[He didn't think Thorin would take his first hit, by any means. He's sparred off him enough times to expect a counter of some kind. He is flung forward but he lets himself twist as he is.]
[Thorin manages to close the distance, but Hayato puts up his right arm up to block the hit. The force of it probably knocks him straight to the ground with his already gained momentum, but that was still better than taking the brunt of that hit to the side.]
[He's not down long, rolling to get back to his feet and to brace for any further assault.]
action.
[Thorin manages to close the distance, but Hayato puts up his right arm up to block the hit. The force of it probably knocks him straight to the ground with his already gained momentum, but that was still better than taking the brunt of that hit to the side.]
[He's not down long, rolling to get back to his feet and to brace for any further assault.]