The confidence is refreshing; he doesn't intimidate her. But then, is there really anything intimidating about a roughly-shorn tree branch? It hardly threatens mortal danger.

Sephiroth is far less aggressive, to start; he wants to get a sense of her strength before he takes the offensive. He remains confident--smug, even, smirking as he parries her attacks. His movements are quick and efficient, undramatic. A quick sidestep if it will carry him out of the path of a strike.