It is The Shadow's habit to stand very still, controlling his breathing to be quiet, when he lurks in the dark. That may partly account for the length of time ichi prepares himself to attack. When he does, The Shadow whirls out of the way, drawing the cane as he goes, so that the edge of it brushes Ichi's side in passing. Even were it a blade, that would not be much of an injury. He is still learning. The whirl comes to a stop behind the blind swordsman, and The Shadow's breathing is still very quiet. He holds stock still, waiting warily.