Roleplay and strategy post, Matsu Nimoro
In his tent, the evening before the duel, Matsu Nimuro carefully studies his opponent. Shiba Tsukune was almost a legend in the Empire and many had written about her prowess. Mounds of scrolls are strewn out before him, each of them filled with information, often conflicting, often biased, about the battle tactics of Tsukune. Surprisingly little of it would be useful, but hopefully it should give him the edge he needed.
In the morning, during his ritual meditative exersize (also in the tent) he goes over in his mind the information he learned and applies that to his training. His sword a blur, striking and parrying against an imagined opponent wearing the face of Tsukune.
At noon, when the duel is about to commence, he is prepared, his mind is focused and his body a mere extension of his will. His every movement is filled with power and grace.
Once again he studies his opponent, this time standing right before him, examines her every movement, and prepared for all eventualities, for any tactic, he advances. Knowing his opponent will probably expect him to use uncommon strategies he's decided to fight this duel more traditionally, using all his skill to deflect an attack from his opponent while trying to strike Tsukune's mon.
-
Strategy:
1: Knowledge is power. By studying his opponent he knows what to expect, but is still an experienced enough warrior to expect the unexpected.
2: Sometimes the most usual tactic is the one least expected. If he can take his opponent by surprise the battle is as good as won.
---
edit: Changing he to her in reference to Tsukune.