User blog comment:B214/LN spoilers/@comment-27180505-20160128045139/@comment-24742995-20160201062102

I'd also like to point out that Ikki didn't win "easily" against the previous runner-up. He was forced to use Ittou Rasetsu against him even though he was up against Sara next in the same day (which, like I said, can clone an army of Ikkis with Ittou Shura).

Ikki after much analyzing, predicted that he would be completely mind read and LOSE to Kinosaki in as little as 23 moves. Kinosaki is like the ultimate data gatherer and analyzer who basically has background info about everyone down to frightening levels(he was able to guess exactly what Alice and Ikki wanted to drink even though they've only met a few times). He also knows everything about Ikki and that Ikki has to be the champion in order to graduate. In that sense, Kinosaki (aka "Heaven Eye") is even superior to Ikki's Perfect Vision. Because he knows that losing is not an option for Ikki, Kinosaki predicted that Ikki would not use Ittou Shura against him since he had to fight 2 opponents that day and if he want to win against Sara there's no way Ikki would use it against him. Ikki on the other hand, after realizing that he cannot win against Heaven Eye, decides to cut him down instantly with Ittou Rasetsu, leaving himself to fight against Sara without his trumpcard. Kinosaki isn't bad at all.

Ikki in the end admitted to himself that while on the surface it was an easy victory, it wasn't at all. Add to that, Ikki was also leaning against the wall and bleeding from the sideeffects of Ittou Rasetsu, and had to go in medical treatment. He did set up a record for shortest victory in the Seven Star Sword Festival though(0.8 seconds, previous record is about 20 seconds).