The New Winds

The easy going Ginkarasu hasn't lost that nature. He did spend a bunch of time verifying that the sword he picked up didn't have a loose tsuba or wrapping. That it didn't have any imperfections he could see, and didn't feel too slippery. The last thing he wanted was to lose his grip on it and have it go flying into the stands.

Finally feeling ready, he moved to his rematch against Himeko. He waited for her to arrive, then bowing deeply.

"Utaku-sama! Ready for our rematch?"

D7, LM: Iaijutsu: Initiative: 6d10o10k5 57

Himeko returns the bow and takes up a stoic stance.

"I am, Yasuki-san. Do your best!"

D7 Initiative: 5d10o10k4 26

"I Will!"

He knows where to stand. His friend Wyn helped with that. He knows how to stand confident. Nobuko showed him that. He'd found the right sword. Aiichiro's friendship helped with that. Whoever stood alone at the dueling ring. That was not Ginkarasu.

He calmed himself, best he could.

Then raised his eyes to look into Himeko's from across the dueling ring. To read her intent. Her resolve. To show her his.

*************
D7, LM: Iaijutsu: Assessment: Map Bonus, Emphasis: 10d10ro1o10k4 40 vs TN 15 = 2 Ex raises; Would like to know Void Ring, TN, Earth Ring.

((Void 4, Earth 4, TN25))

She met his gaze with one of her own...

D7 Assessment, no raises: 8d10ro1o10k3 34
((Void please!))

(Void 3)

He feels the breeze, but doesn't move. It wasn't right yet.

He feels the moment click into place.

D7, LM: Iaijutsu: Focus: Map Bonus, Void, Nobuko Bond, Center Stance: 10d10o10k6+8 59

And then there's yelling out in the crowd. A chase starting. He fights the urge to look over there. He manages to stay focused on this moment. It is his moment!

UNLUCKY D7, LM: Iaijutsu: Focus: Map Bonus, Void, Nobuko Bond, Center Stance: 10d10o10k6+8 64

Himeko narrows her eyes and shifts her stance slightly...

D7 Focus: 10d10o10k5+4 37

It's a special moment.

He's finally beaten his spiritual curse. Not forever, but right here, right now.

He looks at the blade in his hand. How'd he end up having already swung it?

Why is Himeko's sword still in its saya?

And the sleeve of her sword arm hanging on by a thread?

**********************
D7, LM: Iaijutsu: Strike! Center Stance, Map, 4 Free Raises to Cut Himeko's sleeve: 10d10o10k7+3 82

Himeko also seems stunned. She does collect herself quickly and bows.

"Well done, Yasuki-san."

Utaku Himeko is eliminated.
Yasuki Ginkarasu advances, earns 12 points, for a new total of 209

He gathers his senses.

"And you Utaku-sama. I'm certain that your skill could have had it go a different way." He bows.