The New Winds

His wounds bound though his clothes still in somewhat disarray Ichiro bowed to his kinsman.

"This seems a little anticlimactic after all that's happened, doesn't it? But I suppose it is only fair to the eventual champion that we both do our best even now."

Prashant's robe is also not in its best shape as he presents himself for the second round. He's looking more serious and more tired than usual after what just happened, but, before bowing respectfully to his kinsman - and friend - his look is actually happy.

It's not only that he's once again facing a friend - both a blessing and a curse, as he had concluded before.

It's seeing his friend standing there to face him, after what had happened just hours before. Regardless of the results of the match, and of the championship itself, they had faced death to do what felt right - and they all had come back.

Smiling again after bowing, he nods to Ichiro.

"Hai... that it does! But... it feels soothing, knowing that we passed a real test before facing this one, ne?", he says, smiling friendly.

"I've been honoured to stand beside you, Ichiro-san, and it will be an honour to face you now. And..." he grins a bit "I'm happy to know one of us will be at least close to the finals! May we do our best!"

He then starts to move into position, preparing to measure the skills of his well-known comrade.

OOC
Day 7 LA - Round 2 Duel vs Utaku Ichiro. Init: 4d10o10k3 27

"Indeed. Let's see what you've learned, Iuchi-san!"

The Utaku swiftly drops into his own stance - a mix of the Kakita style learned at the Ruby Dojo with gaijin, and Dragon, influences.

(Init: 37
Round 2 Assessment, Iaijutsu(Assessment)/Awareness, 1 Raise called, TN20 = 32 - Exceptional success
Learning Void ring, TN to be hit, and any Emphasis please)

The Iuchi's eyes look deep into Ichiro's. His stance shows clear signs of Gaijin influences, and is practiced - perhaps surprisingly for some of the onlookers, but certainly not for his comrade.

OOC
Day 7 LA - Round 2 Duel vs Utaku Ichiro, Assessment. Map for +1k0, VP for +1k1. 2 Raises called, TN 25: 8d10o10k4 30

((Learning Void Ring, Emphases and VP remaining
For Prash: Void Ring 4, no emphases, TN 20 ))

(Void 4, Assessment was only Emphasis, 2 VP remaining)

Perhaps it was the tiring nature of the day but it seemed Ichiro's focus was not as diligent as it should be giving the shugenja a strong opportunity to capitalize and possibly win the duel unless fate had other plans.

(Focus = 44 - guessing the strike is yours, don't kharmic!)

Prash knew Ichiro was a better fighter than he was. There was no doubt about that. He was a Bushi, after all - and a heroic one at that, as he had shown at least twice this week already.

But he also knew he had become a better fighter and a competent duelist himself. As they stood facing each other, he remembered the times the Unicorn had trained together, adventured together, fought together in Hirosaka, and stood together here in Tsuma.

He knew in his heart that facing him head on would honour him more than bowing out would. They were both tired, but this was a moment of trust, respect - and friendship.

So he stood his ground and focused on Ichiro's movements.

Ten second.

Twenty seconds.

Thirty seconds.

As he felt some slight movement coming from the Utaku's hand, Prash also sprang into a flurry of movement, and his sword was out of his saya before Ichiro's was.

Prash quickly went through his long time friend and stopped besides him, his sword quickly unsheathed, as a tiny cut appeared on Ichiro's right arm, bleeding just slightly.

Prashant turned around, his eyes resolute, a respectful, friendly smile on his lips.

"Utaku-san", he says as he bows low. "I have learned an enormous deal from you, last year and here. It has been a great honour to train beside you, stand beside you, and face you here now."

OOC
Day 7 LA - Round 2 Duel vs Utaku Ichiro, Focus. Map +1k0, VP + 1k1, Center + 1k1+4. Need 49 to strike.: 10d10o10k6+4 56

Day 7 LA - Round 2 Duel vs Utaku Ichiro, Strike. Map +1k0, Center + 1k1+4. TN 25 I guess?: 8d10o10k4+4 44 - 1 Exceptional success against TN 25

Day 7 LA - Round 2 Duel vs Utaku Ichiro, Strike damage. 1k1Wpn + Str +1k0 from Exceptional Success. Keeping low.: 5d10o10l1 1

Ichiro does not show any shock or dismay at the strike or the slight wound on his arm.

He smiles and bows to Prashant, "It seems the heavens have given you their blessing in more ways than one this day, Iuchi-san. It is an honor to have fought beside you and to have tested myself against you. Do the Unicorn proud!"

(Brash = Passed)

Utaku Ichiro is eliminated!
Iuchi Prashant advances, gains 12 points for a new total of 279