Minato listened to Sephiroth's words and do his best to hold his stance. He knew very well he can't overpower Sephiroth with just his own physical strength.

When their blades connected, he felt anticipation and adrenaline inside of him. One wrong move and Sephiroth's sword could very well give him something worse than scrapes and bruises.

He was attentive and focused, like a good student he was praised as by his teachers at school. Until Ryoji's voice snapped him out from his concentration, catching him off guard for a moment as his eyes reflexively give the other boy a brief glance.

Only certain things can grab Minato's attention very, very easily. Ryoji Mochizuki was one of them.