The New Winds

Nobuko arrived and stood to one side, waiting for the judges to select an opponent for her - or to have an opponent select her.

Zashi looks around, hoping to join someone at Sadane. The crowd is significantly smaller than he expected, and is surprised when he finds himself face to face with an Imperial.

Drat

But Zashi had been the underdog more than once here, so it was time to take some lumps again. He sends a prayer to the kami, finding that they are less responsive than usual for some reason. He would have to do this alone.

"Otomo-sama, I would be honored to chat with you. I may be refreshing, I sincerely wonder if you've ever had to chance to speak with one like me"

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OOC
Fire RIng
Spell: D5 Games-Spell-Blessing of the Fire Kami-2 raises from events in game-TN 20: 4d10o10k3 11 Fail

Nobuko bowed to her opponent, "Zashi-san, it is good to meet you formally. You are not the first minor-clansman I have spoken with, if that is your meaning, but it is an honor all the same."

When she straightened, she gestured at the people around them," As Sadane is a game of critique, and we had so many artistic endeavors yesterday, I was thinking we could pick one of our fellow competitors final offerings to discuss. It is my thought that picking either of our own would likely give the maker the advantage, as we know our own faults better than anyone else. I was particularly impressed by the ronin Mirai's work, as well as Iuchi Prashant-san's. Do you have a favorite or a preference?"

"I find them equal in material" Zashi keeps a sly smile on his face

"None others caught your attention?" She asked, tilting her head. "Or all offerings were equal?"

"Yes." Zashi replies, clearly enjoying the mischief in the wordplay

She raised an eyebrow, "Ah. I see. Well, I suppose it doesn't matter what art you choose then as long as it is not yours or mine, and it is one we have both seen. So please, choose. You are the one that approached me. I give you the chance to do so, first."

"Well, I can't do any worse than Mirai did in the Obstacle course "Or any better either"

Games-Sadane vs otomo-round 1-Fire Ring: 6d10o10k3 49

"Don't be so modest Zashi-san. I'm certain if spent your days running around in the dirt and mud you'd be just as good at is as she was."



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OOC
Ring: Fire
D5; Games Event; Sadane/Trait+Void: 8d10o10k6 65 vs TN49 - Win; +2; (65-49)/10=1.6 Exceptional +1

"Of course. You should know, it's the kind of effort you put in on a horse, no? Well, I suppose you might already have, considering both of your placement."

Games-Sadane vs otomo-round 2-Fire Ring: 6d10o10k3 44

"You mean the flawless performance with not a single missed turn and my steed going exactly where it should? You might have missed that, what with having to lead your horse back to course every time it wandered off."

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OOC
D5; Games Event; Sadane/Trait + Void: 8d10o10k6 48 vsTN44 - Win +2

"I think we are getting off topic, no? We are supposed to be focusing on the Ronin, no? Though I guess it's not surprising, she did manage to prove herself a superior artist, so she knows how to properly compose her thoughts"

Zashi has realized that he is outmaneuvered, and is ready for it to end.

Games-Sadane vs otomo-round 3-Fire Ring: 6d10o10k3 25

"Even a newborn pup can find it's way to milk," She answered. "Just as it takes time to shape steel, one good tempering does not a usable blade make."

Nobuko paused a moment, to let the judging be finished and her win recorded, then bowed to Zashi.

"Thank you for the match. You have an interesting way with words, Zashi-san. Doji Sakura-san is very fortunate to have drawn the attention of someone with such a bite to them. She strikes me as the sort who needs someone like that looking out for such a gentle soul."


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OOC
D5; Games Event; Sadane/Trait + Void; 1CR: 8d10o10k6 32 vs TN30 - Win +2; Raise +2
3+2+4=9
+10 for winning most rounds

19 before ring reveal

Zashi nods. "She does need someone with fangs to keep an eye on her." The Fox bows. "However, in this arena yours are clearly superior."

"Thank you. From one whose performance has been so strong throughout, that is certainly a compliment," she smiled and gave a light laugh. "I wish you good fortune in gaining the title. I expect Doji-san would be most excited for you if you did."