Isawa Tsutakito and Bayushi Tenmaku square off for their duel. Both duelists bow, but Tsutakito seems oddly comfortable in this context, his shugenja training notwithstanding.
Tsutakito's Assessment, declaring two Raises for information - TN 15 (5k3=21)
Tenmaku's Assessment, declaring one Raise for info and one for concealment - TN 15 (5k3=16)
Tenmaku Focuses - TN 5 (4k2=14)
Tsutakito Focuses - TN 10(5k3=39)
Tenmaku Focuses - TN 15 (4k2=12)
After a few moments, the Bayushi loses his focus, and the Isawa draws like lightning.
The strike is clean and carefully controlled, and Tenmaku bows in acknowledgement of the Isawa’s victory.
Megumi settles into her dueling stance placing her hand just above the handle for her sword. Her eyes are focussed on the Shiba while her mind blocks out all distractions. It takes a few seconds but almost imperceptably her left foot moves more toward her centre.
** spoiler omitted **
Since Shisumo pointed it out I'll also learn your iaijutsu rank.
Eyes still closed, Utsuro takes a deep breath, and tries to concentrate solely on his opponent.
Megumi stands ready, her body and mind just waiting for the right opportunity when her opponent falters.
"Her stance shows that she will draw and strike in the typical Kakita fashion - from the hip to the shoulder. To counter, I should give her a smaller target."
Utsuro changes his stance completely, attempting to present a smaller profile to the more experienced duelist. Unfortunately, the maneuver gives his opponent the opening she needs.
The young Kakita sees her moment to strike and doesn't hesitate, her body moving with instinct and skill.
The young Kakita sees her moment to strike and doesn't hesitate, her body moving with instinct and skill.
Saburashi raises the flag to mark Megumi's victory, and he gives her a small nod of acknowledgment as he does so.
Toru seems oddly nervous as he approaches the massive Hida, though Nagatsuna has not yet even done anything to deserve such a response.
Toru's resistance to Fear (2k2=10)
The Kakita settles into his stance, looking over the Hida's positioning with a careful eye.
Toru's Assessment roll, with one Raise for info - TN 10 (4k2=10)
Amiko approaches Megumi with the same slight sneer on her face. Rather than pausing to bow at the starting distance, however, she approaches Megumi and speaks low into her ear, for her alone:
She then steps back, bowing low and smiling a sunny smile that looks like a wolf's grin, all hungry teeth.
Amiko's Assessment, calling two Raises for info - TN 15 (5k2=11)
Tsutakito appears humble, almost diffident, as he prepares to face off against Ume for their duel. "Before we begin, Matsu-san," he says quietly, "allow me to express my sincerest condolences on the loss your Clan suffered last night. Let me say too that, as regards to that other matter, I never offered him any insult, nor wished him ill in any way. I hope you can understand that." He then bows and takes his stance.
Tsutakito's Assessment roll, with two Raises for info - TN 15 (5k3=38)
As Ryuko and Chorotaku prepare to begin their duel, it's clear that Ryuko is taking the entire matter far more seriously than Chorotaku is - he grins broadly, offering her a sweeping bow that is clearly meant to be mocking, while she bows as little as possible and almost immediately settles into her stance, a grim expression on her face. Chorotaku sighs, as though he had been hoping for something else, before taking his stance as well.
Chorotaku's Assessment roll, with one Raise for info - TN 10 (3k2=6)
Ryuko's Assessment roll, with one Raise for info - TN 10 (3k2=4)
Chorotaku Focuses - TN 5 (3k2=20)
Ryuko Focuses - TN 10 (4k3=21)
Chorotaku Focuses, spending Void - TN 15 (4k3=15)
Ryuko Focuses, spending Focus Pool for a Free Raise - TN 20 (4k3+5=25)
Chorotaku Focuses, spending Void to buy another Focus - TN 25 (3k2=9)
The intimidating stance of the Hida causes Ryuko to delay her strike longer than she might otherwise, but she still sees an opening before he does, drawing quickly.
Ryuko Strikes, using FRs to hit - TN 20 (4k3+10=46, damage 2k2=12)
The hit is palpable, enough to make even the Hida feel it, but he just grins and nods in appreciation, while Saburashi raises the flag to signal that Ryuko has won. The shugenja-ko stalks off the field with the most minimum of bows once more.
Her sword arcs through the air finding the Shiba's ribs though Megumi makes sure it isn't too painful. She bows to the Phoenix then prepares for her next match. As she is leaving Megumi pauses a moment to look back to the man she just faced.
"If you have the time Shiba-san, I would welcome a conversation with you after the tournament is over." Then she moves into position for her next match.
While Amiko approaches her body tenses a little in anticipation of the coming duel. The other Kakita's words take Megumi by surprise and her face contorts into a rather unpleasant frown after they sink in.
"We shall see Amiko-san." Megumi's response is clear and loud enough to be carried to the spectators, the bitterness when she addresses her opponent is palpable.
"Shall we?" She whispers to her opponent motioning for her to take the lead. Shortly after Megumi takes her stance keeping her hand poised just above her sword waiting to for the right moment.
Toru seems oddly nervous as he approaches the massive Hida, though Nagatsuna has not yet even done anything to deserve such a response.
Toru's resistance to Fear (2k2=10)The Kakita settles into his stance, looking over the Hida's positioning with a careful eye.
Toru's Assessment roll, with one Raise for info - TN 10 (4k2=10)
Looking down upon the Crane he smiles a humorless grin just before entering his death trance, "I can already sense the fear in your heart little Crane. Walk away now and spare yourself as I won't be gentle." Nagatsuna's bokken creaks dangerously as he flexes and it nears it's breaking point.
"Shall we?" She whispers to her opponent motioning for her to take the lead. Shortly after Megumi takes her stance keeping her hand poised just above her sword waiting to for the right moment.
Looking down upon the Crane he smiles a humorless grin just before entering his death trance, "I can already sense the fear in your heart little Crane. Walk away now and spare yourself as I won't be gentle." Nagatsuna's bokken creaks dangerously as he flexes and it nears it's breaking point.
Ume bowed curtly. "Thank you for your concern and kind words. I am well enough, and intend to see this tournament through." It was a bit wooded, and nowhere near rivaled the kindness she had been shown, but there was nothing more personal coming to mind.
4d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=17
Knowing that the Kakita's training most likely gives him an edge Nagatsuna takes his stance as a counter to Toru's own hoping to add to the man's uncertainty by showing that this uncivilized samurai from the Great Wall actually knows a thing or two about Iaijutsu. Not a sound can be heard as the two face off looking for the slightest weakness to show.
Ume bowed curtly. "Thank you for your concern and kind words. I am well enough, and intend to see this tournament through." It was a bit wooded, and nowhere near rivaled the kindness she had been shown, but there was nothing more personal coming to mind.
Knowing that the Kakita's training most likely gives him an edge Nagatsuna takes his stance as a counter to Toru's own hoping to add to the man's uncertainty by showing that this uncivilized samurai from the Great Wall actually knows a thing or two about Iaijutsu. Not a sound can be heard as the two face off looking for the slightest weakness to show.
Toru seems rattled by Nagatsuna's imposing demeanor, but he's holding it together - for now.
Toru Focuses, with Fear penalty - TN 10 (4k2=12)
Knowing that the Kakita's training most likely gives him an edge Nagatsuna takes his stance as a counter to Toru's own hoping to add to the man's uncertainty by showing that this uncivilized samurai from the Great Wall actually knows a thing or two about Iaijutsu. Not a sound can be heard as the two face off looking for the slightest weakness to show.
Toru seems rattled by Nagatsuna's imposing demeanor, but he's holding it together - for now.
Toru Focuses, with Fear penalty - TN 10 (4k2=12)
Noticing the beads of sweat appearing on Toru's brow Nagatsuna suddenly tenses preparing to strike. All you have to do is blink...
Noticing the beads of sweat appearing on Toru's brow Nagatsuna suddenly tenses preparing to strike. All you have to do is blink...
Toru Focuses, burning Focus Pool for a Free Raise - TN 20 (4k2+5=27)
Toru, perhaps aware that Nagatsuna is also approaching the end of his resources, actually seems to grow more calm, more patient.
Noticing the beads of sweat appearing on Toru's brow Nagatsuna suddenly tenses preparing to strike. All you have to do is blink...
Toru Focuses, burning Focus Pool for a Free Raise - TN 20 (4k2+5=27)
Toru, perhaps aware that Nagatsuna is also approaching the end of his resources, actually seems to grow more calm, more patient.
5d10.extra(10).takeHighest(3)=22
Taken off guard by Toru's sudden calm Nagatsuna overextends himself and leaves a barely perceptible opening for the Crane to take advantage of......
5d10.extra(10).takeHighest(3)=22
Taken off guard by Toru's sudden calm Nagatsuna overextends himself and leaves a barely perceptible opening for the Crane to take advantage of......
Toru Strikes, with 2 Free Raises from Focusing going to the strike (5k3+10=33, damage 2k2=12)
Toru sees the opening and takes it. His draw is smooth, but once again, as it was with Yukari, uncontrolled . He strikes hard with the bokken, rocking Nagatsuna back, before almost sagging with released tension. Saburashi's face darkens again, though he again marks the young Kakita's victory, but Toru seems to only have eyes for the sidelines, and a beautiful but cold samurai-ko...
Ume forced her breath to a shallow, even rythm. So her enemy had no weaknesses she could make out. Now was not the time to worry about it. She rested her hand easily on the hilt and began to move to the sides, leisurely. Eyes firmly on her opponent.
Tsutakito tilts his head slightly to the side, almost as though listening to the slight breeze whispering past the two duelists.
Tsutakito Focuses - TN 10 (5k3=16)
Amiko settles into her stance, her sneer fading as she reaches for the duelist's calm.
The moment seems to stretch outward...
Amiko Focuses - TN 15 (6k3=20)
Keeping a cool head under such intense pressure is a difficult task for the young samurai-ko. Thankfully the training under Saburashi was not wasted on Megumi and she maintains her stance peacefully enough though the observant eye can notice beads of sweat upon her brow.
Keeping a cool head under such intense pressure is a difficult task for the young samurai-ko. Thankfully the training under Saburashi was not wasted on Megumi and she maintains her stance peacefully enough though the observant eye can notice beads of sweat upon her brow.
Amiko, too, looks tense, the strain of maintaining her focus beginning to show as she adjusts her stance slightly, lowering her shoulder a touch.
Amiko Focuses, burning a Focus for a Free Raise - TN 25 (6k3+5=27)
Megumi merely masks her apprehension under stoic reservation and barely moves. Her breath barely manages to escape her lungs though he focus is undeniable.
Ume felt her hair stand on end as the duel continued to draw on. There was no weakness in her opponents stance, no hint of an opening. She had to just wait, restrain and focus.
Megumi merely masks her apprehension under stoic reservation and barely moves. Her breath barely manages to escape her lungs though her focus is undeniable.
The tension in the air seems to be as sharp-edged as a katana itself, as Amiko shifts her position, preparing for the inevitable strike.
Amiko Focuses with the last of her Focus Pool, spending a Void Point - TN 35 (7k4=25)
Unfortunately, in looking forward, Amiko loses track of the now for just a moment...
Ume felt her hair stand on end as the duel continued to draw on. There was no weakness in her opponents stance, no hint of an opening. She had to just wait, restrain and focus.
Tsutakito Focuses - TN 20 (5k3=40)
The shugenja sways slightly, as though in a wind, but the movement is as flowing as the air itself, and leaves no opening.
"KIAI!" Megumi's voice pierces through the air just as the bokken, so still just a moment before, whips out toward Amiko in a frenzy.
The sword arcs toward Amiko gracefully and though Megumi is the picture of years of hard training in the Kakita Academy she can't help but allow a smirk to cross her face when a distinctive thud is heard. "Who will destroy whom?" She whispers while returning the sword to its place at her side and remaining tense while watching her opponent extremely carefully.
Ume breathed, tapped into every bit of strength she felt inside. She would not slip up. Would not fail. Would honor her ancestors and clan. To her, the blunt wood became a sharpened blade, for its touch bore defeat, and defeat final dishonor.
Despite the sun stinging her aching eyes, despite the unease of her motions and burning ache her muscles, she had to remain calm.
"KIAI!" Megumi's voice pierces through the air just as the bokken, so still just a moment before, whips out toward Amiko in a frenzy.
The sword arcs toward Amiko gracefully and though Megumi is the picture of years of hard training in the Kakita Academy she can't help but allow a smirk to cross her face when a distinctive thud is heard. "Who will destroy whom?" She whispers while returning the sword to its place at her side and remaining tense while watching her opponent extremely carefully.
Amiko's expression is... well. "Thunderous" doesn't begin to cover it. "Murderous" is closer, but still lacks something. "Filled with apocalyptic fury" is pretty close...
At Megumi's words, her knuckles turn white on the bokken, and she starts to raise it; it is only Saburashi's movement, raising Megumi's flag to mark her win, that makes Amiko stop. She bows, a movement as stiff as her blade, and then steps close enough to whisper,
Heihachi watches this match with great interest, the focus and concentration is actually inspiring.
Ume breathed, tapped into every bit of strength she felt inside. She would not slip up. Would not fail. Would honor her ancestors and clan. To her, the blunt wood became a sharpened blade, for its touch bore defeat, and defeat final dishonor.
Despite the sun stinging her aching eyes, despite the unease of her motions and burning ache her muscles, she had to remain calm.
Tsutakito Focuses, spending a Void Point - TN 30 (6k4=23)
Perhaps it is her prayer - perhaps it is her need for honor - perhaps it is simply luck. But against all odds, Ume sees her chance.
"HA!" Ume called out, and her bokken sprang into her hand. She lunged, nearly overreached. The execution was... poor. Lacking in grace. Brute force instead of agile finesse.
It was enough.
"HA!" Ume called out, and her bokken sprang into her hand. She lunged, nearly overreached. The execution was... poor. Lacking in grace. Brute force instead of agile finesse.
It was enough.
The blow is harder than Ume means, and harder than Tsutakito expects, but it's a win either way. The Phoenix rolls with the blow some , but he is still rubbing his shoulder as he bows to his opponent.
Across the field, Ume sees Tamori Ryuko, watching Tsutakito with open glee. She nods once, the nod of someone who has had all her worst suspicions confirmed, and then turns away.
Ume grinned from ear to ear as all the tension fell away from her. She had done it again - and the Shugenia had been an extremely potent duelist. Worst one she ever faced. She knew that if she encountered her again, it not only might, but probably would not end in her favor again.
A smiling Megumi is not brought down by the words of Amiko. She continues to grin even while she whispers hastily.
"If you were not so quick with your words then perhaps you would be moving on instead of me. You... Inspired me Amiko-san." To finish the response Megumi offers a generous bow to her opponent then moves on to her next match. While proceeding she steals a quick glance at Saburashi then looks around for the twin Princes.
The semifinals have arrived, and the crowd is beginning to recover its sense of excitement and expectation. In the crowd, commoners exchange hushed words and small coins; samurai lean forward in unconscious display of interest. Even the Emperor and his guests seem caught up in the experience, riveted to the intense drama playing out before them. Only Miya Shikan seems able to distance himself from the spectacle, watching with a slowly deepening frown.