to be clearly ahead of the competition; to stand out noticeably above one's rivals; to stand out from the crowd
nickname; alias; pseudonym; pen name; nom de plume; other name
before one knows; before one becomes aware of; unnoticed; unawares
bright red; crimson lotus flower
round dance; dancing in a circle
to stop; to turn off; to park; to prevent; to suppress (a cough); to stop (someone from doing something); to dissuade
still more; even more; much more; increased; greater
degree of familiarity; popularity; name recognition; notoriety
inner thoughts; real intention; at heart; deep down; inner center (centre)
passage (of time); elapsing; progress; development; transit
come (on); come now; all right; right; well; hmm
to brace oneself; to focus one's energies; to focus one's mind
medicine; pharmaceuticals; efficacious chemical (gunpowder, pesticide, etc.); (pottery) glaze; (illegal) drug; narcotic
careful; cautious; wary; watchful; vigilant; prudent
reaffirmation; reconfirmation; revalidation
first attack; first strike; first blow
to follow; to pursue; to die right after a loved one; to kill oneself after the death of a loved one; to follow an example set by earlier generations (or one's master, etc.)
(hand) weapon; (arch.) one's forte; (arch.) one's special skill; (arch.) weapon one is skilled in using
long-handled Chinese spear; lance; weapon; arms; grip of a bow; parade float decorated with long-handled Chinese spears
hammer; mallet; sledgehammer; gavel
sword (esp. a large, double-edged one); blade; bayonet; swordsmanship; stinger; ovipositor
shield; buckler; escutcheon; pretext; excuse; grounds (for)
thereabouts; vicinity; that area; that situation; those circumstances
to discuss; to talk together
affinity; compatibility; chemistry (between people)
standing facing each other (e.g. mountains, buildings); standing opposite each other; confrontation; squaring off against (adversaries, armies, forces); standing off against
remainder; remnant; the rest; what is left; balance; leftovers
that way; that direction; there; that (one); you; your family
leaving (a decision, job, etc.) to someone else; entrusting; leaving the choice of a meal to the chef; omakase
daring; fearless; intrepid; bold; tough
revival; reconstruction; restoration; rebuilding; recovery; renaissance
to give a command (e.g. in a loud voice); to give an order
to run out; to rush out; to start running; to begin to run; to break into a run
to kick; to refuse; to reject; to stamp (on the ground); to firmly press one's feet (against something)
closing in on (the enemy, first place, etc.); coming close to; pressing hard; pressing hard (e.g. with a question); taking to task; grilling
getting closer; drawing nearer; being not much different; being near (age, skill, etc.); becoming close (i.e. friendly); becoming intimate
that kind of; that way; that move; that trick; that game
to set up (a house, store, etc.); to build; to have at the ready (e.g. a gun); to hold in preparation (e.g. a camera); to adopt a posture; to assume a stance; to put on an air
intercept; interception; counter-attack
oneself; oneself; for oneself; personally
to compromise; to meet halfway; to step up to; to walk up to; to approach
one blow; one hit; one stroke; summiting on the first attempt (oft. without prior knowledge about the route; in climbing); on-sight; flashing