Talking. Too much talking, and it was giving her the slightest seconds to weigh her chances. Reinforced and enhanced--a dangerous combo, he was almost certainly stronger through magic alone than she was despite her youth and athleticism. Yet his barrier had been pounded away at and was visibly showing cracks. A single strong blow might be enough to break it--or better, pierce right through. A normal katana would probably shatter first but hers, a blade forged by youkai and named for the mountains, was as rigid and durable as an oni's club.

She'd seen the demonstration.

Ryuuko's plan was set and her body already moving to it, committed to victory or death. Draw on everything, magic, muscle, or otherwise. Reinforce her abilities to their maximum extent, legs and arms both, and spring close the gap. Follow through with everything she can, a perfect rising arc straight out of iaijutsu though the blade wasn't sheathed--

And pray his defences can be cut through.