The New Winds

Ichiro does not show any shock or dismay at the strike or the slight wound on his arm. He smiles and bows to Prashant, "It seems the heavens have given you their blessing in more ways than one this day, Iuchi-san. It is an honor to have fought beside you and to have tested myself against you. Do the...

Goal achieved and, since next game he won't be an Utaku, he shall get to 'retire' with his title intact.

Life always finds time to interfere with me getting as much RP in as I would like but if anyone has any questions feel free to toss them at me.

(Void 4, Assessment was only Emphasis, 2 VP remaining) Perhaps it was the tiring nature of the day but it seemed Ichiro's focus was not as diligent as it should be giving the shugenja a strong opportunity to capitalize and possibly win the duel unless fate had other plans. (Focus = 44 - guessing the...

"Indeed. Let's see what you've learned, Iuchi-san!" The Utaku swiftly drops into his own stance - a mix of the Kakita style learned at the Ruby Dojo with gaijin, and Dragon, influences. (Init: 37 Round 2 Assessment, Iaijutsu(Assessment)/Awareness, 1 Raise called, TN20 = 32 - Exceptional success Lear...

The blade freed Ichiro sheepishly accepts the coin. Material wealth was of no concern to him - but his last pair of clothes now had large bloody gashes through them and that would need to be redressed before he started to travel.

His wounds bound though his clothes still in somewhat disarray Ichiro bowed to his kinsman.

"This seems a little anticlimactic after all that's happened, doesn't it? But I suppose it is only fair to the eventual champion that we both do our best even now."

"These are definitely no mere ronin - neither in skill, nor equipment, nor wealth. If Sugai acted alone then he must be wealthy indeed."

Ichiro watches Jiro quietly. He had no reason to distrust the other boy but it remained to be seen if this was a plot by Sugai alone or by the Scorpion as a clan.

Ichiro rides towards the gathering, holding up the blue and white wrapped blade, "I do not mean to interrupt so solemn an occasion. But if Kakia-san wishes to do this she should do so for the right reasons." "While her actions caused the wound to Hitoshi-san it was not her intention. Her weapon had ...

Ichiro's eyes flicker open, "Thank you, Mai-san. Don't mind me, I knew you all could handle it so was having a little nap so I'd be fresh for the next match." The cough when he tries to laugh puts the obvious lie to that claim. "I think you might have a slight advantage on me for our duel Iuchi-san....

Ichrio smiles as he slumps in the saddle. Every blow to him one less towards someone else who might not have the same protection of fate that he does.

(78 wounds would be dead. Protected by Destiny and/or Fate and at 76 for Out instead)

Though the cut is not as deep as it initially seems Ichiro still grimaces and grits his teeth. It would hardly stop him but, on top of his old wounds, he at least felt it. His blade slashes out in return. The cut might not be too deep but hopefully the force of the blow would bowl the ronin over. As...

"I see plenty of potentials!" He calls back to Nesrin his eyes narrow though as another ronin's blade cuts into her. Watching Mai send many toppling to the deck he switches tactics to removing as many as he can as quickly as he can. Letting his own defense fall by the wayside. Hopefully it might dis...

"Shugenja, stop the boat!" Seeing that the ronin weren't going to charge the shugenja, and the wound his kin took, Ichiro spurred his steed into battle. It was no Unicorn mount but it was brave enough and, with his skill, was game for the fight. It charges down the planks at his urging, wheeling jus...

"Prash, Mai - the boat!" Ichiro waits to see if the shugenja need to move closer for their magics to work, keeping his steed between them and the ronin. (Defense stance. Hold until the shugenja. Move to keep 5' in front of them whether that is in current position or if they move forward. Simple acti...

Ichiro vaults onto the back of one of the horses, his confidence seeming to carry over the steed which accepts the unknown rider. The mount is slow to start, frustrating the young man, but eventually picks up speed. His keen eyes spot the trap and the steed vaults over it though it once again takes ...

Faced with a truly worthy opponent Ichiro lets his other concerns drop aside for the briefest of moments. His mind and soul drops back into the heart of the crystal becoming still and perfect until finally lashing out with blazing speed. The Crane's form was good but it seemed Fortune was with the U...

(Void 4, Assessment was only Emphasis, TN 25, Iaijutsu 5)

(Initiative to Kenji but, since it does not impact my roll, continuing into Assessment to keep things flowing) Ichiro had not had a chance to inspect the weapons today as he had during the weaponry bouts and it still gnawed at him that if they could not see that Hitoshi did not pass they could still...

He was not here to be Champion he was here to do what was right and to inspire others on that path. Ichiro flips one of the blades from the rack, catching it easily, then takes off after the Kitsuki.