Rains of Hirosaka

[Togashi Dao]

Tracing the writings with his finger, Dao worked his way steadily through the document. Pausing every now and again for clarification on a word or idea, he pored over the scroll with Qiang by his side.

"Do all the Rikugunshokan of the clans revere Leadership, Akodo-sensei? Do they all prescribe to honorable warfare?"

[Vutall]

"The basis of almost all warfare comes from Akodo-no-Kami's guidance, though some clans choose alternate paths. "

[Togashi Dao]

"So one's tactics must be flowing like water able ro change based on your opponents and their alternate paths and so as not to be too predictable yourself?"

[Vutall]

"Yes. Akodo-no-Kami said the best laid plans do not survive first contact with the enemy. One must constantly adjust to circumstances."

[Matsu Qiang]

"What's the best way to handle the situation when that happens, Akodo-sensei?" Qiang asked. "I mean, we'd shout new orders to the men, obviously, to maintain control of the battle."

"But how do you know what the right orders should be, when it's something you weren't able to plan for?"

[Vutall]

"That is why we study, Matsu-san, so we can know how to interact with the flow of battle and make the right choice."

[Togashi Dao]

"Sometimes the wrong tactic is the right one?" Dao extrapolated.

"If your enemy knows what you SHOULD do, and is prepared for it, then might doing the opposite provide an opportunity for a surprise victory? Like a double bluff?"

[Vutall]

"In a sense, yes. "

[Togashi Dao]

Dao presses his fingers to his temple and squeezes.

"Just punching the other general would be soooo much easier."

[Vutall]

"At times, that is a possibility. Again, remember how your clan defeated mine, with the duel."

[Matsu Qiang]

"Do you think a battlefield commander needs to study dueling, Akodo-sensei?" Qiang asked after thinking about Eiko's last remark. "I mean... it's not very much like battlefield tactics, or siege warfare. But if the enemy has a path to victory this way....?" He spread his hands in a questioning gesture.

[Vutall]

"All who carry katana shoud study the art, Matsu-san. "

[Togashi Dao]

"And by extension, if the commander doesn't carry? I'm not sure on the protocols there."

Dao asks, clearly contemplating a future where he might encounter such a challenge being put to him.

[Vutall]

"Then, either one of their command staff takes up the challenge as is appropriate, or if unavailable, the duel is not permissible."

[Matsu Qiang]

"Well, after learning more battle tactics, I guess I better work on dueling then," Qiang said, squaring his shoulders and raising his chin. "I'm going to carry the daisho someday."

[Togashi Dao]

Dao just grins a big toothy smile.

"The Tenth Legion will be the weapon I wield." He bragged with no lack of bravado.

[Vutall]

The old general's eyes sparkle a little at the Togashi.

"That ambition will do you well, Togashi-san. Do not lose sight of your goal."

[Togashi Dao]

"My path starts here Akodo-sama. With the training of the sensei assembled at this dojo, members of all the Clans, I will serve all the Clans by protecting the Empire."

It is obvious that Dao had been raised on tales of great heroes and their deeds by the enthusiasm and focus in his voice.

[Vutall]

((You both qualify for the Battle skill, either as an xp expenditure, or if you have the Ally advantage still))