Akamatsu watched Vale and Anzu flurry at each other. He was loath to get close to either of them but Tatamo told him many times that he would have to strain like this and Chunin could not be afraid.<br/><br/>He watched her from the shadows of his hood, she was so fast and the gentle fist was no mere style. Its power reached into the body itself. Holding back would be certain failure. Vale's attacks looked clumsy at first but even as he tightened his technique Anzu moved like lightning from stance to stance until she was upon him. Akamatsu knew he would not defeat her through force or even talent. She was as crafty as she was fast with experience and power on her side. It was a daunting combination. He would have to cheat.<br/><br/>With even steps he walked toward the area of conflict. His pale hands were inside his poncho and the quickly made the shadow clone seal. And the clone appeared before him as if it had leapt right from his form.<br/><br/>As the shadow image leapt for Anzu, Akamatsu threw three kunai up into the air at a slight angle. Each would come down one to either side of her and one directly in front hopefully making a step back her only option. He didn't know if the Byakugan  could see through the clone, could see him throw the knives. But he knew she would spot them right away in the air, see their course. Child's play for her.<br/><br/>He gripped his genjutsu tightly though. Now was no time to let it pour from him.<br/><br/>