Will's blade met Mitsuki's and it was deflected to the side. However, he swordsman was quick to right himself and return to his ready position, holding the sword's hilt downward and the blade slightly to the side. He was then at the ready for the blow Mitsuki attempted to strike, backing away from the blade, avoiding it completely. He moved as though to lunge back in again...but hesitated. His reaction to Mitsuki's taunt was immediate. His expression shifted from one of perfect concentration to anger, brow furrowing and his mouth twisting into a slight frown.

"I don't-!" he started, but was cut off by another gunshot from behind him.

During the brief struggle, Hibiki had quickly lined up another shot, unleashing a bullet toward the center of his skull.

[hr]

Ryu quickly realized that he might have needed to keep his words to himself. He had just been so relieved by the results of his quick, on the spot experiment that he had momentarily let his guard down. but once the Marine finally lifted the cannon off of his arms, he was finally able to move again. However, the Captain did not take a break in his movements. The cannon that was raised was suddenly pulled around and swung at his side.

Even from the brief moment he had to see it coming, he was able to realize what would happen if that attack scored a direct hit. He would no doubt be launched to the side and slammed into some of the nearby buildings. While his armor had protected him from the brunt of an overhead swing, it would not work quite as well if his opponent were able to actually follow his swing through all the way, especially without the ground to brace against.

He could only dodge this attack.

Ryu allowed his scales to vanish, transforming back into his normal, human skin. As soon as his armor was gone, he immediately performed another transformation. This time, however, he focused his attention on his right leg. Crimson scales formed around it as his lower leg transformed into the leg of his dragon form. A form that had more power in it. He lifted his left leg and kicked off of the ground with his stronger right. Thanks to the extra strength, he was able to leap upward, barely clearing the cannon's swing in time. At the same time...he realized that an opportunity also presented itself.

His leg quickly reverted back to its original state once more.  In its place, his lower back began to change color. He focused his mind on the base of his spine...and soon, a new appendage began to appear. A thick, crimson tail appeared behind him.

With that, he quickly tried to spin in the air, attempting to swing his tail around in an attempt to smash it into Captain Baku's face, hoping to at least inflict some kind of damage....