Makoto has spent years and years perfecting his fighting technique. Gen has, as well. But the difference in their styles is easy to overlook.

When there's not someone charging at him with a sword. Gen's instinct is to duck out of the way. Makoto's instinct is to power through. When he brings his weapon up he expects to be able to clash blade against blade, but he has a scythe right now, not a sword.

The difference throws him, and he plants his feet as his mind takes a second to get over it. He drives the inside of the blade down, even as he's pushed back, so that it slides down the edge of Guts' sword towards the man's wrist.