ISML 2010: All the right moves for Mikoto Misaka in Aquamarine

ISML 2010: All the right moves for Mikoto Misaka in Aquamarine

March 29, 2010

The song "All The Right Moves" by the band OneRepublic may be seen as defeatist by those who acknowledge it. Or it can be seen the acknowledgement of a true necklace contender.

If you were to ask Mikoto Misaka, you wouldn't exactly get a clear answer. In fact, she probably would not be obliged to give you one.

"I keep my emotions to myself when it's battle time," said Misaka after her 3191-1945 victory over Konata Izumi in the fourth match day of the 2010 International Saimoe League Aquamarine phase. "When I keep my emotions to myself, I can perform and let fate chart its course. Whether or not I win a necklace has nothing to do with the intention to win. I can go perfect and not win a necklace. We have seen this many times. A necklace is just something on the side for me."

Chasing her are six others still in the hunt for the necklace. Taiga Aisaka kept her dominance over Azusa Nakano going with a 2912-2231 victory to stay in second. Yuki Nagato was never tested much by Kurimu Sakurano, winning 3146-1917 to stay in third.

In a battle of first-time entrants, Mio Akiyama stayed in the hunt for the Aquamarine with a 2910-2194 victory over Nadeko Sengoku. Her compatriot, Yui Hirasawa, was not as successful, falling 2797-2451 to Saber, who is in fifth place.

Defending champion Hinagiku Katsura remains unbeaten with a 3070-1985 decision over Rin Tosaka, while Shana rounds out the unbeatens with a 3120-2109 rout of Holo.

The first special match to draw a significant turnout of voters came on Aquamarine 4. Hecate defeated Charlotte Helene Tabitha D'Orleans 2819-1650.

"To think that I am the only new face that has yet to suffer a defeat, that has to say a lot of things," said Akiyama. "I plan to ride this wave as far as it will go."

"Misaka is going to be a problem for anyone she faces, even myself," said Aisaka after her win. "She is still recovering from not getting the respect she deserved last season and she is making a lot of people pay dearly. Anyone who stops her, I'm going to stop anoint them now as legit."

"We have to be very cautious about jumping to any conclusions," said Nagato. "However, I look forward to evaluating Ms. Misaka's fighting ability myself."

In a battle between mother and daughter, Ushio Okazaki chose to let Nagisa Furukawa win the contest. "I think Mama will do better than me," she said. "But when it's someone else, I want to win." While it was a mere formality, the vote count read, 3004-1205 in favor of Furukawa.

In other ISML action...Mikuru Asahina kept Ikaros winless with a 2867-2135 thumping, C.C. bounced back with a 2718-2267 win over Tsukasa Hiiragi, Maria scored a 2587-2157 decision over Konjiki no Yami, Mihoko Fukuji was shut out 3043-1386 by Izumi Saginomiya, Haruhi Suzumiya cruised to a 2763-2389 win over Fate Testarossa and Tomoyo Sakagami prevailed yet again over KYou Fujibayashi, this time by the score of 2280-2093.

Nanoha Takamachi scored a nailbiting 2420-2335 thriller over Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere, Minatsu Shiina got on the win column with a 2670-1957 blowout over Mei Sunohara, Kagami Hiiragi just got past Nagi Sanzen'in 2548-2467, Ami Kawashima punched out Chiaki Minami 2488-2169, Hitagi Senjougahara chalked up a 2491-2313 victory over Mafuyu Shiina and Kotomi Ichinose was all business in a 2726-1866 beatdown of Hanyuu Furude.

Minori Kushieda annihilated Nodoka Haramura 3083-1380, Rika Furude skated by Ryou Fujibayashi 2325-2267, Illyasviel von Einzbern dusted off Ui Hirasawa 2745-2299, Chizuru Akaba prevailed over Ruiko Saten 2430-2330 and Fuuko Ibuki trounced Nymph 2524-2062.

Aquamarine Match day 5 is scheduled for Tuesday, MAtch 30, 2010. Vote online for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com.