Well, the monologuing doesn't have to come before the fighting. They can happen at the same time, if it proves necessary. Situational analysis is a vital part of heroism, and one of many skills I possess in abundance.
[Blink blink.] O...kay... Er, you mean that metaphorically, right? The 'reach inside enemies and tear their hearts out' part.
HA! Talking has no effect on my lightning-fast reflexes! Let them come! Swordmasters are famed far and wide for our awesome dodging skills, you know. Not even a dozen--no, not even a hundred foes could hope to hit so much as a hair on my head!
[And he's... kind of afraid to ask more questions now.] ...Um. Well then. Remind me to stay on your good side, okay?
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[He grits his teeth a bit. He was going to get this question a lot, wasn't he?]
They change my tangibility and make me harder to hit while giving me the ability to reach inside enemies and tear their hearts out.
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[Blink blink.] O...kay... Er, you mean that metaphorically, right? The 'reach inside enemies and tear their hearts out' part.
...Right?
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[He shakes his head a bit.]
No, literally. My former master enjoyed frightening his enemies.
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[And he's... kind of afraid to ask more questions now.] ...Um. Well then. Remind me to stay on your good side, okay?
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You're not a threat to me, so your worries are unfounded.