As the knives fell around her weaving form the shadow Akamatsu began its attack with a Taijutsu series of kicks, his legs appeared and disappeared from the dark cloak which served to hid his movements until the last second. Physical attacks were never a strong point for him but he just needed a few more moments.<br/><br/>Another quick set of seals produced another two shadow clones. The closest knelt down and started a summoning jutsu while the other moved over as if to help Vale, dark cloak fluttering as it ran. Runes and symbols flew out from the kneeling clone's hand as it started the incantation with soft and nearly incomprehensible mutterings.<br/><br/>The real Akamatsu crouched like a shadow behind the summoning circle and two more knives shot up from the cloak, launching themselves high into the air. A trained ninja knew how to judge a target though and these would come down right on the summoning spot. The Third remained in his hand clearly visible against the dark poncho cloak.<br/><br/>He knew she would be marking everything he did, keeping track of every knife, every clone, every movement. With someone as capable as Anzu, battles were not battles of the fist, they were battles of the mind. He planned furiously still holding back his genjutsu. Timing....it was all in the timing.