The New Winds

Young Yotsuo started his meditation with a bokken in his lap. He was finally going to practice Iaijutsu stances as he had seen others do, but wished to find his center before he did so. Unfortunately the seeking did not go as he wished and he found himself without the calm that he hoped for. He stood and moved to the yard where he began imitating forms he had seen before.

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D5 Serpent, Meditation / Void, TN 20: 5d10o10k2 17

The Kuni is not the only one seeking centering and focus. He is also not the only one to fail to find it in the event (Meditation 11), so he will find himself with a companion in simple physical exercises shortly after.

Sasaiko will nod as she joins him.

"Good afternoon," he greets. He doesn't wish to assume the Toritaka is interested in conversing, but wants to leave the option open if so. His dueling form was very rough and not at all in line with what one might expect of a Crab. He'd never seen a Crab duel and is simply reconstructing from what he's seen others do with a strong reliance on kenjutsu understanding.

Prashant is the third one to sit down after the Defence training to centre himself.

Once again, he managed to relax a bit, but couldn't really focus all that much.

Still, it was time for some more practice. As he gets a boken of his own and moves to the yard, he sees Sasaiko and Yotsuo and bows to them.

"Kuni-san. Ah... Toritaka-san. How does this fine day find you?"

Seeing the Kuni's attempts at practicing Iaijutsu, he smiles and takes a Iaijutsu stance as well. "Practicing the art of the draw as well, Kuni-san?"



OOC

Day 5 Serpent - Meditation/ Void, TN 20. Rolling 5k1: 5d10o10k1 12

"I am," he replies with a nod. "I don't expect I'll need it too much in the execution of my duties, but if we are going to learn it here, I would like to understand it."

"That makes sense, Kuni-san, Iuchi-san," Sasaiko replies, her player being available again. "And I might well have to use it in the duties I hope to have."

So she, too, begins to mimic the motions.

Dao enters the dojo, and is confused.

Two shugenja and a monk practicing iaijutsu with nary a bushi to be found.

He decides to meditate on the matter but fails to find any insights so....monkey see, monkey do.

Picking up a bokken, he turns the threesome into a foursome.

"Ohayo minna-sama, might I join you if it is permitted?"

"That is a far better reason than mine for practicing the art of the duel, Toritaka-san."

Looking to the Togashi, he nods and smiles. "Practice is always permitted in a dojo by my estimation Togashi-san. Welcome to our Iaijutsu study."

"Thank you Kuni-sama." He replies before glancing around all the attendees in turn and letting out a small sigh.

"Does anyone have any idea how this is supposed to work?" He asks as he clumsily draws the bokken. He had an almost instinctive sense of how to wield most weapons, but this was more ritual than combat.

"Well, I've witnessed it between other students," he replies with a shrug. "And seen others practicing their stance. You are supposed to first take the measure of your opponent, then pour your focus into preparation to strike, then whoever strikes the opponent first is the victor. Supposed to do as little damage to them as possible."

After the training Kenji had also made it his business to meditate. However, this was difficult when so many people came to the same place at once, so Kenji decided to join the others. After he bowed briefly he said:

"That is almost right Kuni-san. You don't just inspect your opponent, you read him and find out if you can win the duel at all. You don't just focus on the blow, you become one with the world. You do not only fight one battle in this world, your ancestors and the ancestors of your opponent fence about who has the right to strike the first blow. Then you draw your katana, fluid, in harmony with the world and let the gods decide your fate".

After he had once gone through a Iaijutsu Kata Kenji continued:
"At least those are the teachings of my sensei. It's easier said than done, isn't it?"


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D5 Serpent Meditation/void TN20: 2d10o10k1 16

"Nearly everything is, Kakita-san. Can't think of anything off the top of my head that is easier done than said."

"I guess minna-sans want to learn the art of the Strike? I'm no full Kakita yet, but i could show you a thing or another" Kenji offered.

"Just punching them seems so much simpler." Dao mumbled before nodding enthusiastically.

"Akodo-sensei says that generals must be aware of this iaijutsu thing lest it get used against us, so your aid would be appreciated Kakita-sama."

Prashant nods to Sasaiko and Yotsuo as they speak, and to Dao as he enters. When he asks about how Iajutsu works, he thinks about what to say, but Yotsuo and then Kenji speak before him, and so he lets them do the speaking and just continues practicing.

His form is not particularly remarkable, but it is clear at least to Kenji that, unlike the others, Prash has received at least some training in Iai.

But it is better to let a Kakita in training do the explaining than a Shugenja venturing into the art of the duel after all, isn't it?

He bows to Kenji, whom he hadn't had the chance of greeting yet, then speaks

"Hello again Kakita-san. It would be a pleasure to learn some about the art of the duel from you.", He says with a smile after he finishes another Iajutsu Kata with an imperfect, but resolute draw. "Would you suggest some more Kata to learn dueling forms, or actual mock duels to see how we do in practice?"

Yotsuo nods in agreement with the others. "It would be an honor to learn how the duel functions from you, Kakita-san."

Kenji suddenly felt like Wyn when he was taught how to throw people.

"I would go through a few kata before we dare to practice duels."

He turned to his classmates and said, "Please follow my movements, I will watch you and then try to improve.

Prash nods repectfully with an easy smile, answering "Hai, Kakita-san", then his face converts to one of determination as he starts positioning himself for the start of the Kata.

The Kuni follows along with the student led instruction.

Sasaiko, whose player has been away working on family stuff, does the same, echoing the motions as best she can.