[This is escalating too fast for Midare's liking, and he doesn't know what he can do to stop it.
The click of the blade is what spurs him into action - and that action isn't to attack, but to flee. He spins on his heel and sets off down the hall, because he knows this is a fight he can't win. Even if he had been fresh from the forge, he wouldn't be able to stand up to Dotanuki on a normal day, and today not only is he injured but Dotanuki is a lot more bloodthirsty than usual.
(Which, Midare thinks to himself, is really saying something.)
Part of him hopes that if he removes himself from the situation, the larger sword won't pursue. But in case he does catch up to him, in case a fight is unavoidable, he needs to shift the battlefield to a more strategic location. Somewhere that, if it comes down to it, he might be able to hold out long enough for help to arrive. Stronger help - not the other tantou that are probably lingering around the citadel, certainly not his brothers. He doesn't want them to encounter Dotanuki like this.
Somewhere there won't be more collateral damage.
And if he doesn't pursue, he can rest a little. He can visit the forge for repairs, and once he's recovered his strength, he'll scout for enemies again - though in this case, the enemy he would scout for would be his ally.]
no subject
The click of the blade is what spurs him into action - and that action isn't to attack, but to flee. He spins on his heel and sets off down the hall, because he knows this is a fight he can't win. Even if he had been fresh from the forge, he wouldn't be able to stand up to Dotanuki on a normal day, and today not only is he injured but Dotanuki is a lot more bloodthirsty than usual.
(Which, Midare thinks to himself, is really saying something.)
Part of him hopes that if he removes himself from the situation, the larger sword won't pursue. But in case he does catch up to him, in case a fight is unavoidable, he needs to shift the battlefield to a more strategic location. Somewhere that, if it comes down to it, he might be able to hold out long enough for help to arrive. Stronger help - not the other tantou that are probably lingering around the citadel, certainly not his brothers. He doesn't want them to encounter Dotanuki like this.
Somewhere there won't be more collateral damage.
And if he doesn't pursue, he can rest a little. He can visit the forge for repairs, and once he's recovered his strength, he'll scout for enemies again - though in this case, the enemy he would scout for would be his ally.]