Inter-Division Mingling [Mizu, Asami]

"Morikawa, from the Eighth Division?"

Though her words were not accusatorily spoken, there was a certain rigidity to Asami's voice as she responded to being addressed. Crimson eyes soon affixed upon the smaller woman that had distracted her from training with such a brazen tenacity that Asami had little choice but to be impressed. Her lips then curled upwards into the faintest of smiles, the fascinator atop her head perking up as if it had a mind of its own in response to the newcomer's approach.

"I recall seeing your paperwork pass through recently. I am glad you are so punctual, that will serve you well here."

She had indeed seen mention of the officer from the Eighth Division recently, though it was yet unclear exactly what was to be expected. There was a stir going on within the Stealth Force, changes right at the top of the ladder that had been unexpected but also foreseeable, so it made sense that the Eighth would step in to help them during the transition. That Asami herself was currently off her game was not relevant, she had been performing at 110% efficiency for long enough now to earn a little time at 90%.

"I am Furukawa Asami, Fifth Seated Officer here at the Fifth Division, and, if you would like, then I can show you around as assigned."

"A fellow Fifth Seat, we shall make quite the well-matched pair then."

Asami masked a little laugh behind her hand, enjoying the candid nature of Mizu a little more than she had first expected. It was unexpected that she was also such a highly-ranked Officer, but the Eighth Division was still in its fledgling stage and Captain Otoribashi likely had to be more lenient than other Captains. Perhaps Mizu was also capable, she would make that assessment herself it seemed.

"Where shall we begin then? With a tour of the barracks and some polite conversation or would you rather stretch your legs on the training yard? I find that both could be equally stimulating when it comes to getting to know one another."

There was certainly a degree of interest in seeing what Mizu would choose, whether she would accept the gauntlet casually thrown down or the innocent conversation. Asami was not one to simply talk about herself and expect nothing in return, she would expect as good as she gave. There were points to be given for Mizu's honesty, but that alone did not win her over.

Asami's eyebrows perked upwards at the speed of Mizu's decision, lips curling upwards into a brief smile before she too switched to something more serious. The fascinator atop her head bobbed happily whilst her crimson eyes sought to meet the golden gaze of her would-be opponent. She had done enough paperwork herself of late, especially with Elyss' help, but this was finally a chance to clear her head properly. In a way, she was grateful for the opportunity.

"Very well, we cannot be getting rusty now, can we? With our weapons then? So be it."

Watching Mizu's hand fall to her sword, Asami did not expect an answer to her questions as she had already reached for her own blades. Both hands lingered upon the hilts of the Daisho pair, ready to draw at a moment's notice, as she returned the bow with one of her own and let her stance widen into one more suitable for combat.

"As do I, Miss Morikawa. But I suppose it is already time to speak with our steel."

There was tension in the air as Musai Kyoutei cleared its sheathes, and Asami enjoyed the familiar weight in her hands once more. Finally, there was a sense of clarity in her mind. It was still like an undisturbed body of water, save for Mizu and herself, and nothing else mattered but the fight.

Then, with a sudden burst of speed, Asami surged forwards toward her opponent. There was a short distance between them, the gap that Mizu had judged to be satisfactory, but Asami was quick enough to be on top of her in a matter of moments. The katana swept overhead in a sweeping motion, but it was not the real threat as she thrust forwards with the tanto whilst her footwork shifted suddenly to accommodate the stabbing motion.

Blocking both of her attacks was a good start, Asami had to admit, but the girl would have to do more than that to keep up with her fellow Fifth Seat. Asami had the measure of her in speed and power, at least it appeared as such from their first clash, so the opportunity to create counterplay rested with her opponent. For her own part, Asami just had to keep going with what she had until they crumbled under the pressure or made a mistake that could be punished.

Dancing forwards again, Asami swung her katana in wide arcs whilst she held back with her tanto and waited for the moment to strike in with another thrust. She did not know what else her opponent was capable of, so it made sense for her to keep pressing her until she would be forced to do something. This was only a practice bout, after all, if she were going for the kill then it made little sense to make her pattern of attack so readable and one-dimensional. She wanted to get to know her a little bit, so what better way to start than with an opportunity?

Show me something, Mizu.

Mizu was growing better at timing her blocks, even if she was constantly giving ground. Asami could sense that something was coming, though she had no inclination of exactly what that might be. Still, she kept up with her onslaught until that moment came around.

She swung wide again, another in a sequence of blows, and then Mizu made her move. The girl dove underneath the errant attack and sought to strike at her exposed flank. It was only made possible by the difference in their height, but it showed some creativity at least. Most wouldn't think of employing a roll like that or have the nerve to try it.

Still, it was not the most creative of attacks. She had left those gaping openings knowing that her opponent would have to try to exploit one of them. The tanto that had been held close to her chest shot downwards, catching her thrust and forcing the blade away from her midsection. It was a deflection, but it also placed Mizu's weapon right in the line of fire. So, with little time to waste, the arm holding her katana dropped downwards in an attempt to part blade and wielder.