Kurohito's Perfection (IC)

[Lionheart]

1158 Month of the Rat
Western Works Village, dawn.

The sun rises slowly over Western Works Village; a peaceful town on the western edge of Crane lands, bordering the lands of the Hare clan to the west, and the scorpion to the north west. The red light as it breaks through the clouds stains the tournament ground the colour of fresh blood; a reminder of both what it means to be samurai, and a hint of the turning seasons that bring spring flowers to blossom.

The village is one of the enclaves of the Kakita artisans, and evidence of their mastery over stone and ink is clear throughout. The tournament ground is on top of the hill, surrounded by wooden fences artfully carved with scenes of battle, iaijutsu, flowers and the sea in equal measure. In the valley below, the hosues and fields of the heimin are obvious; though even these are painted and tiled in artistic beauty only possible to the Crane.

Outside of the fences stand the pavilions, great three sided tents stitched in each Great clan's colours, and smaller ones in between for the minor clans. The Ox clan have a strong showing, wanting to prove themselves in the second month of their clan's existence. The Hare also are here in great numbers, along with a handful of Badger, Firefly, Fox, and Monkey. Painted banners flap in the spring breeze beside each pavilion, displaying clan and family mons for all those able to distinguish such things. The largest pavilion is white, festooned with embroidered chrysanthemums in gold and silver and green.

It is here, in the porch of the Emerald Magistrates' pavilion, that Kakita Maro kneels on the ground and sips tea from a fine porcelain cup. He sighs in contentment as he looks out at the young samurai preparing themselves for the day ahead. Some are knelt, as he is, in meditation, others stretch their muscles to prepare for any athletic trials, still others read from scrolls or move through katas to cement in their minds the skills or knowledge that may be required for the coming challenges.
The magistrate places his cup on the ground as he catches sight of Doji Otae, still a beauty despite how the years have been catching up to her. Her face is perfectly made up, and only one versed in matters of the court could see the slight frown beneath. The turnout is not what she had anticipated. She stands rigid beside the statue of the Crane Clan Champion, Doji Kurohito, in the entrance to the clan pavilion, directing heimin in their duties as they set up for the events to come.
Maro turns to his yoriki and sighs. "I fear the pickings will be slim this year. It seems that our lady's gambit has been less than successful."

[Ezeze]

Doji Saori is exactly where she should be and dressed exactly as she should be. At the moment this means sitting comfortably just a few feet outside of the Crane pavilion, and in a pure white-and-blue kimono with her white hair swept up immaculately into a headdress which is neither too modest nor too elaborate for her station, respectively. She delicately holds her fan in her lap. She has it splayed open and upwards in a way that makes it easier for others to see.

That fan is the only thing on her person which does not declare her Doji as loudly as it can. Instead it depicts a natural scene which anyone familiar enough with the royal palaces might recognize as the imperial gardens. At one time it was her husband's fan, and he chose to gift this one deliberately - it hints at a connection to the Seppun family without being so blatant that anyone could imagine she was attempting to claim the name. The bridge of the fan is pristine; Saori rarely uses this one - not because she dislikes it, but because she cherishes it too much to display it at any but formal events.

Her wakizashi, the symbol of her status, rests in its scabbard on her right side where it would be difficult for her to draw. Not that she'd think to draw it in any case; she was accustomed to having a yojimbo.

She is unescorted, or at least as unescorted as a well-born Doji woman can be in crane lands in the presence of crane bushi.

Saori will be competing in this tournament. Not in the physical tests, of course, but in the more socially inclined ones. She finds herself especially looking forward to the poetry competition; either she will bring honor to her clan by besting the others, or else she will meet someone capable of teaching her more about it. She couldn't say for sure which prospect she hoped for more.

She's not stretching or meditating. She's watching, quietly observing the social dynamics of the people around her. Someone like her can learn quite a lot by watching.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I'm going to include a straight Awareness roll, since she's deliberately paying attention to what the people around her are doing.

(4d10)[1][7][1][2](11)

Spoiler: In case of explosion

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(4d10)[4][2][6][3](15)

Edit: Damn, an 11? Clearly Saori is more nervous than she thought she was.

[Kwaj]

Mirumoto Masaru stands a respectful distance apart from the other samurai preparing for the tournament. The young Dragon is stripped to the waist, displaying the dragon tattoo that encircles his torso and up his right arm. Sweat glistens on his lean, muscular form as he moves through the steps of his kata.

Though his face betrays nothing of his inner feeling, Masaru is uncomfortable. The Crane lands, in their lush beauty, are so different from the rugged mountaintops of his home. Even in his and Hideki’s wandering year, Masaru cannot recall seeing a place so peaceful and still.


In the mountains, the howl of the wind is ever-present, even on the calmest nights. The tranquility here is...disquieting.


So Masaru trains. His blade slices through the air with each stroke, the whoosh sound it makes the only sound other than Masaru’s soft exhalations. The practiced rhythms of the kata bring him focus and peace, and he knows he will need both to win the tournament and bring glory to his clan and family.

[Darkstorm]

The mask feels hot and heavy today. thinks Atsuki, as he consciously retains his hands from rearranging it nervously.

To all around him, he should look as a pool of calm. But that might be part of the training he got – the Shinjo way of fighting relied a lot on calm to defend and wait for the perfect moment to strike and kill.

And this was that time. It had to be. His situation was a bit dire, and even reclaiming his scorpion heritage wouldn’t help him much without the networking others had built through their families and growing up friends.

No, this was the opportunity to strike. And the spirit that started to haunt Atsuki lately seemed to agree with that. He had to do well in the tournament. These days ahead would be decisive to ascertain if he would get a good position or would be put to guard a forgotten village in the country.

Around him he felt a flame, as if the fire kami were inside his skin making him hot. That should be the reason why the mask felt hot.

Turning his head slightly he bows to one of the scorpion group that passed him “Bayushi San”. A friend. A stranger.

But if he learned something from the unicorn was this – making friends was important.

[Juicy Kisses]

Kuni Katsu sits among his fellow yoriki. He leans in to Kakita Maro,

"I am not so certain, my lord. Perhaps some will show potential and surprise us. It would not be the first time."

[Siegemonkeys]

While Masaru practices his kata, another young samurai stands outside the Dragon tent, beneath a tall tree. By the look of him, he was either fresh from his gempukku or not much older, maybe a year older than the other Dragon competitor. While many of the other samurai in attendance wore fancy kimonos and styled their hair for the event, Hideki wore a simple green kimono with no decorations save for the mons of his clan, family, and school. His hair was shoulder-length and unkempt, giving him a somewhat haggard look that would almost certainly be the subject of rude whispers in a courtly setting, particularly when combined with his simple manner of dress.

Standing under the tree with his hands on the pommels of his daisho, he stands stock still for some time before kicking his foot against the trunk of the tree, shaking loose a cluster of leaves from its branches. As they fall, he draws both swords and starts to slash them through the air, attempting to cut each leaf before it falls to the ground. When he was done, he sheathed his swords and waited stock-still once more, before kicking the tree again and repeating the process. Eventually he sheathes his swords again and sighs, looking to one of the other samurai attending from the Dragon clan. "How much longer until the tournament begins?" He asks impatiently. He was growing restless, not from nervousness but eagerness. This was his chance to establish himself, prove his skill to a larger audience. The only thing which put a damper on his mood was that his father would be watching he and his brother compete. Already he expected to be told every flaw in his techniques after the day's contests, but he hoped that the other clans here might not recognize his father; He was in no mood to deal with sandal-lickers attempting to curry favor with empty compliments and comments of how 'fortunate' he and Masaki were to be the sons of someone as talented as their father.

[DragonOfAsh]

Kaiu Takamatsu remains quiet, kneeling next to other competitors in the tournament. A Crane of some sort. In the distance his eyes watch the movements of a Dragon bushi practicing their kata. He doesn't spend much time watching, instead closing his eyes and bretahing. The young Kaiu isn't meditating, he's simply waiting. Certainly he could be practicing in some fashion while waiting for the start of the tournament events, but he does not wish to waste his energy. He doesn't do anything but wait because he feels he needs to conserve his strength. He felt as though he must do well.

The presence of an Emerald Magistrate didn't help either. Takamatsu wasn't sure what their business was there, but there was no doubt it must be a magistrate, considering the amount of yoriki from different clans scurrying about. No singluar area around the pavillion had such... diversity. Once again, with barely turning his head, Takamatsu takes a few seconds, looking at those around him before maintaining his silent patience. The tournament would pick up soon enough, there was no need to be antsy.

[Zero Prime]

Bayushi Takeo

He walked confidently before Lord Kakita's servants, who worked diligently carrying his belongings to the Crane encampment. The young man was dressed in an exquisitely crafted montsuki, dyed a deep navy blue, over top a charcoal juban. The montsuki's collar and sleeves were bordered with a tightly threaded cotton, dyed a deep red, like dried blood. Sewn inside the right sleeve was a leather strap, that was used to hold the mantsuki's sleeve high on the arm, above the elbow so that it would not interfere with his kenjitsu forms and patterns.

His thick, dark eyebrows were furrowed as he considered the events that had led up to his current situation. Daidoji Yoshimitsu dai-sensei, had chosen to sponsor his grandson's admission into Emerald Magistrate's tournament. There had been some miscommunication between Lord Kaita's servants, and their laborers. As such Takeo's possessions, a lacquered chest containing his hon kozane dō, or heavy lamellar, a gift from his Daidoji sensei upon his completion of his Gempukko, were delivered to the Scorpion Clan pavilion.

Unlike his brethren, Takeo wore no mask, his face open and sincere, a fact that many Scorpion found distasteful. It, therefore came as some surprise when Shosuro Atsuki approached him with courtesy, and sincerity. He looked at Lord Kakita's servants carrying his possessions behind him, they retreated a respectful distance as Takeo bowed to the young bushi.

"Ohayōgozaimasu Shosuro-san," he inclined his head respectfully, "I am Bayushi Takeo, son of Bayushi Seijin." He paused, some uncertainty flickered across his face, "However, there are certain," he searched for the word, "complexities that I present to those that would seek favor within the pavilion from which I am departing." He nodded towards the fluttering banners of the Scorpion behind him.

He turned his attention towards the Crane Clan Encampment, before returning his attention to the bushi, "I would not dishonor you by wishing you luck in the upcoming tournament Shosuro-san. By all accounts your skill could very well allow you to carry the day."

He extended his arms, bowing, and excusing himself from the conversation, however, in so doing he exposed the wrist of his right arm, which those perceptive enough would recognize the mon of the Daidoji tattooed therein.

[Darkstorm]

Atsuki looks at the mon and replies (much in a unicorn fashion) "Complexity is the flavour of life. May the four winds grace your path and the fortunes your choices Bayushi san." .

Atsuki returns to the scorpion group and to Yogo Nerishima, the courtier he had been traveling with the last days he asked "Yogo san sorry to interrupt your rest. But did you heard anything about the other contestants?". Courtiers had a way of knowing things.

[Snacs]

"Maybe some of them are just late? Doji Otae seems in good spirits at least" Isawa Yu offers up helpfully, trying not to fidget on the other side of Kakita Maro from Kuni Katsu. She speaks hopefully, as if the idea of people arriving late to a Crane-run event would be any better.

Dressed in the rich scarlet of her clan, the young woman tried unsuccessfully to hide the way she shifted to relieve a cramp in her left leg. thoughtfully, she sipped from her own tea-cup, looking out at the various Samurai-some closer to her own age, some older- prepare themselves. She'd never fault them for their dedication, even if she could only understand it dimly.

The motion in which she drank was ceremony-correct, about the only thing about her that was. She'd long since untied her wakizashi and set it gently but somewhat carelessly down beside her, mostly hidden by the bulk of her scroll satchel that marked her vocation. That had been carefully turned the right way, and kept within hands reach-the smooth laqcuered surface worn from use but clearly lovingly cared for.

[Zero Prime]

Bayushi Takeo

After overseeing the transfer of his possessions, including the lacquered chest containing his lamellar armor, to the Crane Clan Encampment, he noted a singular beauty sitting atop a small rise. Her dress and attire loudly declared the woman as Doji, confirmation with Lord Kakita's servants confirmed that the unattended woman was in fact an entrant in today's Tournament. Determined to have an ally within his own encampment, Takeo boldly strode up the leeside of the hill in full view of Doji Saori.

As she was seated, her feet folded neatly beneath a pure white and blue kimono, with a plain, yet subtle fan folded neatly in her lap, he lowered himself to a kneeling position a respectful distance from the courtier. As he introduced himself, he placed both his hands on the rich soil of the Crane lands, wrists outwards, elbows slightly bent revealing the Daidoji mon tattooed upon his right wrist. His montsuki, was exquisitely crafted, deep navy blue, almost black, over top a charcoal juban. However it was bordered in deep red along collar and sleeve, traditional color's of the Scorpion clan, however the Mon displayed beneath the breast displayed a crane, wing's outstretched holding a yari with a snake entwined around the haft. The mon of the Daidoji, bordered in a contrasting pale blue, which faded to a stark white towards the center itself.

"My name is Bayushi Takeo, son of Daidoji Shiori," he skirted tradition and named his mother rather than father, "herself daughter to the esteemed Daidoji Yoshimitsu dai-sensei." He paused, "It is my honor to enter Lord Kakita's tournament by the side of one who wears the mon of the Doji family."

He bowed, deeply, as he finished his formal introduction.

[Ezeze]

Saori returns Takeo's bow evenly, bringing her head to the same level - though she keeps her hands off the ground. It would not do to dirty them.

Doji Saori she introduces herself. To do otherwise would have been unthinkably rude.

Her eyes fall on the tattoo on his wrist. How could she not notice, when it's so proudly displayed? The young man had approached her, and better - he was interesting.

Ichi-go ichi-e, Bayushi-san. It was an odd greeting, something which would have been more expected out of the mouth of a dragon than a crane. Her eyes linger on Takeo when she says it, then she splays her fan and hides her lower face behind it as if she has done something rude.

She speaks quietly; the honor is mine.

[Zero Prime]

Bayushi Takeo

Ichi-go, ichi-e, while not particularly familiar with the art of the tea ceremony, he was passingly familiar with the phrase, reminding one's self that each meeting was a moment unto itself. His grandfather used the phrase in a similar way, encouraging his students that in art, as in life, one had to continue, and could not pause because one was aware a mistake had been made. He would admonish Takeo when he stopped his kata, correcting a mistake, or misplaced step, however, the spirit of Ici-go, ichi-e was to carry through, each movement, each technique, once committed was a thing unto itself, a singular and decisive event.

Much like meeting another person for the first time.

"Doji-san," he spoke softly as though trying the fit of the word across his lips, "your patient observance of the clans arraigned around the Crane pavilion speaks highly of your preparedness for Lord Kakita's Tournament." He paused as he spoke, studying the serene landscape which adorned the woman's delicate fan. He was careful as he broached the subject, "I find myself at a disadvantage." The look on his face showed some introspection, a flash of doubt, "I am unfamiliar with Lord Kakita, his retainers and his lands. The entrants to this Tournament are unknown to me, and if one does not know his opponent, then victory is far assured."

He paused, his face lined with sincerity. "I would not wish to bring dishonor to those who find themselves encamped beneath the dancing Cranes." With a slight turn of his head, he indicated the three pennants flying above the Crane encampment.

[Ezeze]

Already you misspeak, Bayushi-san. This tournament is not Kakita-sama's. As Saori speaks her attention wanders to the magistrate's tent. Her eyes no longer bore into Takeo. Quite the opposite; she gives a vague impression of being bored by him.

It is for the honor of Doji Kurohito-sama she does not bother to elaborate that this is the Crane champion. No one who wears a crane mon could fail to know such a base fact. Alas that he is still in mourning and so was unable to attend this year. He hadn't been in attendance for several years, but this year the passing of the Emperor provided convenient excuse.

The tournament is organized by Doji Otae-san. It was at her request that I am in attendance.

So you see, she continues that while Magistrate Kakita Maro-sama is among the most distinguished of guests to have graced us with his presence, he is not your host.

[Zero Prime]

Bayushi Takeo

As Doji Saori corrected him, providing detailed insight into the Tournament, Takeo's youthful face blanched, realizing his misstep. He nodded as she spoke, carefully committing those detailed to memory, however her change in composure which flickered across her face did not go unnoticed, "I apologize Doji-san, if by my ignorance I have given cause for offense."

As he did in greeting, so he did in departure, placing both hands on the ground, fingers towards one another, wrists cocked outwards, and elbows bent. He bowed at the waist, until his forehead touched his hands, kow-towing to the Doji courtier's grace, and insight.

"I take my leave Doji-san, however, should you so require, an ignorant, yet humble, bushi stands ready to offer what so ever aid his honor would allow." Still kneeling, he took three shuffling steps back, "May your ancestor's smile down upon you during Doji Otae-sama's Tournament, held in honor of our Champion, Doji Kurohito-no-kimi."

He backed down the hill slope carefully, so as not to turn his back on Saori's exquisite beauty and give further cause for offense. Once out of sight he turned, humbled by his own ignorance, he proceeded to his pavilion, where upon he gathered his yari, and proceeded to the yard at the center of the crane encampment, and stripped to the waist, tucking his hakama up.

Taking yari in hand he proceeded to begin a regime of basic thrusting practice. His grandfather encouraged this free-thrust training to improve his student's ability at thrusting within the circling blade, a representation of the basic forms of kenjitsu attacks upon the yarijitsu practitioner. At the same time, the student is learning to thrust to the full length of the spear, as well as using the shaft in deflections and disruptions. As any true yarijitsu student, Takeo used his hip to crank the spear shaft, rotating it in a manner that forcefully disrupts an opponent's thrust. This was practiced to both the omote, and ura positions, or the front, inside and rear, outside. Every such movement was followed with a vigorous, fully extended thrust.

Within minutes of beginning his practice, all doubt over his exchange with Doji Saori-san fled his conscious mind as he lost himself in the movements and techniques given him by his beloved grandfather.

[Lionheart]

Spoiler: Doji Saori

Show

Once Takeo has taken his leave, the other Crane entrant, Kakita Denbe, steps towards you.
He bows lightly in greeting, though with less deference than is strictly expected.
"Doji-san. It is a great honour to be representing the Crane alongside one such as yourself." His words are stilted, as if he has learned them by rote.

""Do you not find it odd that one such as he" he gestures towards the open ground where Takeo practices with his yari. "Is also afforded the honour of representing our clan? I mean no disrespect of course, but it sits oddly with me." He lets out a dramatic sigh, and runs a hand through his perfect white hair. "If only my sword-brother were here. He would know how to articulate it better than I."

Spoiler: Isawa Yu and Kuni Katsu

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Maro nods as he takes in your opinions. "Indeed, we have found pearls in fouler oysters than this in the past, that's true.
An I admire your optimism Isawa-san, but I believe it is misplaced. The tournament will be starting soon, and the only persons of note, beside myself of course, are Mirumoto Jiro and Doji Otae herself." he chuckles to himself and continues in a lower tone. "They say that the emperor brought prosperity to Rokugan.
I didn't suspect it would depart so swiftly after him."

He drains the last of his cup and stands, stretching his bent back as he does so. This appears to be a signal of some kind, as both Doji Otae and Mirumoto Jiro break off their conversation and head up the hill towards you.

Spoiler: Shosuro Atsuki

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The courtier ***** his head to the side like a bird, his face impassive beneath his lacquered mask. [COLOR="#FF0000"]"Very little Shosuro-san. The two dragons are both sons of the Mirumoto Jiro, the kensaithat you have no doubt heard of. Doji Saori is here for the Crane, she married into the Seppun, or was it the Otomo? Either way, this will allow us to see what tricks she has other than landing an impressive catch.

You have already met Takeo-san. An interesting character indeed."/COLOR]

Spoiler: Kaiu Takamatsu

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As you watch the other samurai gathered for the tournament, your reverie is often interrupted by the Hiruma bushi that accompanied you and Yasuki Kato here. She is watching the courtiers of the Crane and Mantis clans with poorly disguised disdain, rubbing her fingers along the string of her bow. "This is a waste of time. There's a war on you know." her words are muttered,
but vehement. Yasuki Kato turns to you and smiles, making light of your companion's ill temper.

Spoiler: Mirumoto Masaru and Mirumoto Hideki

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Mirumoto Jiro watches you as you prepare. His eyes moving between the two of you evenly, slowly. His face is totally unreadable, and it's impossible to tell if he approves of your technique, or whether he is ashamed.

You notice Doji Otae slip between the practice area and the pavilion, and approach your father with a deep bow and a gleaming smile, greeting him warmly, almost flirtatiously. He responds in his usual taciturn manner. You over hear Otae wishing that he would find honour in his sons' performance. His reply is a grunt, and a smooth change of topic.
Before long, you see Kakita Maro standing at the top of the hill, and as if on cue, Otae and Jiro both leave their positions to walk up the hill towards him.

Spoiler: OOC

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I'll allow for a little bit more chatting time before we begin the tournament.

[Ezeze]

Saori bows as deeply for this second bushi as she did for Takeo, ignoring the arrogant demeanor with which he has approached her. She keeps her expression carefully neutral and her tone without inflection for her exchange with Denbe.

A wise man would seek to understand his position before he makes enemies. From context it can be assumed that she is warning him not to pick a fight with Takeo. If Denbe gives it more thought, though, a second meaning may become clear - know your station, less you make an enemy out of me.

The samurai of which you speak is Bayushi Takeo-san, grandson of Daidoji Yoshimitsu-sama. I know this because he has been taught well enough to introduce himself before he addresses a stranger. She doesn't emphasize any of her words, but the barb is clear enough; Denbe has been rude by failing to give his name.

Perhaps it is good that you are spending this time separated from your sword-brother, that you may learn of Rei from outside of his shadow.

[Lionheart]

Denbe frowns at your response. "I apologise for my rudeness Doji-san." He seems back for a moment and composes himself. "My name is Kakita Denbe, of the Kakita dueling academy. My manner is...inadequate of the position I find myself in. In truth, the academy was supposed to be represented by the best of us.
Kakita... No, just Zanto now."

[Ezeze]

I am Doji Saori.

Your apology is accepted. I cannot hold the words of a grieved man against him. Sit with me a while and we can speak of kinder things.

Spoiler: OOC

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I am using Soul of Honor. It lets Saori make a Contested Roll of Courtier (Manipulation)/Awareness vs Etiquette (Courtesy)/Awareness when she speaks with someone for a few minutes. If she wins she learns whether her target is in need of any favors or assistance.

(8d10)[9][1][2][7][1][7][10][10](47)

Spoiler: In case of explosion

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(8d10)[8][10][10][3][7][2][4][4](48)

Edit: Saori's Manipulation specialization allows her to replace one 1 that she rolls. Because she has 4 in awareness she is allowed to keep 4 of the dice. Her total dice pool is; 9, 8, 7, 1, 7, 33, 17. She will 'keep' the 33, 17, 9 and 8 for a total of 67.

[Lionheart]

"Of course Doji-san. What happier topic would you have us discuss? Perhaps something about yourself? How do you come to be here?"

Spoiler: Soul of honour

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He does want a favour, yes. He isn't sure what happened to his training partner Kakita Zanto. He was made Ronin, but Denbe doesn't know why or where he is now.

[Darkstorm]

"I believe them to be of valor to be atending this tournament." says Atsuki "Do you have a personal reason to be atending this?"

[Lionheart]

Yogo Nerishima bows his head at your words. "Which I suppose makes us of valour as well?
As for your question, I had hoped to see the cream of the crop in my competition in court the coming years. My father has the honour of representing a small village on the border of these lands with ours, and I naturally will be at court here for the foreseeable future. This would have been the perfect opportunity for me to see what I could about them while showing them whatever they wished to see in me.

A pity then that the showing is so poor. And your reasons, Shosuro-san? For the glory of the clan no doubt?"

[Darkstorm]

"Of course for the glory of the clan." Atsuki slumps his head a bit and behind the mask exhales "It is also, at the same time, a way to reverse my fortune."

Openly he adds "Yogu san, in the end, besides glory for the clan and a good position somewhere, as most of us want, I envision ending this tournament with friends. People that in the future, if needed, I can count on. And vice versa. My time in the Unicorn has show me the importance of such."

[Lionheart]

Nerishima raises his mask in an expression of mild shock. "Oh? Did you forget that a Scorpion has no friends? Only acquaintances secure in the knowledge that one day you will betray them." He laughs sardonically. His words may have been an allusion to his family's curse, or the nature and perception of the clan. His tone is droll, but the bitterness behind the words is hard to ignore.

"But if you wish it Shosuro-san, I will be your friend. May we both do pride to the Scorpion. and the empire."

[Ezeze]

It is not such a long story Saori informs Kakita Denbe once he sits beside her. I was honored to have had an acquaintance with Doji Otae-san. She extended an invitation to the tournament. Everything she said was true. It wasn't the whole truth, but it would have been uncouth to speak of her ambitions regarding Kakita Maro's station.

I intend to share my poetry and what humble skill I have in the art of flower arranging. I trust that you, and Bayushi-san, will represent the crane skill at Iaijutsu, Kyujutsu and Yari.

Spoiler: OOC

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Has Saori heard the name Kakita Zanto before?

[Lionheart]

Spoiler: Doji Saori

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You will have heard the name in passing. He was one of the best graduates from the Kakita Dueling Academy last year. Though he's not considered a prodigy, he is definitely considered one to watch. As to his becoming Ronin, you don't know, but it must have happened recently.

Denbe looks down at his feet. "I have some small skill with the bow and the yari. I will do what I can in the iaijutsu. Though I am not their equal, my ancestors will guide me."

[Darkstorm]

Atsuki crings at the sight of his scorpion friend. He hasn't been in contact with such bitterness before, and as such it is strange to him.

However bad your luck is, life is hard for all. You have to remember that. He thinks

"I am sure we will Yogo san. I am more than glad to accept and call you my friend." says Atsuki with an earnest voice and tone.

[Kwaj]

Mirumoto Masaru finishes his kata for the dozenth time. His form was sloppy; he had become distracted by the sight of his father in company of the honored Doji Otae and Kakita Maro. Sheathing his katana, he dons his kimono and strides over to his brother.

Shading his eyes, he speaks his thoughts aloud.

”He was watching us both. Do you think he approves of our technique?”

Masaru’s words are tempered with anxiousness. Beside his father and his sensei, he most craves approval from his brother.

[truemane]

MOTO XUI-XUI

From the depths of the Unicorn pavilion comes a young samurai dressed in formal attire that is as informal as it can be without being rude or unseemly. She is wearing a kimono, and her hair is pinned, and her make-up carefully applied, but there is little thought placed in any of these elements. She walks slowly on her tabi as though they are unfamiliar to her. Those watching closely might notice that her gait is not the delicate light step of a courtly samurai, but a solid, lumbering saunter more suited to those wearing boots than sandals.

She carries both a katana and a wakizashi. Although even the katana doesn't seem natural to her, as though she was unused to wearing it.

She steps out and surveys the crowd and her face tightens in the barest ghost of a sour expression. She was excited to compete in the events, but she really didn't know anyone here save Saori, and she seemed to be overburdened with visitors.

She walked over to where the samurai were practicing. That was always something she could do without drawing much attention to herself.

[Siegemonkeys]

Hideki crosses his arms. Who knows. Father only ever points out the flaws in a student's technique, never what they do good. But I think you did fine, until you started watching him and our host. When the tournament starts, try to pretend he's not watching. The only ones that matter are you and your opponent." He says, offering words of wisdom. For anyone else that was listening, they might notice how Hideki addresses his father as oyaji, rather than something more formal. Those not familiar with Hideki might assume it was just a speech-pattern of one who grew up in the mountains, while others might take it to mean that their relationship was close enough to allow it. In truth, it was only some of the former and none of the latter. As Masaru would know, Hideki's relationship with his father was anything but close, and oyaji was simply the most informal way he could address him without blatantly insulting his father. Such petty distaste colored Hideki's relationship with his father, a fact that might sadden his brother.

Hideki looks around at the other tents and contestants, frowning. "...Still, this tournament seems smaller than I expected." He admits, though only once Otae was out of earshot. "I thought that the other clans would send their best bushi to compete, but it looks like many of them aren't even bushi." He says, eyes settling on the two Crane contestants, one of which didn't even seem to carry a katana.