The New Winds

Once more, the Kuni Warden made his way into the temple to have the influence of Yume-do cleansed from his spirit. The monks obliged him with a ritual during the sunrise and he welcomed Amaterasu's warmth with a smile and thanks to the caretakers of the temple. He enjoyed another morning stroll through the complex, leaving a pair of zeni as a gift to the temple. Another peaceful start to another day of honest effort.

Mirai may have come there earlier to pray, but at that moment, she wasn't. Instead, she sat with some of the younger monks, talking and generally having a more open and emotional conversation. A smile was on her face as they all spoke, a few of the monks laughing at some jest. All the same, she seemed to retrieve her On the moment she saw the Kuni, and she gave a deep bow. The monks with her did the same, and after a moment of awkwardness, they dispersed, leaving Mirai alone no less awkward.

Yotsuo chuckles at that. "You seemed so comfortable with the monks? Why should one more make things any different," he says with a smile and a bow, before moving to sit nearby as well.

The ronin was silent a moment before she gave a light shrug. "I cannot speak for them, but if I had to guess, they may have thought a Kuni shugenja more likely to be quite serious and solemn than myself. I'm more certain they had chores they should have been doing regardless."

"They more likely, just wanted to give samurai, or soon to be samurai, privacy to chat," he says with a smirk. "I recognize most of them already, as they likely recognize me. I have been visiting for purification rituals and prayers each morning for the past few days, greeting Amaterasu as she smiles down upon us."

"I am Kuni Yotsuo. I believe I saw you at the events yesterday, but I did not learn your name there," he says in introduction.

"Mirai," she said simply. "This is my first time visiting this temple since arriving, but as a traveling wolf, I end up spending quite a bit of time at temples for a place to sleep. One gets to know different sorts of monks, and people in general. You are not the first Kuni I've met, but I could hardly say I know your family so well."

"Well, I certainly wouldn't take me as a typical example. I've got an ability the others don't and a position that was created specifically for that purpose," he explains. "Though I am still trained in the typical duties of the Wardens, rather than the Purifiers."

She looked a little wary a moment before just nodding slowly. "A position before your gempukku already? That is quite... prestigious Kuni-sama."

"Like I said, it's a unique position. Even if something caused me to not pass my gempukku, the Crab would still make full use of my ability," he says with a shrug. "Not many people in the empire can walk the spirit realms with the ease I can. I've been told only a few each generation might even have that gift, sometimes none. And since the Oracle of Earth has blessed me, the Crab would likely give me a gempukku even if I failed here. It would come with a fair amount of embarrassment, but I think to my clan and family it's basically a foregone conclusion."

Mirai nodded slowly. It was all a lot to take in, really. "I see. Then you can relax a bit, even if you don't wish to. To be blessed so must be reassuring."

"It is certainly a boon for eliminating worry. But as you say, I won't exactly relax in the competition. I am here to participate and not to observe. I would not with to dishonor other participants or our hosts by disrespecting this event or it's traditions. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to participate after all," he says with a nod.

Mirai gave another nod. She looked a bit troubled, then as if she might say something before she stopped herself again. "Of course. I will look forward to seeing you give your all Kuni-sama. Not that I have seen any present that wouldn't mind you."

He had learned enough to read people relatively somewhat well, and could tell she was holding something back. "Was something bothering you Mirai-san?" he asked curiously.

That hesitance showed again, a troubled, furrowed brow clearly showing the deep thoughtfulness. She gave a deep bow. "Sumimasen. It is nothing. Think nothing of it more than the musings of a woman that has lived a hard, troubled life."

"Very well. But even if you don't feel comfortable with myself, you should find time to address your concerns with the monks of this temple. Concern can become doubt which can weaken the spirit. And I would not want that for anyone who has proven their capabilities enough to earn an invitation to this event," he says with a slight smile. "You must be capable and skilled to have impressed a patron enough to support your participation here."

She easily flowed away from the former topic. After all, she'd had plenty of chances to practice her response to the later. "I suppose I must have, hai."

"What is your expertise, if you don't mind me asking?"

Mirai rubbed the back of her neck and looked up absently. "Ano... I am not certain you could say I have one. I try to know a little of everything in case I get in a situation that I need it. Perhaps I'm a little more practiced in iaijutsu though."

"I also try to maintain a balanced approach to my life. It is the only sensible way to make your way in the world," he says with a nod.

"Perhaps. I can certainly see a Great Clan samurai specializing more, as a duty may ask of it. As a ronin, I have no duty, so I must find whatever duty I can, which requires greater flexability." She paused. "Still, it's good to know that such diversity can be found in others as well."