When the first few petals struck him, and sliced into his skin, the rest were quickly avoided.  A shunpo and he was safely away from the falling petals, staring down at his wounds.  A shake of the head and he'd look up at her, smirking.  "Not bad," he said.  "Granted, not quite the same as your father's, but not bad.  His sword actually separates into thousands of petals that are all but invisible to the naked eye unless they are amassed."  A slight inclination, showing that he was proud of her, he proceeded to wait for her next strike!