[D9 EM] A Speedy Resolution

Togashi Iko · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:00 am **Posts:** 408

The note had arrived, informing Iko of the time and place selected. Dawn, at the edge of the city.

If it weren't for the incessant rain, it might have been a beautiful morning, instead of offering a prayer of thanks to Amaterasu, Iko was kneeling in the mud espousing the great power and stature of Osano-Wo to continue showering them with his blessings.

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

At the time which had been appointed, Chihaya made her way through the streets clad in a simple travelling kimono, a dark dun brown, with a pattern of cherry trees spreading across the back - gray hakama, geta, and a sky blue haori.

Over it all she wore a wide brimmed metal ashigaru hat, rain drumming lightly against the lacquered surface, and a long traveling cloak.

Eventually, she arrived near the dragon.

With a nod, she waited for the the final part of this little showdown to arrive.

Togashi Iko · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:00 am **Posts:** 408

Iko had encountered Chihaya enough times to recognize the Shoi, though she was surprised to see her here. But that could only mean one thing.

"Suzume-sensei, I assume you are here for the same purpose as I? Has Inari-no-kami blessed you this morning?"

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Chihaya shook her head.

"I will break my fast later, Togashi-san. For now, I greet the storm as I am."

A faint shrug.

"It seems a dramatic stage for such an affair, don't you think?"

Yasuki Daisuke · **Joined:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:34 am **Posts:** 45

The young Carp was grateful that things were able to be put together quicky. He had arrived as agreed, his traditional clothing looking pristine, as was befitting the occasion. His wide brimmed hat was worn, keeping the rain from his features, as he moved to stand next to the Suzume who had offered to act in his stead.

A deep and respectful bow to the Togashi, followed by one to Chihaya.

"It wouldn't due either of you any honor if the stage were not dramatic." His hands were tucked into the sleeves of his kimono, his voice subdued.

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

That brought a small smile, and Chihaya removed her hat, resting it gently against the stone wall, before stepping across the open space, feet avoiding the worst patches of mud with years of practice on the roads of the empire and the Suzume hills.

As the rain beat down, she bowed deeply to Iko, and then Daisuke.

"As I found his position worthy of defense, I have volunteered to stand for Yasuki-san this morning."

She looked to Iko. "I pray this is not a matter of concern."

Togashi Iko · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:00 am **Posts:** 408

"Yasuki-san has the right to choose his representative in this matter, so it is laid down in The Sword." Iko rises from the ground and sheds an outer layer, to stand clean in the rain, at least for now.

"I have no objection to yourself being his instrument before the Heavens." SHe adds as she assumes her traditional bobbing and weaving stance.

D9 EM - Initiative for duel: 7d10o10k4+10 38

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

For Chihaya, the duel was a formality, at best. The matter was a minor one, easily waived by creative linguistics, but she admired the passion of both these samurai.

And so she would give them an opportunity for heaven to guide them.

Her only preparation was grasp her saya in her left hand, twisting it so the blade's curve was upward, and the tip of her sword was angled almost straight down.

It was an ancient stance, one which had fallen out of favor among the Kakita centuries ago.

---

36 initiative: https://orokos.com/roll/801159
35 Assessment: https://orokos.com/roll/801160

Togashi Iko · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:00 am **Posts:** 408

Iko underestimated her opponent. It was a mistake she often made, but one she needed to stop. Falling back into the tune of the universe that a jarring note had bumped her from she tried to focus herself again.

D9 EM - Assessment for duel 1 raise (iai + void) TN35: 10d10o10k5+2 32

D9 EM - Focus for duel VP: 10d10ro1o10+21 98

Yasuki Daisuke · **Joined:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:34 am **Posts:** 45

Daisuke stood, watching the pair with great interest. His eyes were unblinking. His hands, though, shook inside his kimono sleeves. He was tempted to reach for the small bottle he kept on his person.

But no. This was a serious and honorable occasion.

EM9 - Do I drink for nerves? (Willpower 3, TN15): 3d10o10k3 32

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Chihaya knew, from the moment Iko began to move, that the woman would beat her on the draw.

There was really nothing for it - some people were experts.

Still, she was swift enough that she saw the strike coming, and had this duel been... more... she might have had opportunity to follow through.

That was enough for her.

---

Nice: 69 https://orokos.com/roll/801166

Togashi Iko · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:00 am **Posts:** 408

Iko recognized Chihaya's skill. For a woman of her reputation, it was a surprise, few battlefield warriors were this accomplished.

But it wasn't enough.

D9 EM - Strike 4FR for damage 1CR for damage: 10d10o10k6+10 67

The ancient stance gave way beneath the skill of one who had studied all the ancient texts of Kyuden Kakita.

D9 EM - Damage for duel: 10d10o10l2 4

The blade sliced low, parting the silk above Chihaya's thigh and leaving the smallest of marks upon her skin.

Yasuki Daisuke · **Joined:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:34 am **Posts:** 45

It was odd. To see something so deadly an art, done with such skill and finesse. The Carp's lips pursed as he watched the Togashi move with such precision and speed.

His face broke for a moment into sadness, before he composed himself. He stood, and bowed to the Togashi.

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Chihaya sighed.

Always the clothes.

At least aim for an arm or something... kimono weren't cheap... at least this one wouldn't show the mend so visibly.

With a deep bow, she acknowledged defeat, returning her blade to the normal orientation, and then a bow to the Yasuki.

"My apologies, Yasuki-san. I fear Togashi-san understands Kakita's art far better than I."

There was a small part of her that raged quietly that in true battle she could show this Togashi a thing or too, but she'd learned to quiet that inner voice most days.

Besides, Iko wasn't so bad, as duelists went. She'd actually gone to a war once, so she had Chihaya's respect for that.

As she stepped back, she fiddled with the hole.

Dangit, she'd have to mend both the hakama and the kimono.

Well, it'd keep her busy tonight, she supposed.

Togashi Iko · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:00 am **Posts:** 408

Iko's trike was precise, so clean it had followed the seam of the fabric almost perfectly, any competent seamstress would have it repaired almost invisibly in a matter of minutes.

She knew the pain of a ruined outfit all too well.

Bowing, first to Chihaya and then Daisuke, Iko let the rain wash the few drops of blood from her blade before resheathing it.

"I trust that this will resolve this matter completely, Yasuki-san. Under the watchful gaze of The Thunderer, this matter is concluded, yes?"

Yasuki Daisuke · **Joined:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:34 am **Posts:** 45

"And so it has, Togashi-san." He bowed again, his face somber, but respectful. "The lesson has been learned." His voice was quiet, then a slight smile. "May the Fortunes walk with you." He then turned his attention to Suzume Chihaya.

"My deepest apologies for your kimono. I am in your debt. If you ever need or desire anything, please, do not hesitate to ask me."

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Chihaya chuckled.

"It will mend - a little needlework gives me something to do at night."

Something that wasn't morose self-indulgent pity parties.

A bow to the man. "It was my honor to aid in this matter, and to likewise receive heavens rebuke for assuming I knew too perfectly its will."

Glancing back at Iko, she added, with a trace of sadness. "I had thought that perhaps I was sufficiently improved in my form, but it seems I still fall far short."

Togashi Iko · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:00 am **Posts:** 408

Iko replaced her hat upon her head, and draped her muddy haori over her arm as her opponents conversed, offering a smile when she was addressed.

"Your form was better than most Suzume-sama, and your disfigurement serves you surprisingly well in this arena. When one is used to reading the eyes of one's opponent, it is more challenging when one is missing."

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Ooh, blunt.

"Well, I suppose I will take that as a small blessing, then."

Reclaiming her own hat, she set it upon her head, hearing the rain drum on the metal brim.

She was soaked, but she'd forget it if she didn't put it back on, so she did.

"You surprised me, knowing to strike low against that stance - it is so old most do not even know of it."

Togashi Iko · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:00 am **Posts:** 408

"Old is a matter of perspective." Iko comments as she shifts the now clean haori over her daisho to spare it from the worst of the rain.

"To you or I that stance probably predates most of the lineage that we can recall. TO one such as my sensei Shune, it is far less so. My insights into your technique, I owe to his instruction." The Dragon admits honestly.

"I am curious where you learned it however. I understand the Sparrow and the Crane have a shared ancestry, but as you say that is a very unusual technique to encounter."

[D9 EM] A Speedy Resolution

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