Umemoto may not be badly hurt yet, but Ishimaru knows those jabs are only one of the many tricks Ryoma has yet to reveal. The thought fills him with a sense of dread he has never experienced in his decades as a trainer.
Moments later, Ishimaru turns back toward Umemoto and gives him the most pragmatic instruction he can think of. If they cannot solve Ryoma's jab, then they have to deny him the space to use it.
"Umemoto, I know you weren't prepared for this," Ishimaru begins. "Now focus on what you can do. Walk him down with your guard high. Narrow his space and keep cutting off his movement. Never drop your guard. Don't throw anything unless you're close enough to pound his body. You hear me?"
Umemoto looks irritated by how cowardly the strategy sounds, but he knows the situation he is in and gives Ishimaru a reluctant nod.
