Though Sephiroth had every intention to follow exactly the path that Cloud had cleaved through to the doors, about half way through that plan it needed altering on account of the Mages that were creeping up the flank where there weren't so many bodies. The last thing the building needed was more fire blasts from the outside while undoubtedly there were others indoors trying to smother the same.

So he took a risk and swept off to that side. A side effect being that when Cloud looked for him though, he wasn't in the boy's line of sight. Which probably caused the delay-

A dash of movement might have been all that Cloud caught out of the corner of his eye as Sephiroth got caught up just in the nick of time. Wasting no time, Cloud was knocked forwards out of the way and the greatsword came crashing down. A heavy screech was heard as Masamune was tilted up and angled into the perfect position with which to block - stretching his stance out at the same time from which he could summon the muscle strength to push back, aim a well-placed boot to the gut of the Knight on his way and then twist back around to pull Masamune's great length across the dark armor.

Armor and flesh split open like it was made of butter, amidst a few gargled groans from their adversary in the moments before Sephiroth brought his opposite fist to the side of the falling soldier's head. A small act of mercy.

That done, Sephiroth reset his stance and curled Masamune away before regarding Cloud once more.

"I told you, keep going."