The New Winds

Of all the things that could have gone wrong, the production of the prize went wrong. Doji-sensei would tear Kenji apart in the air. She had told him so, too. No matter how Kenji turned it around, the coming conversation would be a lesson in humility.
But he urgently needed advice, especially from someone who knew how to turn the tables.

This time he went to see Doji-sensei himself. He loved Kazuko, but apparently, Doji-sensei and her personality were not exactly,.... ...compatible, and he needs doji-sensei support urgently.

He sat in front of Doji-sensei's room and waited to be let in.

"Come in."

The call is somewhat pleasant in tone.

Kenji swallowed.

May the kami be with me, fortunes lend me your strength. Kenji thought so before he came in.

"Greetings, Doji-sensei, I hope the day has been kind to you?" he said as he knelt down and bowed deeply.

"Indeed, there has been much to do however. Are you ready for me to host your tournament?"

"We have secured the room. Got the Go boards and issued an invitation to the classmates. However, I failed to secure the prize. You were right that it was foolish to organize a tournament without a prize I believed in my luck too much There's no excuse for that." Kenji pressed his forehead to the ground.

The sensei doesn't say anything for a moment and then gently clears her throat.

"I will not be participating then, Kakita-san. I would not be seen overseeing a half planned event."

He knew something like this was coming. Probably now he would not receive some invitations to courts in which Doji-sensei participated.

"Understandable Doji-Sensei. I will take it as a lesson. May I still ask you for advice what I can do?" he asked.

She was still a sensei after all, even though he knew that he had disappointed her.

"Save face however you can. If something was promised, ensure the promise is followed through. If nothing was promised, offer nothing."

Maybe he was lucky in misfortune.
"Only rumors of the tournament were known. There was never a public prize announced. All that is left is the title of Student Go Master. As insignificant as it may be," Kenji replied.

"You are a Crane, Kakita-san. No titles we offer are insignificant."

"You are right, Doji-sensei. I will advertise the tournament as a friendly competition between students. So no one expects a prize of any kind. So the situation should be salvageable."

He bowed to her once more.

"May I speak freely, Doji-sensei?

"If you must"

"I know you're disappointed, and rightly so. But I respect your harsh but fair treatment of me," Kenji said and bowed again. "Am I allowed to leave?"

"Yes."

She turns her back to Kenji, busying herself with....something.

Kenji bowed a last time before leaving.

Well,.... seems like i fucked up big time, Kenji thought. Hopefully i will never see her again in my lifetime?

He then began worrying about the upcoming event.

Good thing that i will carry the sword, won't be a good courtier for sure,.......

He opend the door,...

As Kenji went to leave, opening the door, he came face to face with Sakura. Her eyes widened.

"A-ano..." she bowed quickly "hi Kenji-san, Doji-sensei."

She looked up at the two of them.

"I was just about to ask Doji-sensei if she knew where you were Kenji-san. A-ano...I worked super hard, and..." she held out a box in her hand. It was a small brown one, with a little Crane cut into the top of it "I finished the hairpin. It's not wearable right now I think, it might be a little too hot now, but it will be cool by the time your event starts."

"Did anyone ever tell you you are the most brilliant artisan? You're a real blessing, Sakura-san!" Kenji exclaimed happily before remembering where he was. Quickly, he turned around. Kenji's luck striked again.

Kenji once again requested entrance to Doji-Senseis Quartes. "Excuse my Doji-Sensei. If you please could spare a second. I was mistaken. Doji Sakura-san has managed the impossible. The Golden Hairpin is ready."


He waited for Doji-Sensei. Hopefully she would open the door.

There is a sigh from behind the door before footsteps can be heard approaching it. The screen slides open and the sensei looks down at Kenji and Sakura.

"I see. Congratulations, it seems you have a way to save face. I however, will still not be in attendance. The entirety of the meeting we just had wasted my time when you clearly did not have all the information necessary to have such a meeting. You must be more thoughtful and aware, Kakita-san."

Kenji went through his options.

Having someone like Doji-Sensei with him might give him some fame, after all she was far above him in the hierarchy.

On the other hand it might scare off his classmates if she is there. Doji-Sensei was not necessarily known for her kindness.

Kenji went down on his knees.

"I understand your decision Doji-sensei. I understood your lesson. Now that there will be no more shame on the crane, since all the pieces of the puzzle are complete, I will be the host. Nevertheless, I formally invite you and thus all sensei to observe the event. Not that you need to ask for permission, I have learned so much. But to uphold etiquette."

(Should i roll for something?)