Chapter 3 [Later that night—Dojo
Fresh off of one of Nooni's best fish meals and a walk in the flower garden with Yori, Ron straightened his gi and stepped into the dojo. Seeing that he was the only one there, he grabbed a staff and twirled it in each hand, getting the feel of it. Then he feinted with it.
Step—strike. Step—strike. Step—strike.
"You move well for an American, Stoppable San," Hirotaka complimented while striding purposefully into the area. "I have watched you in our morning drills."
"Domo. Kim mentioned the sparring you and she did during your trip back to Middleton," Ron complimented.
Hirotaka arched an eyebrow before popping a stick of gum suavely. "I would hardly call that sparring however I appreciate the compliment especially from one of Kim Possible's skills."
"Trust me; you still have a following back in Middleton," the American noted.
"Your American society is easily impressed with small shows of strength and will," the Japanese man replied. "It is refreshing to meet someone from there such as yourself with a sensitive soul." He grabbed a staff. "Ready for your American style buttkicking yet?" He circled the area, holding his staff in front of himself.
Ron sighed and paralleled the other's moves. He was determined not to strike the first blow.
After three minutes, Hirotaka made the first move, swinging his staff.
Watching the other's eyes, Ron knew where to raise his staff and parry the assault. Then he swung his staff and missed.
Hirotaka clipped his opponent's side, knocking the breath out of him. "Do not over-commit, Stoppable San. Learn how to avoid the blow. Stay in control of your own. You can wear an opponent out with that strategy. I made one of your football players look foolish in that way."
Ron grinned, recalling what Kim had told him about how Hirotaka had done just that to Brick Flagg. "Wish I'd been there to see that. BOO YEAH!"
Hirotaka smirked. "You are so reserved, Stoppable San. One can never tell how you really feel."
It took Ron about ten seconds to register the barb he'd just received. "Don't quit your day job, Hiro."
"With your moves, I shall not worry," Hirotaka baited with his cocky smirk.
Ron felt his temper flare but forced himself not to take the bait. He raised his staff and started circling again.
Hirotaka swung his staff.
This time, Ron avoided the attack, managing to sweep around the other and whack him softly in the ass. He raised his staff again just in time to parry the other's next assault.
"Not bad!" Hirotaka praised before sticking his foot out and tripping Ron. "But watch every move an opponent makes. I just misled you with my eyes while I moved my feet. Watch the eyes and the body."
"Eyes and body. Right," Ron noted to himself.
"Keep going. If you are not too tired, that is," Hirotaka gibed good naturedly.
The duo continued on for a while after that.