Notes on Momo v. Maxim

Sporting Event / Competition

The second match of the morning, which will determine Fubuki's opponent in the Independent Finals. I expect it to be Maxim. All the data points to him being far more powerful (and maybe a Demon???). But Momo has been the underdog for every match and she's made it this far, so...

...   The combatants have taken the field. Maxim isn't wearing a helmet? Doesn't he have that Demon Armor or whatever that he can call to shield his head? That's a strange choice, and if I were Momo I'd be figuring out how to take advantage of it. As we start...yep, she's gathering up ki and waiting for Maxim to come to her. It looked like he wanted the opposite to happen, so that's a good move. Since she has to charge up anyway, let him make the first move.   ...   There it is! The Inaba Hare Special Technique, Snap Kick! Momo aimed it straight at Maxim's head, which is a good move. She didn't stand a chance at breaking through all that armor, but if she can get a solid blow on his head, there's a good chance of knocking him out. Probably the only chance she has to win.   But, as expected, Maxim managed to block it. It obviously took a lot out of him, but he was prepared for the attack and managed to get that (tacky) lion-headed shield in between her foot and his face. We'll see how it goes from here, but I can't help but feel that was Momo's only shot.   ...   They're trading blows now, but Maxim is obviously at an advantage. He's pulling his strikes, though. Maybe he doesn't want a repeat of what happened to that poor girl from Sancta Sedes. That might give Momo another chance at a Snap Kick, but...   Wait, what is she doing? She's punching him? Maybe it's a bid to get his defenses wore down before she goes for a knockout, but he's obviously faster than she is and...and he's just standing there and taking it. His armor's just absorbing every hit. I guess Maxim's defenses can't be worn down if he doesn't defend. That's cleverer than I would have expected. And Momo's getting frustrated.   ...   Well, it's over, and it ended just how I expected. At least nobody died this time. Maxim finally got what would have been a killing blow, if he hadn't struck with the hilt of his sword. It sounded like thunder, still, and I swear I heard Momo's bones break. She surrendered after that. Good move.   I'll put these reports together with the one happening after lunch and deliver them to Sensei. At least this match made more sense.