worthy opponent; worthy rival; good match
second; secondary; quadratic (function, equation, etc.); second-order; fictional (in relation to anime, manga, etc.); drawn
examination; exam; test; trial; experiment; test
remarkable; striking; brilliant; splendid; spectacular; wonderful
makings (of); aptitude; talent; nature; character; temperament
in some cases; sometimes; on occasions
(public) peace; stability; tranquility; tranquillity
reflection (of light); reflection (of society, attitudes, etc.); application (of an update, changes, etc.); taking effect
simple and honest; unsophisticated; simpleminded; naive; unspoiled
successive; consecutive; back-to-back; one after another
competition; rivalry; feeling that something is worth the effort; motivation; enthusiasm
flexibility; pliability; softness; elasticity
bright and beautiful; gorgeous; showy; prosperous; flourishing; thriving
complete denial; complete disavowal; total negation
to know; to be aware (of); to be acquainted (with); to think; to consider; to believe
blameless; above reproach; beyond reproach; faultless; perfect
secret techniques (of an art or skill); inner mysteries; essence; quintessence; heart
flower; blossom; cherry blossom; beauty; blooming (esp. of cherry blossoms); ikebana; hanafuda
blinding someone's eyes (to make an escape); smoke screen; distraction; magic (trick); sleight of hand
jumping the gun; premature action; omen; portent; first produce of the season (vegetables, fish, etc.); herald; runner sent ahead to announce one's lord's arrival (Muromachi and Edo periods)
lightning strike; torpedo attack
unmatched (unparalleled) accuracy
cesspool; sink; manure sink
large stage; grand stage; the big stage; grand setting
doing something frantically; frantic state
well done!; nice try!; well fought!
red; crimson; scarlet; Red; communist
fighting spirit; battle aura; combative spirit
appropriate; suitable; proper; fitting
determination; conviction
grazing; touching lightly; squeezing (someone for money); percentage; kickback
iron wall; impregnable fortress; impregnable; invulnerable; unassailable
to do everything in one's power; to do all one can; to leave nothing undone; to exhaust one's resources
to bear a grudge against; to resent; to blame; to curse; to feel bitter towards
trial and tribulation; hardships; privations; difficulties
aspiration; ambition; plan; hopes; wishes
gathering material (for an article, novel, etc.); collecting information; covering (an event, incident, etc.); reporting; interview (for a news story)
slander; libel; defamation; calumny; smear
to strangle; to constrict
to a surprising degree; to a remarkable extent; surprisingly; astonishingly; amazingly; alarmingly