(Day 2, LE OPEN) Cramming Session, Day 2

[Ikoma Eichiro]

Eichiro is here again, writing up a list of topics and events for the next few days. There were some things that couldn't be practiced here, like horse riding or bowmanship. But any academic or discussion topics could be covered quietly to help anyone who might struggle with those events.

Today he has written out a few things about culture, bushido and history. Hopefully Tsubasa will be able to cover anything he might have missed.

[Vutall]

“Hello again. Ikoma-San. You said you wanted to study again?”

The small Kitsu gives a bow and sets down some scrolls

[Matsu Qiang]

The Matsu joined the study group as well.

"Thanks for organizing this, Ikoma-san," Qiang said. "I think it's a good idea to be well-prepared for the upcoming events. What do you think we should start with?"

[Ikoma Eichiro]

“Hello again. Ikoma-San. You said you wanted to study again?”

The small Kitsu gives a bow and sets down some scrolls

"Hai, the mons we quizzed on yesterday came up in the test today." Eichiro grins, "Thanks to your help I nailed it. Thanks brother."

"I thought that maybe we should also do some physical stuff sometime during the day, help us get some familiarity with the non-scroll knowledge stuff. We can decide that later though."

The Matsu joined the study group as well.

"Thanks for organizing this, Ikoma-san," Qiang said. "I think it's a good idea to be well-prepared for the upcoming events. What do you think we should start with?"

"Tomorrow is uhh, Culture, Horseback riding and athletics." He gazes around the room, "Since we can't go climbing on tables in here, and I think horses are not allowed, we should go over some culture stuff I guess."

[Matsu Qiang]

"What do you suppose they mean by 'culture', anyway?" Qiang queried doubtfully. "Do you think it will be a test of courtesy, or some sort of performing arts?"

[Akodo Kichiro]

"The foundation of a proper samurai." Kichiro steps into the mix and joins the study group. A deep bow offered to his unidentified cousins. His strict attitude relaxed, giving way to a more friendly demeanor around his clanmates.

"Undoubtedly it will challenge our knowledge of our tier within the celestial order. The social refinement of the crane and the seven virtues of Bushido gifted by Akodo. So close inland to the Otosan Uchi this test will easily be a reflection of our every day life. I worry more for those along the outskirts the empire. Across the plains, over seas, or isolated among the mountain spires."

[Vutall]

"That is a good assessment, and concern, Akodo-san. I imagine it will be something about how we should live our lives."

[Ikoma Eichiro]

"History may also be important, since our ancestors have learned many things and teach us through tradition and history." Eichiro continued taking notes on the piece of paper using some charcoal. "So, do we want to do some quizzing between us? Ask a question, get an answer and whomever answers asks the next question?"

[Vutall]

"That sounds like a solid plan, Ikoma-san. You family are our historians, would you like to start with History?"

[Ikoma Eichiro]

"Hmm, alright then. Start off easy I suppose. In honor of our hosts, who were the major followers of Lady Doji-no-Kami?" Eichiro thinks on it, "By which I mean they founded families like Ikoma and Matsu."

[Matsu Qiang]

"Well, Kakita, obviously," Qiang volunteered. "And ... Doji Hayaku? Though, I guess he was really their son, not a follower exactly."

[Ikoma Eichiro]

"One more, makes it a bit tricky. Involved a war by the same name."

He looks around the table a bit, "Yasuki. Although I suppose she was technically a follower of Kakita as well."

"Anyways, I suppose it is your question Matsu-san?"

[Matsu Qiang]

"Ah, yes, Yasuki, of course," Qiang said with a facepalm. "Tricky since the Yasuki aren't Crane any more, huh?"

"Anyways, I suppose it is your question Matsu-san?"

Qiang nodded and posed the question: "What are the duties of a proper samurai when their lord orders them to take an action that is contrary to their sense of honor?"

[Ikoma Nijiro]

“There a problem with your question, Matsu San” a voice for the shadows at the edge of the room utters, and a young Ikoma emerges.


“I doubt any here, outside of our Clan, understands what a proper samurai is, but the answer is seppuku.”

He looks around “Sorry I am late, cousins, I had a .....tale to tell”

[Vutall]

"Not quite, Ikoma-san. Seppuku is when ordered by your lord. To do it in protest is called Kanshi. "

[Matsu Qiang]

"There are many types of seppuku," Qiang said. "Kanshi is one of them. Both are correct answers, though." He looked around at the others in approval.

"As Ikoma-san said, it is good to be among those who understand proper behavior."

[Ikoma Eichiro]

((Going to move on a bit, hope no one minds))

The quizzing went on for a while. Tea was ordered, served and several pots were emptied. There was serious discussion, a little laughter, and many refreshed memories.

"I wonder, brothers. Should we have that Hitoshi fellow join us tomorrow?" Eichiro empties his cup. "Doji-Shiryo did task us with assisting him."

He looks to Tsubasa and briefly explains the task they were given to fill him in.

[Akodo Kichiro]

"Hai we should.I also plan on taking him aside for a lesson in Go. The court games are known to escape those living on the empire's edge. Who better to teach than an Akodo after all." Kichiro shrugs. "The judges have openly expressed severe criticism. If the rumors true, failing him despite passing the heraldry exam's requirements." His expression darkens.

[Vutall]

"I think that would show good will toward the Mantis and could gain us another ally. They have no love of the Crane..."

[Ikoma Nijiro]

Nijoro nods “ very true Kitsu sama. I have some skill with the blade, I am willing to give a few lessons to anyone who wants to prepare for the weapons competition as well.”