It feels worse than you think, he was tempted to say. My friends say it’s like being buried alive. But if Karin-chan wanted to fly face-first into his odd power, then so be it. Izuru knew none of her opponents would ever give her the chance to back out because of how much terror it might cause her.
“Very well.” He held his blade then sideways, one hand pressed to the dull side. “Raise your head, Wabisuke...” A mumble, as if that might change the effect. As if it might give a more gradual sense of drowning when struck against her skin. A shame, he couldn’t make his little speech about Wabisuke’s power, couldn’t see that same look of terror on her face that he’d seen countless times on ones he hated.
In an instant he was before her, hilt held at his bony hips, the square of his sword threatening to hook around her waist, but he withdrew. He twirled Wabisuke away from her and swiftly was he behind her instead.
It would be best for her training to leave her guessing, wondering when finally he might make that first strike. But he’d let her get a few good hits in, maybe. Let her. Maybe that was the wrong word. She could cut him, he knew. She’d done it before. But it was just a matter of defense until he decided to weigh her down.