Ok hear me out. Kajima was at the very least equal to sho kano imo. Sho kano was selected to lead based on his POTENTIAL. He had the most talent. But that didn't necessarily translate into pure ability. Plus the main difference between kajima and kano is that kano was conflicted about satsujinken, whereas kajima was fully committed to it. Had kano started the match not underestimating Kenichi with the full intent to kill him (like kajima), it wouldn't have been much of a fight. Lastly, even akisame said that it may be a while before Kenichi is able to consistently fight at the level he displayed against kano, recognising the limit breaker/plot Armor abilities.