The New Winds

Nobuko had seen the match ups posted after everyone returned from the feast and a great, sour bubble of something heavy had settled into her gut. She had not told Ichiro she would be joining the Iaijutsu tournament. She had not told anyone. She didn't want to risk anyone talking her out of it.

But she had hoped to face someone else. Had assumed she would. Give him time to see her try. Not... experience it?

When her name was called, she stepped forward and bowed first to the judges, then to Ichiro.

"Moto Ichiro-san," she said in a formal tone to prevent herself from being too emotional in public, "I wish you good luck today."



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OOC:
D7; LM; Round 1; Intiative: 4d10o10k3 33

Ichiro was shocked there was no denying that but he kept his features steady "Otomo-san." he said matching her formality. But it didn't feel right "No, Nobuko-chan I am honored to have my first real duel against you." someone I love he added mentally.

A soft smile on his lips widens as he falls into his stance "So then, give me all you've got Nobuko-chan. Show me what it means to carve your own path!"

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D7 iai initiative: 5d10o10k4 24

His response is not what she's expecting. She's expecting him to scold her. Tell her she was in the wrong place. Just as she had been a year ago in Hirosaka. The stakes were not as high, but she was certain he would think poorly of her decision. Had been prepared to defend herself.

Instead he stood encouraging her.

She gulped and took her stance, hand settling over the end of her pommel in the style of the Crane.

She smiled and replied only, "My name is Zhi-Wan."

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OOC
D7; LM; Round 1; Assessment; Iai/Awa + Map: 9d10o10k5 39 vs TN15; (39-15)/10= +2 Exceptional Raises

3 Pieces of information requested:
Void Ring, Emphasises, TN

Ichiro kept his smile as they sized each other up he knew it would be tough to beat her on this part. She was much more in tune with people than he was.

regardless he pressed on trying to see how much training she had done in the art.

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Otomo Nobuko wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 20, 2020 1:08 pm

Void Ring, Emphasises, TN

void 3, Focus, reflexes 4 so tn 25

D7 round 1 iai assessment bond: 10d10o10k3 21

- any emphasis?

Ichiro understood the art a little better than she did, and was faster on the draw. But she didn't think he was so much better than she didn't have a chance.

For her part, she was clearly trained, but did not seem to have a particular specialty.



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OOC
None

D7; LM; Round 1; Focus; Iai/Void + Void + Assessment bonus: 10d10o10k6 62
EDIT: Dice pool should have been 10k7+4. Per Vutall, I'm to add one more Kept from current roll and the +4, bringing total to 69 (gigity).

Ichiro settled into his stance and focused on what was at hand preparing himself to strike, though he may not get the chance.

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D7 iai round 1 focus void, stance, honor, mastery, emphasis: 10d10ro1o10k7+8 62

She draws first and her blade flashes out. The blade connects with just enough force to be felt and no more.


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OOC
D7; LM; Round 1; Strike; Iai/Reflexes: 7d10o10k3 22
Forgot Center stance bonus again. Add +6 total, making it 28
Will correct my copy pasta for future rounds. sorry sorry.

D7; LM; Round 1; Dmg: 4d10o10l1 1

He may have been faster in most things but as works in the world sometimes connection to other non-physical energies makes all the difference. The blade taps him less than a second after his leaves his sheath. He frowns but nods sheathing his blade and bowing to her "And you thought you could ever live in my shadow." he said softly with a smile "If I am to lose, I am happy it is to you."

Moto Ichiro is eliminated
Otomo Nobuko advances, gaining 12 Topaz Points for a new total of 249

She sheaths her sword and glups down a hard lump in her throat. Then she bows, perfectly, precisely, to him, as dictated by her lessons. When she rises from it, she steps forward so that they could speak more privately, but not in a way that would look improper.

"I thought you would tell me not to do this," she admitted, voice soft and full of the nerves that no longer had an outlet now that the duel was over. "Because it's not where I belong. Behind another, I mean. When there is danger."

He shook his head a little "I meant on a battlefield, a dueling arena is hardly that. A duel has structure and rules, you are safe here unless someone wanted to besmirch their honor to harm you. Now if a bunch of bandits came charging in here that would be a different story." he said with a small smile.

"Then if danger comes to any of us while we are here, in the safety of the walls of the Academy, I shall not run to it," she promised.

She she bit at her bottom lip and looked shyly at him, "Do you like my name?"

He smiled back at her "I love it, as beautiful as you are." he said simply

She blushed a little deeper, then said, in a stage whisper, "I have chosen to use the characters for 'abandon restraint' and 'to have fun'. Because my life with you, will be one where I do not have worry about enjoying myself."

Ichiro's smile was unable to be contained "I cannot praise it enough. I am happy you seem to be embracing your new life."