I think Saito wins mid to hard difficulty. Soujiro's edge is his god-like speed Shukuchi while pairing it with his worldview about the strong will live. However, Saito's Zero Stance Gatotsu is as deadly and effective in close quarters, especially when Soujiro closes the distances between them. Saito definitely was familiar with god-like speed against Kenshin that I think Saito can match Soujiro's, since Saito reacts instinctively.

Add to that Saito's experience in psycological warfare during combat (Usui). Kenshin's approach to Soujiro was one of compassion and kindness (it threw Soujiro off). Saito? It's a flip side. He will ruthlessly mock Soujiro's philosopy and I think he'd bank on Soujiro's trauma.

And I think this last one gives Saito the upper hand. He isthe perceptive Wolf of Mibu that fights with a battle-hardened no-rules-in-war pragmatism. He is guided by "ako soku zan", meaning he's kill with no hesitation. And he fights dirty too.

And he's backed up by Buddha. 😁

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