[Day 6, EM] The Way of the Blade

[Bayushi Kaidan]

Kaidan nodded.

//D6 EM Initiative 2: 6d10o10k4 29 I forgot I keep an extra die but you still win init.
Stance center
ATN 25

[Akodo Kichiro]

"So we three are." Kichiro remarks as he returns back to the edge of the ring to make room. "Traditional values are lost on the youth so my sensei would always preach. A growing generation of samurai guided by pragmatism and their own passions. The public scandal at court. The competition turned ruthlessly aggressive. A rivalry turned to blind hatred and friendship dangerously evolving." Kichiro recites with a grumpy edge to his voice as if to mimic someone else's demeanor. "I can not be the only one brought up on such horror stories of disgraced lion. Those rare few unworthy of redemption. Don't tell me your own clan bears no examples?" Less to preach and more to carry on a conversation.

[Kakita Kenji]

Kenji prepared to strike, looking Kaidan deep into his eyes.

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Center stance, no actions possible

[Bayushi Kaidan]

Kaidan looked into the Kakita's eyes and a smile. He knows Kenji is a better opponent but if he wants to get good or learn more of the style he must fail and get up. His concentration is slightly broken by the Lion speaking. Still waits on his opponent to strike.

[Kakita Kenji]

Kenji was able to land a good hit on Kaidan, but the possible blow was comparably weak,...

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D6 EM Kenjutsu/Agility +1k1+1 R1 TN25: 10d10ro1o10k5 43
D6 EM Phantom Damage "Katana" +1K0 EX +1k1+4 Center: 9d10o10k3+4 24

[Bayushi Kaidan]

Thank the Kami that this was a just subdued damage, for Kaidan could feel the pain in his bones. Yet he pressed on, striking Kenji and getting him on the torso.

//D6 EM Ken Hit Kenji +1k1+3 from center TN 30 -15 injured: 8d10o10k6-12 34

D6 EM Damage "katana": 5d10o10k2 13

[Kakita Kenji]

Kaidan's hit wouldn't even nick him in a normal battle, so Kenji kept on with his attack. Quickly he brought his bokken to Kaidan's neck and stopped the blade just a hair's breadth away. He didn't noticed until now how slender and androgynous Kaidan was compared to him, no wonder he was so good at playing attractive women. Wait, did he really had that thought right now?

Kenji shook his head in embarrasssment.

---
D6 EM Kenjutsu/Agility TN25: 9d10ro1o10k4 44 1 EX
D6 EM Phantom Damage "Katana": 8d10o10k2 17

[Bayushi Kaidan]

"I think I need a rest..." He was winded. He took a seat. Little Ninya jumped on Kaidan's lap to help him feel better. "Yeah... we are a loss cause... Kichiro san."

[Kakita Kenji]

"So we three are." Kichiro remarks as he returns back to the edge of the ring to make room. "Traditional values are lost on the youth so my sensei would always preach. A growing generation of samurai guided by pragmatism and their own passions. The public scandal at court. The competition turned ruthlessly aggressive. A rivalry turned to blind hatred and friendship dangerously evolving." Kichiro recites with a grumpy edge to his voice as if to mimic someone else's demeanor. "I can not be the only one brought up on such horror stories of disgraced lion. Those rare few unworthy of redemption. Don't tell me your own clan bears no examples?" Less to preach and more to carry on a conversation.

"Sorry Akodo-san, now you have my undivided attention" Kenji said "But i guess every clan has his heroes and their villans, their role models and those who we are warned to follow in their tracks to spare us a similar fate. I, personally, try to give each tenent of bushido my best attention, to avoid being consumed by any of them to much. Balance, Center, a friend told me i was to fiery"

[Akodo Kichiro]

"Home field advantage. Only conclusion." Kichiro nods multiple times with his arms crossed. Neck scratches are offered to kitty.

"Hai finding balance in Akodo's tenets is important. We are still so long that our past lives must still hold sway over us. That fire within you a lingering mark? If that flame is the source of your talents with the blade I wouldn't shy away from it." Kichiro rises up once more to practice his kata against the open air. "Wisdom of a brotherhood monk back at the academy informed me that the path to balance is different for each individual. Could do with a little more fire in my life... I am too forceful like the tsunami. Much like these lectures I keep forcing on you right?"

[Bayushi Kaidan]

"Lectures... grant information... Akodo san..." Kaidan nodded. "I am not much... of a warrior... not much... courtier... not much...of anything really... My fire... is acceptance of the... world as it is... Kharma and ...all."

[Akodo Kichiro]

"Eh?" Kichiro stops his practice and takes notice of Kaidan's exhaustion. He retrieves a bottle of water and offers it to the scorpion. "Not much of anything is still something. Somewhere out there is a team, possibly a partner, that will complete you in whichever duty finds you. Our time on this turn of the wheel is short, many of our vessels left imperfect, but just striving to do your best is all your dharma asks."

[Kakita Kenji]

"Lions preaching is pretty much the norm, isn't it? Not that I'm complaining, the knowledge of others can be insightful. Finding balance is... sometimes difficult" he said to Kichiro


"You're a good friend Kaidan-san, don't understimate this" he said in a friendly tone to him.

[Bayushi Kaidan]

He took the bottle and examined it. He took a dainty and ginger sip. "Arigatou Akodo san." The Scorpion nodded. "I try to give my best. Sometimes my best is not good enough. Like in this competition I don't know how many events I have lost... I think all of them... that is why I came to practice today, to get better... I know I won't be the best nor the Topaz champion. I shouldn't even be here." He looked at Kenji. "I was the worse student in Hirobsaka."

[Kakita Kenji]

"I didn't just pelt myself with fame during the Topaz either,... my hope remains the Iaijutsu tournament tomorrow Besides,..... it's hard for me to admit this, but according to the points list, my clan member Doji Sakura was the one with the fewest points".

[Bayushi Kaidan]

"She isn't here so... I am the worst." Kaidan shrugged. "I don't really care... as long I am useful to my lord."

[Akodo Kichiro]

"And yet I lost my games match. My most impassioned event." Kichiro says with a slight eye twitch of frustration. Sure it was the only matched event he lost but it was also the most important event to him and he's still very upset about it.

Kichiro tabs his right cheek bone pondering in thought. Trying to remember something. "You worry too much Bayushi-san. Sure there is only one topaz champion but I have a feeling the divine kami have already chosen their champion. Heaven's favor just misses us three and our mortal ability. No shame in that." Kichiro shrugs. "Lectures don't change the reality of your feelings I know. What can we do to cheer you up? Bowl of ramen? Mochi? Shopping? My treat."

[Kakita Kenji]

"My, my, it seems like three very unfortunate souls have gathered here" he said bringing his bokken back.

[Bayushi Kaidan]

Kaidan blinked a few times at the comment. "I don't... worry that much." Where is my kiss? =P The Bayushi tried his best not to chuckle at the thought. He placed a hand on his mouth to stop from laughing. For a moment he gave some thought. "Ramen always hit a spot."

[Akodo Kichiro]

"Then its decided." Kichiro faintly smiles. "Kakita-san we're taking off for some ramen. You are free to join us it's my treat. Kakita Kazuko recommended a noodle shop near by that I have yet to try. Supposedly a local favorite."