This situation works well with Ryoma's initial plan, actually making it better as Jade now trying to close that distance for him by switching to an orthodox.
Now that the pressure eases and the confusion thins, his confidence starts to return; and with it, the ideas. They don't arrive one by one. They surface together, sharp and familiar, every trick he's ever owned lining up at once.
But he doesn't rush the idea yet. He keeps the impression that he's struggling to maintain the safe distance.
"Okay… let's make him work for it first."
As Jade steps into his range, Ryoma starts it with his left, a textbook jab snaps out first, straight and economical, and then pulls it cleanly to guard. There's nothing fancy, just enough to reestablish rhythm.
He throws it again, and this time, Jade parries it aside, his eyes stays calm. This much he understands.
