The longer reach Sephiroth had only got worse when the swords came into play. He was quick enough on the draw to get it out, barely, in time to block. Naoki was surprised by the strength behind it and shifted to his two-handed sword style. It gave him less flexibility to attack but he needed the extra strength.

His only chance was to get inside, too close for the effective striking range of the sword. Between the speed, strength, and poles they're standing on it's easier said than done. Naoki leaned back and rolled backwards off the pole to land on the water and put the pole between them. He darted around to go on the offensive when his water clone arrived to back him up.