Initial handshakes do indeed tell so much about the person without the need for small talk. On the flip-side, they also advertise much about oneself in the same gesture which is why Sephiroth, til now, has hardly ever shaken the hand of any other offworlder. Too much risk involved to put so much of himself out on the table at a first acquaintance.

Ena gets the exception to the rule based purely on the fact they've been partnered together for a fighting tournament, so Sephiroth already figured he'd have to give up a little more of himself than usual, in the name of cooperation.

Sephiroth hardly budges more than an inch, once that's over and Ena glances around; noting quickly how her face lit up at the pressing surroundings of the crowd and the accompanying buzz that he obviously just wasn't in tune with at all. Precious seconds to mentally draw up facts from her body language - if anything Sephiroth's expression turned just a touch harder around the edges when she finally turned back to face him.

"I suppose we should be thankful it is a fighting tourney; I can easily see worse things that could have been presented as alternatives, each one less appealing than the last.

"It plays to a personal strength of mine, and so here I am."