Sephiroth drew Masamune across in a wide arc, slicing through the front of Cao Cao's robe. His opponent jumped back, bringing his sword across to keep Sephiroth from slicing again.
In a blurred flurry of strikes, Masamune's point travelled across Cao Cao's chest and face, scoring a light blow on his cheek.
'This is nothing,' Cao Cao said loudly, 'NOTHING compared to my ambition.'
He pressed forward, leaping close to Sephiroth. At this range, he was within the arc of Masamune's swing; he could not attack with the blade here. Turning quickly, Sephiroth knocked Cao Cao's arm away with his black wing, feathers dropping to the ground.
'This fight,' Sephiroth said calmly, 'is likely to last a long time.'
Cao Cao glared at him, raising his sword for a final strike.
Masamune met it, the blades locking between the two combatants.
'My ambition will not fall to you,' Cao Cao said, his face close to Sephiroth's.
'Then we will meet again, with honour and pride,' the silver-haired man replied.
Nodding at each other, the fighters flexed their arms, the two swords pushing each other away.
'Until the next time our paths cross,' Sephiroth said.
Cao Cao turned and left, leaving him to his thoughts.
@Rak: Hope that outcome's good enough for you.