With Hashiras being a concerning amount stronger than their Tsugukos, it was only fair to have the only two successors fight against each other for a match in strength. This is how you and Kanao have ended up in the situation you're in - standing a good twenty feet across from each other, and waiting for Shinobu's signal.

Shinobu and the Hashira that trains you have sat themselves a safe distance away, watching to see who would come out as the winner - as if watching a street fight. Kanao holds the wooden sword tightly as you both hold your stances ready, locked onto each other. Her eyes are calculated but unreadable as usual.. but her soft smile still stands.

"Whenever you're ready!" Shinobu calls.

The second the words leave her lips, it's as if Kanao disappears with her speed - lunging directly at you with her sword out to kill. She smiles and lets out a huff when your own sword comes up to block it - then pushes her back.