
After taking some time to think alone, he quickly realized he wasn’t getting out on his own. Instead of just sit here doing nothing, he figured it was time to do something productive. In his mind, he imagined an enemy. Big, fast, powerful. He can’t overpower it, outrun it, or anything. How does he beat an enemy that’s just clearly, unquestionably, superior?
At first, he figured a preemptive strike would be necessary. Move first, and he can even out the speed difference. But after the first move, he’d be at a disadvantage again. Instead… he had to finish it quickly. Aim for the neck, finish it with the first strike. 0.1 second, Katsu began moving. 0.4, he’d drawn his blade, and the enemy had began to react. 0.5, Katsu was swinging, and the enemy recognized the intent and leaned back. 0.75 seconds, Katsu’s blade stopped, the enemy using a kick to stop the sword at its hilt. Now prepared, the enemy took a stance, and went on to pummel Katsu into the dirt.
Okay, why didn’t that work? Well, the delay in attack to reaction certainly helped Katsu land a hit, but reflexes aren’t so easy. He could hit, but not land as clean a strike as he’d have liked. Taking a moment, Katsu considered the situation, then played it out again.
(WC: 303)
After taking some time to think alone, he quickly realized he wasn’t getting out on his own. Instead of just sit here doing nothing, he figured it was time to do something productive. In his mind, he imagined an enemy. Big, fast, powerful. He can’t overpower it, outrun it, or anything. How does he beat an enemy that’s just clearly, unquestionably, superior?
At first, he figured a preemptive strike would be necessary. Move first, and he can even out the speed difference. But after the first move, he’d be at a disadvantage again. Instead… he had to finish it quickly. Aim for the neck, finish it with the first strike. 0.1 second, Katsu began moving. 0.4, he’d drawn his blade, and the enemy had began to react. 0.5, Katsu was swinging, and the enemy recognized the intent and leaned back. 0.75 seconds, Katsu’s blade stopped, the enemy using a kick to stop the sword at its hilt. Now prepared, the enemy took a stance, and went on to pummel Katsu into the dirt.
Okay, why didn’t that work? Well, the delay in attack to reaction certainly helped Katsu land a hit, but reflexes aren’t so easy. He could hit, but not land as clean a strike as he’d have liked. Taking a moment, Katsu considered the situation, then played it out again.
(WC: 303)