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Map of Kiyoshu. Red dots represent the capital of the respective prefecture.

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Under an azure sky, four bamboo poles surround you amongst a sea of their sloppily cut brethren. Your hands are tightly wrapped around the coarse leather around the hilt of your katana, worn through countless thousands of hours of training. Legs bent slightly, your feet are spread apart, left in front of right. Your blade is positioned by your waist, blade pointing behind you, angled downward slightly. Your mind traces out the path of the blade. “I’ll get it right this time...” you whisper under your tired breath. All is silent as you hold your stance, eyes focused on the target before you. A moment later, a cool spring breeze brushes against your skin and breaks the silence. With all the force your legs can muster, you dash ahead, slashing from right to left in a single upward motion.

The familiar sound of steel on bamboo is heard. The first pole is felled.

A few metres behind you to your left, your gaze shifts to the next training pole as you carry the momentum of your initial swing towards its direction. Your feet shift in tandem before similarly performing a short dash, allowing your blade to meet its mark.

But this time, another familiar sound is heard - the crunching sound of splintering bamboo. You fail to make a clean cut.

In frustration, you heave a disappointed sigh and fall back-first onto the soft green grass. “That should’ve been the fiftieth attempt or so. Arghhhhh. Just what am I doing wrong?!??” You cry out exasperated.

Unexpectedly, you receive an answer from a voice that lifts your mood a little. “Your footwork still needs some work, Nobuyasu. You didn’t turn your body enough, so the blade landed at an angle.” it says. You tilt your head off the ground to meet your new arrival. From a single glance, you make out the Peacekeeper insignia on his armour and scabbard. “Right… Thanks, Ito.” It’s your childhood friend Ishida Ito. In his left hand is a bamboo bottle which he promptly tosses at you. Without hesitation, you start gulping the refreshing water down your parched throat. After all, it’d been a few hours since you drank anything.

Ito sits down beside you. “I’m here to inform you that your father, Lord Hiroshi, has left to meet the Daimyo.”

You stare blankly at the vast blue expanse above. “Meeting Lord Toumi? What for? Is it about the Taiyo Festival next year?”

Ito shrugs his shoulders before lying down with his hands behind his head, admiring the sky with you. “Most likely, and probably some other matters as well.”


>”Since you’re here, wanna spar? Just for old time’s sake. Ever since you joined the Peacekeepers, we haven’t trained together for a while.”

>”What have the Peacekeepers been up to recently?”

>other

>>4670861
>”Since you’re here, wanna spar? Just for old time’s sake. Ever since you joined the Peacekeepers, we haven’t trained together for a while.”

(Just for clarity, did you mean 3 people will each roll 3d15 or 3 separate people will roll a d15 for the dice part?)

>>4670863
3 people will each roll 3d15.

>>4670876
>>4670861
>”Since you’re here, wanna spar? Just for old time’s sake. Ever since you joined the Peacekeepers, we haven’t trained together for a while.”

>>4670863
>>4670878
I'll wait for a while more before finalizing the vote.

>>4670876
I should've stated it in the intro post but rolls will be done after the vote has been finalized. But I'll include your roll for this time.

>>4670863
>>4670878

Alright, guess we'll spar with Ito. Roll the dice!

Rolled 5, 3, 2 = 10 (3d15)

>>4670897
We won't be average forever! Let's at least put up a good fight for our old pal

Rolled 8, 14, 10 = 32 (3d15)

>>4670903
>>4670861
>>4670863
>>4670878


Since there are no other rolls, I'll roll as well. Writing!

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>>4670915

You get up from your relaxed position and walk over to the piles of cut bamboo. After a brief scan, you pick up two pieces of decent length. “Since you’re here, wanna spar? Just for old time’s sake. Ever since you joined the Peacekeepers, we haven’t trained together for a while.” Ito simply smiles, grabbing the piece in your left hand and assuming a defensive posture, holding the “blade” upright, pointing it straight at you.

You mirror his stance with a strange vigor rising within you, washing away the exhaustion from hours of training prior. This is the most excited you’ve been in forever. Practicing kata everyday does take its toll on you. A true warrior needs battle to sharpen his senses.

Ito looks at your eager face, sighing. “You never change. After a few bouts, you’ll be on the floor as always.”

Your forehead twitches visibly at the statement, eliciting a wry laugh from him. But to be fair, since the both of you started training together, he’s always been the better swordsman. In your head, you wonder how much Ito has improved over the past year. Thinking about the gap between you and him growing even deeper is nauseating. The ensuing duel will show you the answer.

Eyes locked together, there is no more need to communicate with words, that would be the job of your bamboo sticks.

A moment passes.

Then two.

Time feels like a standstill while Ito’s black pupils peer into yours, seeking to unravel your first move. You’ve experienced this many times. Most fights are decided before the first swing, this was no different. Of course, you do the same. “A direct charge into a feint? Classic Ito, but he probably won’t start with such an obvious move… Perhaps he’ll move forward and attack at the edge of his attack range? Not quite either...” Beads of sweat drip down your back, and down your palms, further drenching the cloth on your blue yukata.

In your standoff, the breeze picks up, growing to a full-blown gale that sweeps your long flowing hair up. A single leaf glides past the two of you and at the instant it reaches the ground, Ito makes his move. At the same time, you prepare to counter, confident of what is to come.

He quickly closes the distance, preparing to make a low thrust. As expected! You parry his stick to the side before swerving yours around to perform a circular slash while moving a few paces back.

To your surprise, Ito does the same, the distance between the two of you widening once more. This time you take the initiative and advance, executing a horizontal slash that is Ito blocks but hits him on the right shoulder after.

Not letting up the pressure, you circle around and take a few steps back slicing upwards at his gut. Ito attempts to parry, but the timing just misses the mark by a small margin, resulting in both attacks landing on you and Ito’s necks.

A draw - where both samurai would fall if it was a real fight.

>>4671018

Ito drives the stick into the soil and leans on it panting. “Not bad. You weren’t cut down by my first strike. I guess you’ve improved.”

You’re in no better condition, only muttering a single word. “Again?”

Ito shakes his head. “No can do. I’ve gotta tend to my duties as a Peacekeeper. I’m sure you’ve heard, but bandit activity has been increasing in the region lately.”

“A shame, I would’ve won our next fight.”

Ito takes out a piece of paper from his pocket. “Perhaps. Oh, and before I forget. Here’s the results of that local tournament a few days ago. I thought I’d pick it up for you. Congrats on not placing last place.”

Opening it up, your forehead twitches. Twenty-fifth place out of thirty. Normally, this would be a monumental achievement seeing as you always place dead last. But this time, five people had to withdraw from the competition which Ito knew full well.

As you prepare to say something, Ito quickly sets off. “You-”

“Well, gotta go, Nobuyasu. See you around.”

You can’t help but laugh at this, then back to training you go.

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>>4671021

A few hours later, at dusk, you return to Hiroshi castle. On the way to your quarters, your younger brother Hiroshi Ieyasu approaches you in the narrow corridor. “How could you fail to win against a trivial Peacekeeper?”


>”None of your business.”

>”Insult me, but don’t insult my friends.” [Stand up for Ito]

>Ignore.

>other

With that, I'm going to go sleep. Will continue posting later in a few hours.

>>4671024
If our younger brother is an adult
>”Insult me, but don’t insult my friends.” [Stand up for Ito]
If he's a kid
>Ignore.

>>4671024
>>”Insult me, but don’t insult my friends.” [Stand up for Ito]
>>4671024

>>4671024
>Though there is great love and respect in your heart for your older brother, not everyone is blessed with the same talents. You must make use of what you have and accept what you don't.

>>4671061
Seconded

>>4671061
>>4671068
>>4671314
>>4671348

>”Insult me, but don’t insult my friends.” [Stand up for Ito]

Writing now.

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>>4671770

Welling up with contempt, you cast a glare at Ieyasu. “Insult me, but don’t insult my friends.”

Seemingly agitated by your response, Ieyasu folds his arms in annoyance, returning a similarly contemptuous gaze and walking away. “Pfftt, so what if I insult a lowly Peacekeeper? You shame the Hiroshi line with your inaptitude. The might of the sword decides all. Know your place!”

You say nothing. Well, there was nothing to say. In more than one way, your brother was correct. He is the genius prodigy of the Hiroshi clan, only three years your junior but rivaling even the sons of the Daimyo. On the other hand, you were the blemish of the family, painfully mediocre at everything but the basics even at age eighteen, with more than eight years of experience. Such is the unfairness of heaven and its blessings.

Putting on an indifferent air, you continue your way down the corridor, an act that further miffs your sibling as evident by his heavy steps. In your quarters, you sit down near your small desk just beside your futon to reflect on today’s training. Unlike that of your brother, your room is simple, minimal. You were never a fan of lavish items, to you, those are merely distractions from the path of the sword. One only needed a roof for shelter from the rain, food to nourish the flesh, and clothes to warm the body.

It’s about this time that your father also returned. From the dark look on his face, something is clearly bothering him, made even clearer by the fact that he didn’t shoot you a cold glare when you passed by him. Immediately, your younger brother is called to speak with him in private. Whatever they talked about, Ieyasu came out extremely perturbed by something. At this point, you yourself start feeling uneasy. Something big was clearly happening, any bumbling buffoon would be able to pick that out.

Your unease reaches its zenith when one of the maidservants relays your father's summons. "That old dog must be profoundly shaken by something to want to talk to me."

Sliding open the thin door to your father's room, he looks at you as he always does. With coldness and a glint of disappointment. Nevertheless, you bow before taking a seat. "Nobuyasu. It has been decided that you'll be undergoing a warrior's pilgrimage to hone your skills as a swordsman."

You are shocked, but make an effort not to let it show on your face. This whole ordeal is just suspicious. Your father has never been fond of you, but now he wants you to leave on a training journey? In any case, he’d never want you to wander the country and tarnish the Hiroshi name. The fact that you were able to participate in local tournaments was already a great privilege in his eyes. If it were not for Lord Toumi convincing him otherwise, you would be stuck in the castle for all you know.

>>4671962

He clears his throat before continuing. “In one week, you will inform me of where you intend to start your journey and by the following week, you will depart. Do I make myself clear?”


>”What are you scheming…” [Call him out.]

>”If it is the wish of the family, then I shall obey.” [Pretend nothing’s wrong.]

>”What happened at your meeting with Lord Toumi?” [Attempt to get information.]

>”What did you discuss with Ieyasu just now? He seemed worked up over it.” [Attempt to get information.]

>other

>>4671962
>"Tachibana Ginchiyo!" [Going to Hisanao]

>>4671967
And if asks why we don't question him, tell him we don't care. If he's not man enough to tell us the truth, there's not point in hearing his words.

>>4671963
>>”What are you scheming…” [Call him out.]

>>4671963
>”If it is the wish of the family, then I shall obey.” [Pretend nothing’s wrong.]

Our family doesn't respect us, no point trying to glean info or meaning from it. On the bright side, this is a huge opportunity- even if it is a little suspicious.

>>4671963
>”What happened at your meeting with Lord Toumi?” [Attempt to get information.]

We really should be trying to get some kind of information. This pilgrimage might have been ordered by our father who may or not want to kill us. Or his lord who may or may not want a potential vassal who is lacking in martial skills.

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>>4671967
>>4671968
>>4671970
>>4671971
>>4671972
>>4671976

Sorry guys, a little tired now and gotta fix my sleep schedule, so I'll wait for more responses overnight before writing the post.

>>4671985
It's all right, fren. Sleep well.

>>4671976
I'm thinking one of two scenarios
1. There's about to be a war and our father is sending us away because he secretly cares and wants us to live
2. We are about to be sacrificed or given in to slavery or some other shit to appease a scary opponent of his

>>4671985
Goodnight, sleep well!

>>4671987
The first possibility is possible. But the second meh. We don't even know if slavery exist or if our culture practices it. And why would our father give us if he means to appease somebody, our brother who is a genius is better suited for sacrifice lol

>>4671963
>”If it is the wish of the family, then I shall obey.” [Pretend nothing’s wrong.]
This is the proper Samurai answer.

>>4671963
>>”What happened at your meeting with Lord Toumi?” [Attempt to get information.]

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4672536
>>4672208
>>4671972
>>4671971
>>4671970

It's a tossup between
>”If it is the wish of the family, then I shall obey.” [Pretend nothing’s wrong.]

and
>”What happened at your meeting with Lord Toumi?” [Attempt to get information.]

Gonna roll 1d2, to decide. 1 for [Pretend nothing's wrong.], 2 for [Attempt to get information].

>>4673168
Are we going to roll for information?

>>4673171

Nope, not this time.

>>4673168

A short pause is all it takes for the tension to rise. Myriad thoughts flood your mind, trying to decipher the underlying meaning between your father’s words. You decide to take a gander at retrieving some information. “What happened at your meeting with Lord Toumi?”.

Your father’s already slit-like eyes narrow further, giving off an intimidating presence. “Most of it was about the upcoming Taiyo Festival and other trivial matters. As you know, every five years, samurai from all around the land come to compete at the festival. A tournament where legends are born, and mythical stories are forged.

Lord Toumi has asked me to let you and your brother compete in this year’s tournament. Out of respect, I acquiesced, but with your skill, how could I let you go and disgrace the Hiroshi Clan? How could I let you tear down the great image of the clan I’ve built for over forty years!?!?”

His fist slams down on the wooden table separating him from you as he lays down his last line.

Your eyes widen a bit at his strong reaction and he takes a deep breath before delivering one more statement. “You are to leave and come back next year a decent warrior. You should be able to at least manage that.”

What your father said could certainly make sense, and would explain your brother’s reaction. “How could the lord let that rubbish excuse of a swordsman compete? He’ll smear both the clan and Toumi School of Swordsmanship!” is probably what he thought, or something along those lines. But would this really leave the two of them so shaken? There is the possibility, but it's rather slim.


>”I understand. Then I shall follow the family’s wishes.” [Accept and start preparing for your trip.]

>”Is that really all to it? What are you really plotting.” [Try to pry for more info.]

>other

>>4673212
>”I understand. Then I shall follow the family’s wishes.” [Accept and start preparing for your trip.]

>>4673212
>”I understand. Then I shall follow the family’s wishes.” [Accept and start preparing for your trip.]

>>4673212
>”I understand. Then I shall follow the family’s wishes.” [Accept and start preparing for your trip.]

Its obvious something else is going on but we will likely find out about it on our travels.

>>4673212
>”Is that really all to it? What are you really plotting.” [Try to pry for more info.]

>>4673221
>>4673257
>>4673292
>>4673340

>”I understand. Then I shall follow the family’s wishes.” [Accept and start preparing for your trip.]

Writing now.

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>>4673344

Further questioning feels futile, so with slight reluctance you bow in acceptance. “I understand. Then I shall follow the family’s wishes.” Your father continues staring at you as if you are his mortal enemy as you walk away, but you pay no mind.

The next day, you awake to the rays of the sun on your face, thoughts still stuck on the events of last night. A glance outside the window into the vast green plains of Toumi prefecture provides a brief moment of respite. “Well, no need to decide where I want to go immediately. Time to train.”

On the way to the cut bamboo, you bump into Otsuka Aiko, one of the maidservants. She’s about the same age as you, just a year younger, and was taken into the family at the age of thirteen, so you’ve known her for four years. In her hands in a small basket.“Nobuyasu! I heard from Ieyasu that you’ll be travelling the country in two weeks! Where’ll you be headed?”

Her cheerful demeanor lightens the weight on your mind, if only a little. “I don’t know yet… That’s what I’ll have to think about this week. Kiyoshu is so big, there’s no way I’d be able to decide in a day, haha.”

“Well, I know wherever you go, you’ll work just as hard as usual. So find yourself a good teacher and come back stronger!”

Come back stronger. Those words resonate deeper than you expected. To come back a better swordsman. To come back a changed man, no longer known as the failure of the Hiroshi Clan. “That’s my goal.” you think to yourself. “Alright, I’ll do just that.” you say grinning.

From the basket, Aiko takes out two riceballs wrapped in paper. “I made these for you today. You can eat them when you’re taking a break from training.” Extremely flustered, you thank Aiko before hurrying to the training site, brimming with resolve.

>>4673782

Slowly but surely, the sun makes its journey from east to west. While you rest, the question of where you’ll start your journey pervades your mind. In fact, for the next few days, this is all you think about outside training. You don’t even respond to Ieyasu’s snide remarks.

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>>4673786

To the east, there is Ashikaga prefecture, homeland of your late mother. Where waters from the Eastern Sea stretch far inland into the heart of the prefecture and the neighbouring prefectures of Fujiwara and Yamato. Where golden beaches border pristine waters. The Ashikaga sword style is extremely adaptable, suitable for almost all types of katana. Like water, the blade may crash and flow, striking hard or soft, limited only by one’s will.

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>>4673790

Just above Toumi prefecture is the Yamato prefecture, the very heart of Kiyoshu, where the sun shines brightest, enveloping the endless stretches of farmland. It is the desire of many to witness the brilliant Yamato sword style, said to be derived from the magnificent sun itself and taught only to the main branch of the Yamato Clan.

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>>4673793

To the west, there is Nakatomi prefecture, home to lush woodlands and dense bamboo forests. Swordsmen that practice the Nakatomi style are famous for their use of Nitoryu (Two-sword Style), their credo being “To mete out a forest of blades.”

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>>4673794

Just next to Nakatomi and Toumi prefecture is Taira prefecture, the land of cherry blossoms. The Taira sword style is known as the most beautiful in all of Kiyoshu, embodying the wilting and blooming of cherry blossoms.

>>4673798

Of course, in each prefecture, there also exist independent martial arts schools. Some famous, some not so much. However, it is no myth that many of the greatest swordsmen have been/are independent swordsmen.

The day to inform your father approaches soon and in a flash, it arrives. Once again, you are seated in front of your father. He has just asked you where you plan to go first.


You decide to go to
>Ashikaga

>Yamato

>Nakatomi

>Taira


You decide to
>Tell your father where you actually plan to go.

>Lie and say you’ll go to another prefecture instead. (write in)

>>4673800
Can we not going to Hisanao? If not
>Yamato

>Lie and say you’ll go to another prefecture instead. (write in)
Taira

>>4673813

We'll be able to, this is just where we're starting our journey. How much time we spend in a prefecture, what we do, where we go next, will be decided by you guys.

>>4673800
>Ashikaga
>Tell your father where you actually plan to go

>>4673800
>Nakatomi
Dual wield! Go big or go bust!
>Tell your father where you actually plan to go.

>>4673800
>Ashikaga

>Lie and say you’ll go to Toumi instead

>>4673800
>Nakatomi
>Tell your father where you actually plan to go.

>>4673794
> Nakatomi

> Tell your father

Maybe the two wield style is different enough we take a shine to it.

>>4674263
You know what, that's a good point. Changing my vote to this

>>4673800
>Ashikaga

>Tell your father where you actually plan to go.

>>4673813
>>4674282
>>4673859
>>4673897
>>4674018
>>4674382

Alright! Guess we're off to Nakatomi and telling the truth.

>>4675121

You stare straight into your father’s cold eyes, considering whether or not to lie. In the end, even if you lied he’d probably account for that somehow if he was plotting something. “I’m going off to visit the Nakatomi.” He shows a very faint look of surprise at your answer, probably thinking that you’d choose to go to Ashikaga prefecture since your relations with your relatives there were quite good, compared to that of your family anyway.

“The Nakatomi eh? Taken a liking to their Nitoryu? Well, it doesn’t really matter. You’ll set off in exactly a week. Take the remaining time to settle your affairs here.”

You bow before taking your leave. In your heart, your excitement is already building. The chance to travel Kiyoshu, to see the world with your own two eyes by yourself, not on official trips with your family. The thought of this freedom is exhilarating, liberating even. However, deep inside, you know you’d have to keep your guard up for any underlying schemes your father might be planning.

The following days, you go about your regular routine of waking up, training, and sleeping. Not letting up even once. Unfortunately, Ito is quite busy during this period so you hardly get to see him. But, on the fourth day, he pays you a visit at your training site, speaking for a well before returning to his duties. “Nobuyasu, if you ever got a foe you can’t best, you can bring him to ol’ Ito right here! Those Nakatomi swordsmen got a unique way of fighting, I’m sure you’ll grow by leaps and bounds there!” His warm words don’t fail to move you. “You take care too, keep Aiko and the rest of the people of Toumi safe.”

Speaking of Aiko, she has been visiting you more often during your training. Somehow, she knows when you’re resting, like a sixth sense. The riceballs she makes never fail to drown your tongue in heavenly bliss. “Travel well and don’t forget to take care of yourself. You won’t have me around to make you food anymore. Be careful of strange men on the road.” Her naggy reminders make you think if this is what having a mother is like. “Yes yes, I’ll look after myself.”

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>>4675288

On the day before your departure, something greatly unexpected happens. Lord Toumi Daichi, current head of the Toumi Clan, comes to visit Hiroshi Castle, much to your excitement. Since you’ve picked up the sword, he has been greatly supportive of your training, and is the sole reason your father didn’t barre you from competing in tournaments. To you, he’s like the supportive father figure you’ve never had.

He first spends a bit of time conversing with your father then suddenly appears outside of your room, out of all things, accompanied by two armoured samurai. He’s wearing his iconic daimyo attire, dressed as elegant as a crane, exuding a ruler’s presence. “May I enter?” a calming voice asks. Of course, without any hesitation, you slide the door open and immediately bow. “Of course, milord.”

As he enters your room, he motions for his two guards to remain outside. “Hahaha, Nobuyasu, I’ve held you as an infant and I’ve watched you grow up for eighteen years. No need for the formalities.” You blush a little hearing Lord Toumi act so humbly. “As you wish.”

For the next hour, the both of you converse about many things ranging from swordsmanship to matters big and small. Eventually, he brings up your warrior’s pilgrimage. “I heard you’re travelling to Nakatomi tomorrow? It’s going to be a relatively long journey.”

“Yeah, it was the decision of the family.”

“Do you want to go?”

“Of course, this is a good opportunity to hone my skills, to learn from swordsmen from around the country.” You remember what Aiko said to you a week ago and add in, “...And to get stronger.”

“To get stronger… Do you know what that means?”

Lord Toumi’s question perplexes you. Wasn’t the answer obvious? “It means I become more skilled, right?”

“That is one way to look at it, but is it so simple? Before you set off, Nobuyasu, I want to tell you that strength is much more complex than that. Know that within you, there is already strength you can draw upon.”

You fail to comprehend his words, even more confused than before. “Strength? But I’m not even a decent swordsman...”

Lord Toumi maintains his calm expression. “I don’t think I’ve ever told you, but I believe you are as great a samurai as Ieyasu. Though he is a genius with the blade, martial skill without character is akin to an axe without a handle. One cannot wield the axe properly. Within the current generation, you may not see it, but you are the model embodiment of the samurai spirit.

Bravery.

Loyalty.

Honour.

Humility.

Sincerity.

Does it not take strength to wield and hold on to these values?”

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>>4675289

The words still don’t really make sense to you. In your silence, Lord Toumi reassures you. “Worry not, if my words don’t make much sense now. In time, you’ll understand. One last thing...”

He calls in one of the guards outside, in his arms carrying a large black case which he sets on the floor in front of you. Lord Toumi motions for you to open it. Inside, are two blades, a katana and wakizashi set. On their scabbards are engraved the Toumi mon and decorated with white flower patterns.

“These two blades were forged by one of the greatest weapon smiths of Tachibana, the land of steel. I originally had it made a few months ago for your eighteenth birthday, but seeing as you’re setting out on your warrior’s pilgrimage, now is as good a time as ever to give them to you.”

Rendered speechless by the generosity of your lord, overwhelmed with emotion, you prostrate yourself in a dogeza position without a second thought. “I, Hiroshi Nobuyasu, son of Hiroshi Takamichi and Ashikaga Haori, humbly accept these gifts and swear an eternal oath of loyalty to the Toumi. Without fail, I shall bring honour and glory to the Toumi on my travels!”

You feel a hand rustle the long hair on your head, before suddenly feeling a hard knock. “Tch, idiot, I told you to drop the formalities! Nonetheless, well said. I shall take my leave, now. Make sure to rest well for your journey tomorrow.”

>>4675291

Even more flustered than just now, you offer to walk Lord Toumi out. Along the corridor, you bump into Ieyasu who stares as if he’s looking down on you. “Lord Toumi, before you leave, allow me to demonstrate some of my swordsmanship. Unlike my brother over there who can’t even cut bamboo properly, I’ve spent the last year studying the advanced techniques of the Toumi style. It’d be an honour to show them to the current master of the Toumi school.” You pay no heed to his words, remaining indifferent, which spites your brother a bit.

Lord Toumi frowns, apparently aware of your brother’s attempt to show off. “Unfortunately, I’ve matters to tend to back at Minashi. Perhaps next time.” Finally some karma for that little devil.

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>>4675292

The day arrives. You don your yukata and secure the blades gifted by Lord Toumi to your waist and leave shortly after speaking to Ito and Aiko one last time, both of which prepared some items for you to take on your journey. The latter handed you a good luck charm, part of a set of two with the other in Ito’s possession. The former made you some riceballs to take on your journey. Your father and brother aren’t there to see you off and only look at you depart from high up in the castle. It’s quite hard to make out, but it looks like they’re discussing something while you walk out of the castle.

Hours later, you’ve made some distance away from Hiroshi Castle towards the Toumi-Nakatomi border. The sun is about to set, however, the next village would still be a few hours away. “Continue, or make camp?” you ponder while leaning against a lone tree, but the moment you do so, your sense of danger spikes. You can’t be sure, but you could’ve sworn you felt the galloping of horses. Scanning the entire surrounding region, there is not a person in sight, but your hand is wrapped firmly around your katana.

Silence. Then the faint clopping of hooves. Before you know it, four bandits are coming at you from the west on horseback. All of which armed with katana.


>Attempt to escape. [Roll 3d15]

>Hold your ground. [Roll 3d15]

>other

>>4675294
>Hold your ground. [Roll 3d15]

>>4675294
>Attempt to escape. [Roll 3d15]
we're to shitty a swordsman to cut down 4 bandits

>>4675294
>Hold your ground. [Roll 3d15]

Hold our ground because our opponents are on horseback and we won't be outrunning a horse on open ground. And it is explicitly mentioned there is only a "lone tree" so there isn't a forest or something we can attempt to run into.

>>4675396
We're walking? QM clarity mode of traveling please!

>>4675323
>>4675339
>>4675396

Sadly, I'm unable to write tonight. Gotta sleep early. Good news is, I can post tmr! Will keep you guys posted. In the meantime, we'll wait for more responses as usual.

>>4675491
Indeed we are walking.

>>4675294
>Hold your ground. [Roll 3d15]

>>4676706
>>4675396
>>4675339
>>4675323

Hold our ground, it is. Three people please roll a 3d15.

Rolled 6, 11, 1 = 18 (3d15)

>>4676997
Our journey has only just begun!

Rolled 11, 4, 3 = 18 (3d15)

>>4676997
Our journey is about to end

Rolled 8, 14, 7 = 29 (3d15)

>>4676997
I guess diplomacy is not an option?

>>4677001
>>4677049
>>4677090

>29
Writing now. This gon' be rough.

>>4677112
I thought it more rough because we are an incompetent facing 4 mounted men, rather than an above avarage roll

So either they take us captive or try and kill us outright. Hey QM are we close to dying?

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You draw your katana and enter into a defensive stance under the tree beside you. Despite your trembling hands, your blade is firm and true. Within the next few moments, four bandits on horseback, swords drawn, surround you. “Looks like we got’im, boys!” one of the particularly burly men shouts. The other three cry out in response and stare at you with mocking eyes.

The pressure is crushing, but you steel yourself. “State your business.”

The burly man dismounts and brandishes his blade, reflecting the diminishing sunlight onto you. “Oh~ The cornered rat bites. No point talking to him. Bring 'im back!” Immediately, two men rush to apprehend you, holding their blades high to go for a downward slash. Their form is open and it’s obvious they haven’t received much formal training or any at all, but whether you’d be able to counter was also an issue.

You focus on the one rushing to your left, taking the initiative to advance on him, creating distance from the one rushing to your right. The ringing of steel echoes through the silent plains when your blades meet. His brute strength rivals yours - no, it exceeds yours by a slight margin. Noticing this, you don’t hold back and with your left hand pushing against the blunt edge of your katana, forcefully push him away. Though this only results in him being staggered for an instant, it gives you an opportunity to make a shallow cut on his forearm and fall back.

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>>4678456

However, the other bandit to your right is much closer than you anticipated. As you were in the midst of moving your focus to him, he manages to cut your left hamstring. The other bandit capitalises on this opportunity and attempts to slash your arms. Luckily, your katana meets him at the same time, saving yourself from a grave injury.

You kneel with your left knee on the ground. Your whole leg feels warm, like a hot liquid being poured on it, searing your flesh. Before you know it, you feel a great impact on your head, sending you to the edge of consciousness. In your disorientated state, the burly bandit laughs. “Kekekeke, how admirable. Deciding to fight instead of run when you’re outnumbered. Tonta, Atsushi, you guys alright?”

The two bandits sheethe their blades. “Yeah, we’re fine boss, Tonta just got a cut on his forearm, a shallow one as well. I thought them Hiroshi warriors were supposed to be geniuses.”

“Yeah, but don’t you- … trash!“

“With- … We’re- … rich!”

Those are the last incoherent things you hear before you completely pass out.

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>>4678459

An unknown amount of time later. You awake in a dark, damp room, with tight bandages wound around your left leg and your weapons missing. The first breath you take irritates your parched throat. The ground is filthy, with damp mud and filled with a rancid smell. A nesh of wood keeps you trapped in this putrid space, and it doesn’t look like you’re alone. The sounds of groaning echo around, some from men, some from women.

Slowly, you recall what happened during your last moments of consciousness and come to the conclusion that this must be the bandit’s base. You try to stand, but the pain in your left leg is a bit too much right now. As for why they bandaged it up for you, you have not a clue, but it’s obvious they want you alive.

“So you’re finally awake.” a voice sounds from a cell directly opposite yours, just two meters away. From the dim lighting, you can’t make out his face, but he appears to be wearing tight dark blue garments that cover his entire body.

“Who are you? Why’re you here?” you ask in a coarse voice.

“That doesn’t matter, and I could ask the same thing to you. But what matters is that we escape.”

Hearing his last line, you instinctively look around to make sure no guards are listening.

“Heh, don’t worry. They rarely send anyone here. Most of them prefer to play with their captured toys than stand here the whole day. Anyway, I can’t escape here alone, so how about it? Wanna help? Then we can both get away from this shithole.”


>”If it means I can also get out, yes.” [Agree.]

>”Tell me who you are first, why’re you here?” [Question.]

>”I’ll get out myself.” [Decline.]

>other

>>4677394

Hope the latest post answers your question.

>>4678462
>”If it means I can also get out, yes.” [Agree.]


Not much choice here

>>4678462
>”If it means I can also get out, yes.” [Agree.]

>>4678462
>immediately get captured after leaving and lose our brand new weapons from the Daimyo

Extremely disheartening start desu, but maybe we can recoup our shit and not be a complete jobber

>"If it means I can also get out, yes" [Agree]

>>4678471
wait wtf I typed out 't-b-h' without the dashes, why did it come out as desu

>>4678475
Thats been a word filter forever, anon

>>4678462
>”If it means I can also get out, yes.” [Agree.]

>>4678462
>”Tell me who you are first, why’re you here?” [Question.]

>>4678462
>”If it means I can also get out, yes.” [Agree.]

>>4678475
Newfag is new, news at 11.

>>4678464
>>4678469
>>4678471
>>4678593
>>4678656
>>4678694

Writing now.

>>4678726

“If it means I can also get out, yes.”

Your fellow prisoner walks to the front of the cell to take a good look at you. “Good, that makes things easier.”

His face is obscured by a cloth mask that covers the lower half of his head and neck, while his long hair is tied into a bun. From what you can make out, he seems to be about the same age as you, maybe a bit older, but not by much. “What do you have in mind?

“It’s simple. You’ve been here for a few days or so and those bandits want you alive, clearly. So you’ll make a big scene and start screaming. Say your wound’s been infected and you need treatment. Then, one of two things may happen. Either, two guards come to help. One to stand watch while the other tends to you. Or, no one comes. In which case, we’re fucked. But, we’ll need to wait for your leg to heal up first.”

“Alright, not like we have any other choice.”

“Good.”

You can’t help but ponder your misfortune. Right at the start of your grand journey, you’re kidnapped by bandits. Not the best start. But, at least you’re still alive with some hope of escaping... If the prisoner’s plan works.

The guards seem to treat you relatively well, giving more food than your companion just opposite you. On the following day, while you’re chowing down on some rice gruel, you think back to your brief battle with the bandits. You replay each scene with great scrutiny, analyzing your footwork, stance, positioning, trying to find areas of improvement. Reflection is an important skill in any craft, especially when you aren’t able to train right now. However, something is still bothering you. One of the bandits was able to identify you as part of the Hiroshi clan. Just how did they know? If anything, they should’ve thought you were part of the Toumi based on the mon on your scabbards. Alas, such thoughts are useless now, the most pertinent thing right now would be to conserve your strength and keep your mind calm.

>>4680571

Only two days later, your leg feels much better than before. You’re able to walk with only a slight tingling sensation. It’d be enough for you to launch a sneak attack, but in a fight, you’d be at a disadvantage.

“Hey, I think I’m good to go.”

“You think? We only got one shot at this. You sure, you’re ready?”

“Yeah. So I’ll just need to start screaming, right?”

“Yes. From the lack of groaning and sounds of pain, the bandits should be out or asleep right now which is good for us.”

“Right.”

You take a few deep breaths, before letting out a harrowing scream with all you got. “ARGHHHHH MY LEG, SOMEONE HELP. I THINK IT’S INFECTED. ARGHHHHHH FUCKKKKK.”

“Yes, that’s good. Keep going.”

“FFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.”

Very soon, one of the bandits comes with one of his pals. “Oi oi oi, what’s the problem.”

You continue the act, even adding in some violent coughing to sell it. “PLEASE HELP, MY LEG, I CAN’T FEEL MY LEG. I THINK IT’S INFECTED.”

With a grunt, the bandit fumbles for the key to your cell while his friend stands guard over you and your accomplice. “Aight, aight, stay still darn brat. Would’ve cut off that damn leg if the boss didn’t need you alive.”

The wooden gate creaks open as he carefully takes off the bandage. Behind you, you see your friend motion for you to take care of the one helping you. In his hands is some kind of weapon.


>Trust that your friend will take care of the other guy. Toss mud into the bandit’s eyes and try to knock him out. [Roll 3d15]

>Kick him away into the other bandit. [Roll 3d15]

>other

>>4680572
>Trust that your friend will take care of the other guy. Toss mud into the bandit’s eyes and try to knock him out. [Roll 3d15]

>>4680572
>Trust that your friend will take care of the other guy. Toss mud into the bandit’s eyes and try to knock him out. [Roll 3d15]

>>4680572
>Trust that your friend will take care of the other guy. Toss mud into the bandit’s eyes and try to knock him out. [Roll 3d15]

>>4680572

>Trust that your friend will take care of the other guy. Toss mud into the bandit’s eyes and try to knock him out. [Roll 3d15]

Rolled 6, 11, 13 = 30 (3d15)

>>4680572
>Trust that our friend will take care of him

Rolled 5, 4, 10 = 19 (3d15)

>>4680572

>Trust that your friend will take care of the other guy. Toss mud into the bandit’s eyes and try to knock him out. [Roll 3d15]

>>4680572
>Trust that your friend will take care of the other guy. Toss mud into the bandit’s eyes and try to knock him out. [Roll 3d15]

>>4680592
>>4680599
>>4680670
>>4680679
>>4680869
>>4680880
>>4681618

Sorry bois, a little tired today, so won't be posting tonight. In the meantime, one more guy roll a 3d15.

Rolled 7, 11, 11 = 29 (3d15)

>>4681876

>>4681897
>>4680880
>>4680869

>30

Nice. Btw, it was 30 for a success and 38 for a critical success.

>>4682658

You clutch a handful of mud in your right hand and toss it into the bandit’s eyes as he kneels down to check your leg. Most of the mud lands square on his face, but it’s enough to obscure all of his right eye and some of his left eye. Seizing the opportunity, you hammer down on his head with both hands clasped together, sending him flying towards the ground. At the same time, the other bandit rushes toward you and is prepared to kick you away. But just before he’s able to react, he joins his friend on the ground with a fountain of blood gushing from his neck.

The bandit you incapacitated appears to be unconscious, at least from what you can tell. You reach for the key still slotted into the keyhole of your cell, trying your best to avoid staining your shoes with the blood pooling on the floor.

“Good job, that key should be able to unlock all the damn cells in this place. Now get me out of here.”

You nod and just as he says, the key is able to unlock his cell. He walks out and retrieves the knife lodged in one of the bandit’s necks. As he’s about to wipe off the blood though, the other bandit regains enough consciousness to let out a call for help before the prisoner covers his mouth with one hand and holds a knife to his throat on the other.

“Not good. We need to retrieve a map, this place is a damn maze. No idea how these bandits can remember where everything is. There should be one in the armoury. Makes things convenient, I also need to retrieve my equipment there.”

You begin to get a bit nervous. “Right, but how do we find the armoury without a map?”

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>>4682859

He brandishes his blade and presses it lightly against the bandit’s neck, any more force and blood would be drawn. “That’s what this guy’s for.” The bandit quivers, filled with a deep sense of dread and fear. “You. You cherish your life right? Why die for something as trivial and dishonorable as banditory? Tell me where we can get a map and the location of the armoury and I’ll let you go. Alright?”

The prisoner releases his hold slightly on the bandit’s mouth, giving him just enough leeway to speak. Though a little muffled, he gives the supposed directions to the armoury.

With a little force, the prisoner makes a small cut at the side of the bandit’s neck, stopping just before his artery. “Is that the truth? Is there really a map there? Is the armoury where you say it is?”

“Y-yes y-yes… B-b-but you won’t f-f-find that b-boy’s weapons there. T-t-they’re with the b-boss.”

Your heart starts to sink. By boss did he mean that burly man that was leading your captors? There is a slim chance of victory if you are to fight him, he’d just overpower you with his large frame.

“Alright. Good boy, I’ll let you go now.”

Once the prisoner lets go, the bandit starts screaming for help again before he is silenced for good. You can’t help but feel sorry for him and his friend, even if they’re bandits, together with a sense of fear and awe at your accomplice. “Such resolve when taking a life… He didn’t even flinch.” you think to yourself. Furthermore, the smell was something you didn’t expect, made even worse by the putrid stench of the cave.

“Shit. That was particularly loud. It won’t be long until someone comes to check. I’m a grateful man, so I’ll help you get back your weapons since you helped me get out, but we need to hurry to the armoury NOW!”

“Yeah… Let’s go.”

>>4682868

Both of you run while following the bandit’s directions. Stealth is of the utmost importance here as your companion keeps reminding you by asking you to run softer. Unlike you, his steps were dead silent, even in damp mud. You have your suspicions about his origins, but keep them to yourself. The armoury is just at the next corner, but as you eagerly approach the turn, you are stopped by his hand.

“Hold on. There’s a guard there. Don’t be in such a hurry, you’ll get us killed! I’ll handle this.” he whispers.

He throws a small pebble to direct the guard’s attention away from the both of you, following up with the throw of his knife. With surgical precision, the knife hits its mark, implanting itself at the back of the guard’s head, probably killing him instantly. You two move the body into the armoury and you’re tasked with watching the door while he retrieves his gear and finds the map. You see him take out a wakizashi, a sickle and chain, and other tools you don’t recognize.

Nobody seems to be coming. Out of curiosity and maybe a little boredom, you turn to your companion “What’s your name anyway, I don’t believe we’ve introduced ourselves.”

“Does it matter?”

“Not particularly.”

“If you really want to know, it’s Iga.”

“Just Iga?”

He remains silent. You sigh and return the courtesy “I’m Nobuyasu.”

“Aye, nice to meet you - Ah! I found the map.”

You grab a random katana and scurry to Iga’s side to examine the map. This whole place was really a huge maze, with many dummy rooms to throw off potential infiltrators. The boss’s room is located just a few corridors away, that’s where you’ll be headed to retrieve your weapons. Other than that, the exit was actually quite near.

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>>4682872

However, just as you’re discussing the best course of action, you hear loud footsteps outside, belonging to about five people. Cursing under his breath Iga puts a finger over where his lips would be, telling you to remain silent.

You hear a familiar voice. “Where’s Guro? Wasn’t he supposed to be guarding the armoury?” It’s the leader of the group that captured you, and he’s got your blades strapped on his waist.

You grit your teeth in frustration. “Those are my blades.” you whisper angrily.

“Right, but now’s not the time to act rashly. We should wait for them to pass. That is, if they even do pass.”

Another set of footsteps enters the fray. “Boss, this is bad! Denji and Kentaro are dead, and the ninja and Hiroshi boy are gone.”

“WHAT?!? FIND WHERE THEY ARE, ESPECIALLY THE HIROSHI BOY. ONE OF YOU CHECK THE ARMORY NOW.”

“Y-yes sir.”

One of the bandits enters slowly with a torch in one hand and a katana in the other. The rest remain outside, to your misfortune. You turn to Iga who tells you to bust out of the armory and turn right on his signal. You think he’s crazy but you don’t have much of a choice. “Will you be fine?” Iga responds only with a nod.

The bandit slowly makes his way around the armory, and just as he’s about to stumble upon your hiding spot, Iga makes his move, slashing his throat with his wakizashi. Covered in blood, he gives the signal for you to run. Overwhelmed with fear, you have to force your legs to move and make a mad dash for the entrance. Just before the bandits outside can react, you hear a loud boom followed by smoke filling the narrow corridor. “Turn right, turn right.” you repeat to yourself.

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>>4682877

The stinging in your left leg makes running uncomfortable, but you continue. Only a few seconds later, you hear three screams and the boss cursing. Before you know it, Iga catches up to you, his clothes stained dark red, and hands over your blades.

“I took a few of them down, only managed to injure the boss though.”

“You okay?”

“Yeah, just got a small cut. I’ll be fine.”

Based on your current speed, it wouldn’t be long till you reach the exit. But, you suddenly stop, prompting Iga to ask what’s wrong. To your left is the room where the other prisoners are being held.


>It is the duty of a samurai to save innocents. ”We should free the other prisoners.” [Roll 3d15 - 35 to succeed before bandits come.]

>It’s too risky right now to save them. ”It’s nothing.”

>other

Rolled 3, 6, 14 = 23 (3d15)

>>4682878
>It is the duty of a samurai to save innocents. ”We should free the other prisoners.” [Roll 3d15 - 35 to succeed before bandits come.]

Rolled 2, 2, 14 = 18 (3d15)

>>4682878
>It is the duty of a samurai to save innocents. ”We should free the other prisoners.” [Roll 3d15 - 35 to succeed before bandits come.]

Rolled 8, 3, 1 = 12 (3d15)

>>4682878

>It is the duty of a samurai to save innocents. ”We should free the other prisoners.” [Roll 3d15 - 35 to succeed before bandits come.]

>>4682948
>>4682965
>>4683119
we suck

>>4683132
It is better to die following the tennents of Bushido than it is to live without them.

>>4683132
rolls go according to cannon

>>4682948
>>4682965
>>4683119

>23
Oooooof.

>>4683239
Well said!

>>4683132
>>4683250
LOL

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>>4683357

You point to your left. “We should free the other prisoners.”

Iga’s jaw drops. “Huh? Are you insane? We don’t have time! We gotta go now!”

“It’s the duty of a samurai to save innocents.”

“You’re gonna get yourself killed!”

“Perhaps. But we can’t just leave them there.”

“Tch. Stubborn idiot. Suit yourself, I’m going off.”

“That’s fine. Thank you for helping me so far.”

Despite the wild trembling in your hands, you clutch the key to the cells as Iga runs off toward the exit. The fear and pressure is crushing, but you quickly rush into the room and begin to unlock the nearest lock you find. Most of the prisoners are asleep, but the ones that are awake look at you with dread, especially the women. However, before you’re able to unlock all the cells, two frantically running bandits spot you. “GUYS, WE FOUND THE HIROSHI BOY. HE’S AT THE CELLS”

In a situation like this, one needs to analyse quickly and choose the best course of action. In an instant, many thoughts flood your mind. Compared to the corridor outside, the cell room is cramped and narrow. The former would be better suited to your sword style. After all, the Toumi style was developed in the vast plains of Toumi prefecture. Wide space is where the style truly excels. However, that’d mean you have to face potentially multiple opponents, who knows when the others will arrive? The latter would be effective in singling out opponents, but leave you at a disadvantage technique-wise.


>I’ll fight with how the Toumi style is meant to be used. Fight outside. [Roll 3d15, +3 modifier for more space.]

>Being outnumbered means death. Fight in the cell room. [Roll 3d15]

>>4686328

Apologies for the shorter post today. Have to study for a test on Wednesday.

Rolled 2, 15, 6 + 3 = 26 (3d15 + 3)

>>4686328
Well given we fucking suck, I'm going to say take the modifier. Since I'm hoping that the addage that "it only takes one strike to end the fight" holds true and a high enough roll can cut them both down.

I dunno any warcry's for luck so. . . HONOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUR!

>>4686328
>Being outnumbered means death. Fight in the cell room. [Roll 3d15]
getting surrounded doesn't sound good. I hope this ends with us getting our weapons back, instead of bleeding out like a dog, lol

Rolled 8, 1, 12 = 21 (3d15)

>>4686414
forgot to roll

>>4686370
>>4686417
Okay, the next person to vote, be fucking lucky.

Rolled 8, 15, 10 = 33 (3d15)

>>4686328
>Being outnumbered means death. Fight in the cell room. [Roll 3d15]

>>4686725
Pretty decent if I do say so myself.

>>4686725
You know, Probably the best roll we've had all quest. Yami we suck.

Anyway, I think 30 is a pass, so good job man

>>4686370
>>4686414
>>4686417
>>4686594
>>4686725
>>4686726
>>4686815

Post will be up tomorrow. If no more votes, I'll choose the option with the higher roll.

Rolled 5, 12, 12 + 3 = 32 (3d15 + 3)

>>4686328
>>I’ll fight with how the Toumi style is meant to be used. Fight outside. [Roll 3d15, +3 modifier for more space.]

Rolled 10, 12, 13 = 35 (3d15)

>>4686370
>>4686414
>>4686725
>>4688057

We're pretty equal in terms of votes and rolls so I'll write a mix of both and throw in my own roll.

>>4688789

Holy fuck, we hit a crit.

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>>4688790

You choose both! Quickly drawing your wakizashi, both bandits enter the cell room, one blocking the other, the perfect chance to strike. With a deep breath, you dash in close and perform a low horizontal slash. Perhaps caught off guard or due to a lack of skill, the bandit doesn’t react in time and looks down in panic at his spilling guts. Still, there is no time to lose, you follow up with an upward slash toward his neck that, though hit the target, is not a clean cut. The blade is lodged firmly in the bandit’s throat, clutched against his windpipe.

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>>4688830

“Crap, it’s stuck.” without much of a choice, you quickly draw your katana and send a cut toward the other bandit. Your battojutsu was never the best, so the bandit is able to deftly deflect the strike. However, he is also forced to move back a few steps in the open corridor, a perfect chance for you to move out of this cramped area which would obstruct the attacks of your relatively long katana. The bandit doesn’t leave any room for respite and thrusts the tip of his sword towards your head as you move out. You dodge in time but end up with a small cut along your right cheek. Weaving under his extended arm, you make a circular cut which the bandit only narrowly avoids, leaving him bleeding along his sword arm.

The duel is far from over and the more time you waste on the bandit, the more time his friends have to arrive. You can already hear distant running, the fight would have to conclude within the next strike you reckon, or there wouldn’t be enough time to unlock the rest of the cells. It’s risky, but there is one technique that you could employ in this situation - ‘Swaying Grass’ which you were drilling just before your departure from Hiroshi castle. Typically, it’s used to fell multiple opponents when one is surrounded and/or to allow for one to reposition, but in this case, there is only a single target, making things all the simpler. “All or nothing, hope this works out.”

You take a few steps back. Your sword is held by your waist, you bend your knees slightly, straighten your back, and plant your left leg firmly in front of your right. Immediately, you make an explosive dash toward your target, your whole spirit placed resolutely behind this single attack.


Without even realising it, you find yourself staring into blank space, unaware of what transpired over the last few seconds. The bandit is nowhere to be seen.

You’ve felt this before, maybe a handful of times during training, the feeling of making a good cut. The feeling of a sword wishing to return to its scabbard.

It’s sublime. Beautiful even.

You feel a warm feeling along the left side of your waist but ignore it and wipe the blood off your blade before instinctively sheathing it. Turning around, you find the bandit lying on the floor soaked in a pool of his own blood. “Did I really do that?” you can’t help but ask yourself. Still, no time to lose. You hurry back to the cell room, retrieve your wakizashi, and unlock the remaining cells. This time, the fearful looks of the prisoners are replaced by those of hope and excitement. Good timing too, as from what you can hear, the remaining bandits are just about to reach where you are.

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>>4688832

With a loud triumphant voice, you tell the prisoners “Quickly, we must move!”

Seventeen people follow you to the exit. It’s still night time, and the tall bamboo forests obscure the pale moonlight above. Your anxiety mounts as you hear the rest of the bandits, slowly catching up. One of the men in your party steps forward, and with his weak, parched, voice tells you of their nearby village with Peacekeepers stationed there. Your whole group sets out with haste, the male villagers leading the way, the women in the middle, and with you fortifying the rear.

Somewhere along your escape, you see a humanoid figure by the side, sitting against a tall trunk of bamboo. You get a little nervous. “Could the bandits have reached this far out already?” But when your group nears its position, it does not react, only sitting there idly. You get even closer, and to your surprise, find Iga sitting against the bamboo clutching his bleeding stomach. His almost lifeless eyes meet yours.

“We meet again, Nobuyasu. As you can see, I’m not meant to stay in this world for much longer... Do me a favour and end my suffering, would you?”

The earlier bravado in his voice is no longer present, replaced with only a somber sadness.


>End his suffering.

>Save him. [Bring him along with you on your back.]

>Ignore.

>other

>>4688833
>End his suffering.

>>4688833
>Save him. [Bring him along with you on your back.]

>>4688833
>Ask if anyone here knows healing, if not just bind his wounds and bring him with us

>"Today is not a good day to die"

>>4688873
And maybe a differing comment is
>"Aren't your sort meant to be magical immortals?"

Just to sort of reference his ninja tales.

>>4688833
>Save him. [Bring him along with you on your back.]

>>4688843
>>4688864
>>4688873
>>4688948
>>4689491

Looks like we'll save him. Post will be up tomorrow!

>>4690319

You are conflicted, but with reluctance, say, “Today is not a good day to die.”

He looks at you stunned, more so than when you said you’d save those people. He tries to respond, but all that comes out is violent bloody coughing and incoherent gasps. You turn to the group of villagers, still continuing to move and ask them to stop. “Is anybody here a healer?”

The villagers turn to face you and Iga. Some of them put on unwilling looks when they glance at the gaping wound in Iga’s stomach, while others just look away with unease. After a long drawn silence, one of the women raises their hands. “I-I know a bit of healing.” Your face brightens a bit, but just as you are about to request for help, the man who spoke up earlier comes forward. “Wait, Tomoko. Great samurai, with all due respect, we don’t have time to fully tend to his wounds... Who is this person to you?”

The man was right, there wouldn’t be enough time to fully tend to his wounds. Yet, you couldn’t just leave him to die here.

“He’s the one that helped me escape - Or to be more exact, the reason I was able to escape at all. I understand that it’s not possible to fully tend to him right now, but please at least bandage his wounds! I will carry him to the village!”

Another round of unsettling silence ensues, lasting longer than the previous one, followed by hush whispers from the villagers. Overcome with desperation, you kneel down on both your legs, hands firmly planted on the ground to support your body, with your head almost touching the floor.

You plead once more. “Please. Allow me to help him…”

The man, now a bit worked up, hurriedly asks you to lift your head. “You do not need to do this, samurai. It would be too cruel of us not to help another one of our saviors. Tomoko, please bandage his wounds.”

The young lady named Tomoko steps forward without question and tears a long strip of cloth from Iga’s ragged clothing, quickly wrapping it around his flesh wound. “That should do it. Without proper bandages or ointment, I can’t do a better job than this… I’m sorry.”

You drop down to carry Iga up onto your back with the assistance of a few other villagers. “This more than I could ask for, you have my gratitudes.”

The man nods. “Let us depart.”

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>>4691593

In the distant horizon, you see shades of orange start to appear. Perhaps due to the cover of night and the shade of the bamboo trees, your whole group manages to traverse the few kilometers of woodlands and arrive at a large clearing where their village is located without any of the bandits finding you. Your sudden presence alerts the two Peacekeeper guards stationed at the village entrance.

“Halt!” one of them shouts. “State your business, where did all of you come from.”

The man steps out of the crowd. “This is our village, we managed to escape from the Takekage bandits.”

“Escape? How?”

The villagers move away to reveal you in your exhausted state carrying Iga on your back, barely conscious.

“A samurai?” His gaze immediately lands on the mon on your scabbards. “A samurai of the Toumi!?!?” You are too tired to say anything, only barely listening to the Peacekeeper talking with his partner.

“Apologies for my earlier rudeness, milord. Allow us to accompany you and your companion to the village doctor. The rest of the villagers, please follow my friend over there to confirm your identities.”

You and the villagers breathe a sigh of relief. Finally, it’s over.

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>>4691595

A few hours later, you’re sitting on the floor beside Iga who’s now lying in a futon in the doctor’s hut. His mask is off, exposing a few scars on his face, similar to the one you now have on your right cheek. There are also numerous scars and marks on his entire body, no doubt from actual combat and training.

Suddenly, you hear the thin wooden door slide open accompanied with a mouth-watering fragrance. It’s the doctor, and in her rough wrinkled hands is a tray of food. “Awake now are you? You should rest more. Even though your injuries aren’t as heavy as your friend’s over there, they aren’t light either.”

“I’ll be alright, granny. I’m more worried about him.”

“Right. Please eat up before the food’s cold. Help your friend eat as well.”

You smile warmly. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it, if it wasn’t for you two, my apprentice would still be stuck with those brutes back there.”

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>>4691598

A while later, one of the Peacekeeper guards, who introduces himself as Iwasaki Minato comes to visit you and ask some questions about the bandits. You reveal all that you know from what you remember.

“Thank you, Lord Hiroshi. Your information will be a great help to us with dealing against the Takekage bandits. Please enjoy your stay, and do not hesitate to call me if you require any assistance.”
>”Thanks, I’ll call you if I need to.” [Dismiss]

>”Tell me about the village.”

>”Tell me about the great swordsmen and martial schools of Nakatomi.”

>other (you can pick multiple questions and/or write your own)

>>4691599
>Tell me about the village?
>Tell me about the martial schools
>If you do manage to find the leader, would you return my swords to me? [Give them a description of said swords]
>Thank you, I'll call if I need you

So I've a theory, Perhaps they knew our family name by watching a few of the torney's in our town and picking up the name in passing

>>4691599
>”Tell me about the great swordsmen and martial schools of Nakatomi.”

>>4691599
>”Tell me about the great swordsmen and martial schools of Nakatomi.”

>>4691634

>If you do manage to find the leader, would you return my swords to me? [Give them a description of said swords]

Ah, about this, Iga already retrieved them from us when he smoke bombed the boss.

>Perhaps they knew our family name by watching a few of the torney's in our town and picking up the name in passing

Somewhat related, but not quite ;)

>>4691738
Man stole those fuckers in the middle of the smoke?

Oh. . . Well now he's just silly for thinking that we wouldn't repay the kindness twice over.

>>4691698
>>4691634
Those

You know what else surprises me? that Nobu actually took the time in the middle of an escape to get on his knees and beg for a serf's help to bandage an injured stranger.

I get that he's a perfect conceptual samurai and all, but the extent surprises me.

>>4691599
>”Tell me about the village.”

>>4691634
>>4691650
>>4691698
>>4691738
>>4692269
>>4692340

Got it. Writing soon after I finish up some stuff irl and do some planning.

>>4692294
To add some context to this, for most of his life, Nobuyasu has only been treated with kindness and respect by serfs and peasants. Remember that his two closest friends from his home, Ito and Aiko, are peasants.

Hope this gives a bit of background. Gonna include tidbits of this in the next post as well.

>>4692491

Oooof, forgot to put name.

>>4692496

RIP, different trip as well for some reason.

>>4692514
it's fine. your id is still the same

>>4692491
It's not that he's been treated well by peasants, it's his utter lack of pride or his apparently well trained ability to put it aside completely.

Since most peasants wouldn't readily Kowtow for help unless the situation was dire, his willingness and ability to do so was the shocker again given he was part of the ruling class.

>>4692491

“Actually, if you don’t mind, tell me about this village and the great swordsmen and martial schools of Nakatomi prefecture.”

“I’d be honoured to.”

And so, Minato begins telling you all that he knows. “Of course, the most well known school in Nakatomi is the Nakatomi School itself. As you know, it’s famous for its Nitoryu, giving proficient masters an edge in speed and ferocity. However, less well known is the Senmori School, a direct rival to the Nakatomi. While the Nakatomi School fights with a katana and wakizashi, warriors of the Senmori School fight with two katanas instead.”

You are intrigued by this difference. In your head, you can imagine two samurai of the rival schools battling out, but without ever seeing any of the styles in action, the scene is vague at best. “What’s the difference?”

“With two katana, one can unleash deadlier attacks at the expense of the speed and maneuverability that comes with using a wakizashi in concert with a katana.”

“That does make sense.” Holding two katana would definitely be more physically taxing.

“Indeed. Have you heard of Banshou Ichirai?”

The name sounds familiar, sounds like someone you read about in the numerous historical scrolls in Hiroshi castle. Then, you remember. “That Banshou Ichirai? The legendary blind general of the Minamoto?”

Minato gives you a nod. “Yep, that General Ichirai, though he’s retired now. After the Unification War 30 years ago, he became a monk and wandered the lands of Kiyoshu before ultimately settling in Nakatomi 15 years ago to form Mekura-Ji Temple.”

“Strange, why’d he become a monk?”

Shrugging his shoulders, Minato continues. “No one knows. Perhaps he wanted to ponder the path of the Buddha after years of fighting in the Unification War. Either way, he’s now training monks in the art of the spear, halberd, and glaive. The Blind Warrior Monks of Mekura-Ji Temple, they call them. But don’t let the name fool you. Not all of them are blind, they just train with blindfolds on. To be honest, it’s quite scary that they can fight without their sight.”

“That’s… certainly impressive.” The tone of your voice can’t exactly mask your astonishment.

“Those are the only schools I know of that’ll be worth your time, and if it means anything, it’s said that the Sword Saint Kusunoki Enmei has trained with and challenged all three schools at some point in his journey.”

The Sword Saint eh? Greatest swordsman in the realm, without equal under heaven. Thinking about it makes you nauseous. Just what kind of skill and mastery did such a man possess?

>>4694816

“Moving on to the village. This is Kiga village, located halfway between the prefecture capital Moriyama and the Nakatomi-Toumi border. I was born and raised here. It’s a decently sized village, and would be pretty quiet if not for the appearance of the Takekage Bandits a few months back. There are about 150 villagers residing here.”

“I see, thank you for the information. You’re dismissed”

Minato prepares to leave, but just before he’s about to exit the room, he turns around. “By the way, milord, there’s going to be a tournament held in Moriyama in a few weeks, if you’re interested in that sort of thing.”

Your eyes widen a little. It’s been a while since your last tourney, so it wouldn't be bad to compete again (even though you’ll probably score last place). Maybe with a bit of training at one of the schools mentioned, you’d stand a better chance.

Just as Minato steps out of the room, you hear a voice from behind you accompanied with some coughing.

“Why did you save me?”

Glancing back, you find Iga with his eyes open. “Great. You’re awake!”

“Answer the question.”

A bit blunt, but okay.

“Well, why wouldn’t I save you?”

“I probably slowed down the group by quite a bit. The bandits could’ve tracked you down, y’know? And why would you humiliate yourself by kneeling to peasants? Aren’t you the son of a lord?”

“I’d bear greater shame if I failed to save a person who’s greatly assisted me. Without you, I’d most likely be rotting in that cell without ever picking up the sword again.”

“Heh. You’re a weird one I’ll give you that. Anyway, I’m greatly indebted to you this time, and I’m a man who pays back my debts in full. So, how about it? Why not allow me to serve you for the time being.”


Your next destination is
>Nakatomi School in Moriyama

>Senmori School

>Mekura-Ji Temple


Employ Iga?
>Yes

>No

>>4694818
>Mekura-Ji Temple
>Yes
His name is IGA. Of course we're going to hire the rival of the Koga clan.

>>4694818
>Mekura-Ji Temple
>Yes

>>4694818
>Senmori school
Physically more taxing, but it's also a school using Katanna's which we can use with our families own style as well, should the needs arise.

The blind temple, while very interesting, doesn't actually train you in swordsmanship, which is what we want, as nobles and people who have dedicated most of our lives to learning.

>Yes
Maybe friends too

>>4694869
>>4694884
So why do you guys want to go to the temple? What's the reasoning?

>>4694818
>Nakatomi School in Moriyama
I'm a dexfag at heart, so i gotta go with this.
>Yes
our own personal ninja, how could we refuse.

>>4694933
it occurs to me we have a Wakizashi, so I'll change from >>4694886 to Nakatomi.

>>4694910
The general seems like an interesting character

>>4695012
I suppose but what do we gain in regards to our swordsmanship for training under them? Fighting without sight is nice and all, but only if we were any good to begin with.

>>4694818
>Mekura-Ji Temple
>Yes
Because fighing in the night would be a talent.

>>4695046
>>4694910
Our guy isn't good at sword-fighting. Physically, he is capable as any other student or master his age. This means there is something wrong with his mentality, training, spirit, or style. Going to a retired blind master is literally the best move for him to expand his horizons and thought process.

>>4695067
>>4695109
Bit of a doublepost there mate.

But I disagree on counts of mentality or spirit and style. Then the remaining one is training, which is right, we need a master to help there. I don't think that master however should be someone who doesn't train people in swords, because we are not important enough [probably] or persuasive enough to convince him to make an exception/he may just not use them

>>4695131
Which is why I deleted the first one.

He is a legendary blind retired military general from the war who dedicated the second part of his life being a spiritual leader of men. His mind is a treasure trove of knowledge, experience, and insight into a world we have no way of experiencing, both literally and figuratively.
There is more to fighting than just swinging a sword.

>>4695146
Of course there is. I'd just really appreciate being able TO swing a sword before this new tourney turns up, because coming last again would just suuuuuuuuuuck.
My concern and priority is "Gaining a proficient amount of skill with our katanna" and then "use the basic competency we possess and expand upon it with legendery old man" because as it is, we are inept. Not "on par" inept.

But who knows, we know our families style, perhaps he'd have a way to get it to sink in better. Rote practice hasn't.

>>4694818
>Nakatomi School in Moriyama

I agree with wrktKoKd that the Mekura-Ji Temple would serve as best after we've increased our skill

>>4694818
>Nakatomi School in Moriyama

>Yes
we can also learn some badass Ninjutsu from him!

>>4694869
>>4694884
>>4694933
>>4694968
>>4695047
>>4695819
>>4695906

Will write the post in about 2 hours. Until then, votes will still be counted.

>>4694910
>>4695012
>>4695046
>>4695109
>>4695131
>>4695146
>>4695157

One of my favourite things about running quests is seeing anons discuss the options. :D

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>>4695906
Dishonirubu!

That being said, man saved our life and we saved his. Always good to have a friend like that.

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>>4695934

“Have a ninja follow me, eh? Wouldn’t be bad at all.”

“Then from this day forward, until my debt has been repaid, I, Hayashi Iga, will serve you to the best of my ability. Weathering honour and dishonour, loss and victory. Loyal to the bitter end.”

You’ve never seen or interacted with a ninja before. Do they always swear such deep oaths when they’re employed, you wonder You can’t help but feel impressed. Wait. Did he just say his surname was Hayashi?

“Hold on. Hayashi? As in, that Hayashi clan?”

Your jaw almost falls slack. The Hayashi clan is renowned all around Kiyoshu as a legendary ninja clan with few equals. All members are trained from birth in the arts of Ninjutsu, assassination, espionage, survival, and an array of other auxiliary skills. In which case, it seems unusual that Iga would’ve been captured by low-level bandits, but you feel it wouldn’t be appropriate to ask… Yet.

“Indeed. So how should I address you, milord?”

Damn, what a change in tone, nothing like the Iga from before.

“Well, just call me Nobuyasu! We’re friends right? Or at least, I consider you my friend.”

Maybe it’s your imagination, but Iga’s gaze seems to soften a bit upon hearing your words.

“As you wish mi- Nobuyasu.”

Now, time to rest a bit more and decide on a destination.

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>>4697378

The following days pass by quietly, it should be about a week since you’ve arrived in Kiga village. When you walk around, the villagers seem quite happy to see you and bow respectfully. Sometimes, some of the kids, mostly boys, come and ask you to teach them the way of the sword. Of course, you turn them down. Not only because you feel unsuitable to be a teacher, but also because boys their age shouldn’t be swinging a sword just yet.

Your wounds have pretty much healed up as well and Iga is in much better shape. Pretty soon, it would be time to leave the village and resume your journey. After all, it’s only just begun and every day spent resting is a day not spent preparing for the Taiyo Festival in a year.

As usual, your thoughts drift like the wind and sway like the waters in your idle time. You ponder many things, and many things seem to enter your mind. You wonder how things are back at Hiroshi castle. Are Ito and Aiko doing well? What about your father and brother? Not that you’re particularly fond of them, but they are still your flesh and blood. Come to think of it, they were acting certainly strangely after your father’s meeting with the Daimyo.

Most of these stray thoughts would dissipate once you picked up your sword to do practice. Yet, for the past few days, you can’t help but recall your life and death scuffle with the two bandits back at their hideout, the one that ultimately led to your escape. You remember it vividly, the feeling of steel meeting flesh, of your body overflowing with adrenaline, the feeling of fighting against numbing fear. Perhaps that's what people call the heat of battle, and in it, you took away two lives.

During your escape, you didn’t think much of it. What mattered more was your life, Iga’s life, and the life of the villagers. But now, in the safety of Kiga village, the gravitas of what you had done dawns on you. Those were two lives, granted, they were the lives of scum who tried to take yours, but lives nonetheless.

At some point, they probably had families and friends to return to. Then somewhere down the line, circumstances forced them down the path of banditory, assuming that they weren’t born cruel and evil in the first place.

Your final strike may have been well-executed and maybe even graceful, but could the same be said for the act of killing? Is this what the path of the sword amounted to?

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>>4697380

Eventually, you and Iga’s wounds fully heal over the course of more days. The villagers all head to the village gate to see you and Iga off, loading you with supplies for the road. Iwasaki Minato being the one to personally escort you away.

“So milord, have you thought of where you’ll go?”

“I’ll be heading straight to the capital to train with the Nakatomi.”

“Ah, a fine choice, just follow the road north and you should be there in a few days. I myself have had the opportunity to train there a few times. The disciples are good and the master is wise. Send him my regards.”

“Will do. Once again, I’m really grateful for the hospitality of your village.”

“No no, it’s our pleasure to host you. Our only regret is not being able to supply you and your companion with horses for the journey, damn bandits took all the grown ones.”

“Not a problem at all.”

“Then I wish you safe travels, milord.”

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>>4697382

The road is uneventful, but at least you have Iga to talk to when he’s not high up in the trees, and no bandits to kidnap you. His unfortunate capture, as he describes it, was indeed unfortunate. While moving along the treetops to return to the Hayashi stronghold, he mistakenly grabbed a rotted branch and fell into a group of Takekage bandits. The rest was obvious.

It appears today would also be another uneventful day, but your boredom is quickly washed away by the sight of arched castle rooftops in the distance, signaling that your destination is just an hour or two away. In your excitement, your pace quickens and you head straight ahead through a clearing of bushes, only to be filled with a grave sense of crisis.

Within a matter of milliseconds, a knife comes flying down from the tree tops, pinning an arrow in flight like a hawk swooping down to catch a squirrel. Any later, and that arrow would be lodged nicely in your forehead. Iga quickly descends from above and lands silently in front of you, wakizashi drawn and ready to spill blood.

You snap back to your senses, instinctively unsheathing your katana and entering a defensive stance. In front of you is a young man dressed in green, two swords strapped by his waist, bow string taught with two arrows. The moment his intense gaze lands on you, you feel as if he’s seeing through your entire being. That no matter what you do, his arrows will land true.

“State your name, samurai of the Toumi. What business do you have sneaking up on me.”

Whoah, you’re at least 15 meters away from him and he can clearly recognize the small mon on your scabbard? This man is not so simple.


>”Nobuyasu. I’m headed for Moriyama, I was just passing by.” [Give name, no surname.]

>”Hiroshi Nobuyasu, of the Hiroshi clan, vassal of the Toumi. I’m just headed for Moriyama.” [Give full name.]

>”Isn’t it proper etiquette to introduce yourself before asking for someone’s name?”

>Stay silent.

>other

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Sorry this post took a while. Was originally gonna post it earlier today but had to settle things outside.

>>4697385
>It is proper Etiquette to introduce yourself first
Regardless of if he does or not.
>Give full name

The man's a disciple or master of the school we wish to learn at. I'm inclined to believe he is one of the graduates though.
All the same, he deserves respect for his eyesight and skill with the bow

>>4697385
>”Nobuyasu. I’m headed for Moriyama, I was just passing by.” [Give name, no surname.]

>>4697385
>”Hiroshi Nobuyasu, of the Hiroshi clan, vassal of the Toumi. I’m just headed for Moriyama.” [Give full name.]

>>4697385
>”Hiroshi Nobuyasu, of the Hiroshi clan, vassal of the Toumi. I’m just headed for Moriyama.”

>>4697436
>>4697651
>>4698406
>>4698414

>”Isn’t it proper etiquette to introduce yourself before asking for someone’s name?”

>”Hiroshi Nobuyasu, of the Hiroshi clan, vassal of the Toumi. I’m just headed for Moriyama.” [Give full name.]

Writing now!

>>4698420

Your stance is firm, feet rooted deep to the ground, katana tightly held in your hand. “Isn’t it proper etiquette to introduce yourself before asking for someone’s name?”

The man in green doesn’t seem too amused but replies anyway in a rather curt tone. “Tadatoshi. Nakatomi Tadatoshi.”

You’ve heard the name before, but only from brief mentions from your father at the dinner table. Nakatomi Tadatoshi is the middle child of Lord Nakatomi. This isn’t looking to be a great start, you managed to somehow get into a scuffle with a member of the Nakatomi clan before even reaching Moriyama.

“Hiroshi Nobuyasu, of the Hiroshi clan, vassal of the Toumi. I’m just headed for Moriyama and happened to pass through here.”

“Hiroshi Nobuyasu… Firstborn of Hiroshi Takamichi?”

“That’d be correct.”

“Didn’t know the Hiroshi were fond of ninjas. What business do you have in Moriyama? I don’t recall the clan receiving any notice of your arrival.”

“Sounds about right, my father wouldn’t spare the effort for me. I’m intending to train with the Nakatomi school for a while.”

He’s been tugging at that bowstring for a while now and there’s not even a slight tremble in Tadatoshi’s hands. It’s clear he’s very adept in the arts of archery. A long drawn silence passes, and he slowly undraws his bow, quickly putting back the two arrows into his quiver. You and Iga follow suit, sheathing your blades.

“Right. Moriyama is just a bit further ahead. Move along and stop disturbing my training. Also, make no mention of meeting me.”

A simple nod is all you give.

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>>4698881

Moriyama is beyond anything you imagine. The streets are lined with trees and bamboo, fine shophouses and buildings are perfectly interwoven with the natural landscape. Up the river that flows through the center of the city is the castle of the Nakatomi.

“Nobuyasu, you go on ahead to the Nakatomi school. I think it’ll be better if you head there alone. Don’t think they take kindly to ninjas.”

“What about you?”

Iga hands you a small bundle of black beads with a strong sulfur smell to them.

“I’ll be nearby collecting information and such. If you’re in trouble, throw this on the ground.”

“Got it.”

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>>4698882

With a bit of asking around and following street signs, you find yourself at the mouth of the Nakatomi dojo located just beside the castle. Its size is comparable to the Toumi dojo back in Minashi, maybe just a bit smaller. At the entrance is a middle aged man in the same green garb as Tadatoshi, albeit more neatly kept. Before you’re able to say anything, he sighs and gives you a pitied look.

“Give it up kid. You’re the seventh one to show up today.”

If it were any other young lord this man was talking to, perhaps he’d be beaten bloody for disrespect or forced to kneel in submission, but you didn’t care much, only showing him the mon on your scabbard. His expression quickly morphs from one of disinterest to that of panic.

“A-apologies, milord. Please allow me to inform Master Nakatomi of your arrival.”

Just as quickly as he leaves to enter the dojo, he returns with a somewhat calmer composure.

“Please enter, milord. The Master looks forward to your arrival.”

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>>4698886

You follow the man inside, the sounds of wood colliding and creaking entering your ears. At the center of the hall are two disciples unleashing wave after wave of attacks on each other, wooden practice swords in both hands. The tempo of the battle is fast and ruthless, however, you can tell the battle is in its final stages.

One disciple sees a supposed opening and advances, but is parried and pushed back - a moment of carelessness. Seeing that he fell for the bait, the other disciple lunges towards his neck and just stops short by less than a centimeter.

“STOP! Yuji, you’re too easily deceived by your opponent. Especially when he’s worn you down. Miyagi, your attacks are still too sloppy, work on your left hand more.” an old man observing the battle from the other side of the room shouts.

The man beside you steps forward and kneels on one leg.

“Master Yasashiku, I’ve brought our guest in.”

“Very good. Return to your seat.”

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>>4698889

As the man walks off to the side of the hall, Master Yasashiku turns his whole attention onto you. Everything from his posture, to his expressionless face and his slightly narrowed eyes, feels like he’s putting a thousand pound weight on your back. Under the influence of such an imposing presence, you even find it hard to breathe straight.

“I am Nakatomi Yasashiku, 11th head of the Nakatomi school. What is your name?”

“Hiroshi Nobuyasu.”

“Why have you come here, Lord Hiroshi?”

“I wish to train with the Nakatomi as part of my warrior’s pilgrimage.”

Whispers begin to break out among the other disciples until Master Yasashiku raises his hand, immediately ceasing the quiet talking.

“Is that so? Personally, I don’t have much objection to that. In fact, it might be good for the other disciples here to spar with a swordsman of another school. Hopefully you’re different from the independent swordsmen that drop by often. They usually leave within the hour. For starters, let’s have you duel with one of our intermediate students.”

The master is certainly direct, but this much was expected anyway.

One of the disciples by the side stands up. He looks to be about a year younger and has a similar physique to yours.

“Master! Allow me to face this samurai of the Hiroshi!”

“Very well. Lord Hiroshi, that disciple is Goto Asahiko. Though he’s been training for a few years, he’s still got a ways to go. But nevertheless, he is competent in his own right. I hope you don’t take offence to having to face him rather than some of our more advanced students.”

“It is my honour to face a student of the Nakatomi school.”

“Good.”

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>>4698890

As you move to one end of the center of the hall, Asahiko grabs a wooden katana from another disciple and hands it to you. He moves to the other end and assumes a stance you’ve never seen before. In his left hand is a wooden katana identical to the one you’re holding. In his right hand is a wooden wakizashi held up high, pointing at you. His feet are separated about a shoulder width apart with his right leg in front of his left.


What’s your plan?
>Better to take the initiative to control the rhythm of the battle before your opponent can catch you with his unfamiliar style. [Roll 3d15]

>You aren’t familiar with the Nakatomi style, it would be better to act defensively and react to his attacks. [Roll 3d15]

>other

Rolled 12, 8, 5 = 25 (3d15)

>>4698892
>You aren’t familiar with the Nakatomi style, it would be better to act defensively and react to his attacks. [Roll 3d15]

Rolled 3, 7, 14 = 24 (3d15)

>>4698892
>Take the Initiative

The person who controls the flow is the person with the advantage.
Keep a pressure on them and they cannot retaliate. Lets try and not look like a fool

>>4698984
>>4699028
5 and 6 short of a pass, from prior experience. Though this new swordsman may also have to roll, in which we might still have a shot.

Rolled 2, 4, 5 = 11 (3d15)

>>4698892
>Better to take the initiative to control the rhythm of the battle before your opponent can catch you with his unfamiliar style. [Roll 3d15]

Lets hope for a good outcome.

Rolled 6, 5, 3 = 14 (3d15)

>>4698892
>You aren’t familiar with the Nakatomi style, it would be better to act defensively and react to his attacks. [Roll 3d15]

No time to write today, so votes will run until tomorrow.

Rolled 3, 7, 14 = 24 (3d15)

>>4698892
>>You aren’t familiar with the Nakatomi style, it would be better to act defensively and react to his attacks. [Roll 3d15]

>>4698984
>>4699509
>>4701195

>You aren’t familiar with the Nakatomi style, it would be better to act defensively and react to his attacks. [Roll 3d15]

>25

Writing now.

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>>4701231

It’d be safer to play this defensively, so you adopt a defensive stance, taking note of your attack range and trying to estimate your opponent’s. After all, you’ve only seen fragments of the Nakatomi style so far. Charging in recklessly will just be inviting trouble. Asahiko also seems cautious of your first move. Unexpectedly, he breaks his wary demeanor and charges forward shouting at you.

“Prepare yourself!”

What a loud person. There wasn’t anyone like this back at the Toumi dojo. He makes a forceful downward swing with the wooden katana in his right hand which you reflexively block with your own wooden katana. It feels easier than usual to push back, but quickly approaching your right hip is the wakizashi in his left hand which prompts you to circle around to avoid it, creating some distance in the process.

He responds almost instantly, turning around and thrusting with his katana. You only narrowly deflect the strike, only to be met with a slab of wood smacking against your stomach. Then another strike comes flying to your side, your right shoulder, and finally your left thigh. Asahiko didn’t hold back at all, sending you to the ground.

The ache in your bones flares as you try to support yourself back up.

“Another bout?” You say panting.

“My pleasure.”

Much of the same happens, but this time you manage to cram in more leverage for yourself, even getting some opportunities to counter-attack. Still, you’re sent to the ground again.

“Again.”

“You sure?”

The determination in your eyes tells him all he needs to know, but determination isn’t enough to win fights unfortunately. Over and over again, you fall, getting up each time till you’ve pretty much lost track of the number of rounds fought. Yet, with each fall you feel like you gained some insight into the art of the sword. Footwork, positioning, battle sense, speed. All of it was being honed in those small battles.

If possible, you’d like to keep it going, but your body was probably at its limit now. You only had one more round left in you, you reckon.

“One more time.”

“You’re barely in any shape to fight now. Just give it up for now! What’re you trying to prove?”

“Nothing.”

“Guess I’ll have to knock you out for you to stop.”

Asahiko charges at you once more, this time with greater speed and ferocity than before. Which blade he’s going to strike with first is a mystery, he could even slash with both at the same time, but from prior experience, you had a general idea of where he’d attack. He had a preference for attacking to your right with his wakizashi, and a preference for striking at your upper body, just below your chest.

Instead of blocking or dodging like you’ve been doing, you follow the first thing that comes to mind. He likes to attack high? You’ll just go low. However, you notice something strange.

Why is he moving so slow?

Whatever. No time for such stray thoughts during combat.

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>>4703077

Letting painfully ingrained muscle memory guide you, you crouch down into a kneeling position, your blade drawn back in line with your body. Using all the energy you can muster, you direct it to the tip of your toes to propel yourself forward. When Asahiko is just at the very edge of your attack range, you make a wide sweeping slash.

Reed Cutter! A special technique of the Toumi style, one that took much longer than it should’ve to just learn.

The top edge of your wooden katana meets Asahiko’s right ankle, but only touches it. Before you’re able to sweep him off the floor for a change, you feel a paralysing weakness as black engulfs your vision.

>>4703079

When you regain consciousness, you find yourself in a futon. The last thing you remember is your sparring match with Asahiko which puts you on high alert. Your eyes spring wide open and your breathing quickens. If it weren’t for the flaring pain in your whole body, you’d probably have jumped up and tried to defend against a non-existent attack.

“Calm down. Your fight ended 5 hours ago.”

Looking in the direction of the voice, you see a man dressed in green.

“Tadatoshi? Where am I? What’re you doing here?”

“Nakatomi dojo. I live here. Master told me to tend to you.”

“I see. Thanks… Wait, you live here? Don’t you live in the castle?”

“You ask too many questions.”

His next bandage is extra tight, causing you to whelp in pain for a moment before you can say anything.

“My job is done. I’ll call master in.”

“What for?”

“Ask him yourself.”

Tadatoshi disappears from your sight without a word. Only a few moments later, Nakatomi Yasashiku enters the room, carrying the same intense gaze as before.

“I’ll be honest, you’re a pretty stupid kid...”

Huh? Did he just come in here to say that?

“...But you sure have spirit. Nothing like those ronin that come and try to challenge us. So even though you lost all those rounds, I’ll let you stay and train with us under one condition - That you take better care of your body. Your parents only gave you one of it y’know.”

“I understand…”

“Good. Now that that’s settled, got any questions? About your fight earlier, or anything else? If not, your training begins in three days.”


>”What’s up with Tadatoshi?”

>”Was it just me, or was Asahiko moving really slowly in that last battle?”

>”I’ve nothing to ask.”

>other

>>4703080
>”Was it just me, or was Asahiko moving really slowly in that last battle?”

>>4703080
>”Was it just me, or was Asahiko moving really slowly in that last battle?”

>>4703080
>Was it just me, or was Asahiko moving really slowly in that last battle?”

>>4703080
>Was it me or does he move slow?

>>4703080
>Was it just me, or was Asahiko moving really slowly in that last battle?”

Won't be a post today. Exam week starts tomorrow, so post frequency/length will decrease. But I'll try my best to keep up with posts!

The plan is to conclude the first thread with the tournament at the end of the current arc. Hopefully we can reach it before the thread gets archived.

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“Was it just me, or was Asahiko moving really slowly in that last battle?” You ask, suddenly remembering that strange occurrence.

A slight grin breaks out on Master Yasashiku’s face.

“Oh, was that what it looked like to you? Interesting… I wouldn’t consider him slow, but you were certainly very fast with that last Reed Cutter of yours. Heh, none of us were expecting you to pull something like that out after all the beatings you received.”

He pauses, and stares into the distance somewhere in the room, looking like he’s reminiscing about something.

“Whatever the case, remember that feeling well. Take this time to think about what to work on and come back in three days. I’ll be taking my leave now.”

Though you find his words vague, you are nonetheless grateful for getting actual advice.

“Thank you for your wisdom.”

The next day, Goto Asahiko comes to visit you first thing in the morning with two pieces of bread. He sits down beside you and hands you one of them.

“Good morning, Lord Hiroshi.”


“Just Nobuyasu is fine, the Goto and Hiroshi are of similar standing among the many clans anyway.”

“Ah, alright. Then you can just address me as Asahiko as well.”

You take a bite out of the bread in your hands, savouring the fluffy texture before quickly swallowing.

“What brings you here so early?”

“Nothing much. Just wanted to see if you were okay, hope yesterday’s duels didn’t take too much of a toll on you.”

“Haha, you really didn’t hold back then. The Nakatomi style is really something. Extremely deadly in close quarters.”

“Indeed, but I still have a ways to go. Will you be participating in the Moriyama Spring Tourney?”

That must be the tournament that Minato spoke of before you left Kiga village.

“I should be, if all goes well.”

“Splendid! Then I hope to face you then, but remember, once you’re down, you’re out for the whole tournament.”

“I’m familiar.” A bit too familiar…

The two of you chat for a while longer before Asahiko heads off for his training. You lie back down in your futon staring straight at the ceiling, both hands behind your head. So you’ll be facing Asahiko again. Thoughts of how to beat him stir deep in your mind through the day. Multiple battle simulations run through your head, all ending in abrupt defeat, prompting you to question whether that last bout was a fluke.

At the same time, you can’t get too focused on beating just him. It’s a tournament after all. If the both of you aren’t matched together in the first bracket, then you’d have to fight your way to him.

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>>4707383

Some time later in the afternoon, you hear the sliding of wood in a direction not from the door which puts you on guard. Turning around, you see a man covered from head to toe in black crawling through the small space and landing without so much as a sound.

“Yo, what’s the situation?”

“Iga?”

“That’s me.”

He stares you up and down, paying particular attention to the bandages covering most of your limbs.

“How’d you get so hurt?”

“It’s a long story…”

You tell him everything that’s happened since you entered the dojo yesterday, only skipping a few trivial details, but going quite in depth with the description of your duel. Perhaps Iga has some advice on how to fight against the Nakatomi style.

“I’m not the best with direct combat, but I think the last call you made to attack from a distance was the correct decision. And about that slow motion thing. It might not be relevant, but sometimes when moving around the treetops, the branches feel like they’re coming at me real slowly. Makes them easy to grab.”

“Got it. Anyway, what’ve you been up to.”

“Listening to rumours, collecting information. The usual. Are you interested in that Moriyama Spring Tournament?”

“Yeah.”

“Turns out it’s one of the larger tournaments held in Nakatomi. They have one of these each season. So I don’t think you need me to tell you, but that means the Daimyo’s sons are participating, which includes that Tadatoshi guy. Word is that his older brothers are prodigies, but I didn’t manage to dig up much on the man himself. Apparently the only thing people really know about him is that he practices archery in addition to the blade, which we already knew.”

“Thanks for the information. Good work out there.”

“I got another piece of info as well. Though it doesn’t really concern us.”

“Shoot.”

“I overheard from some official in town that our neighbour to the East, the Great Xu Empire is having some trouble with barbarians from the north. Just thought I’d share.”

“The Great Empire of Xu huh?”

You space out for a moment. With mention of Xu, you can’t help but think of your cousin, Ashikaga Fukumatsu, who returned to Xu many years back. Is he doing fine? You wonder. Then you wonder if the question is even worth worrying about since his talents rival that of Ieyasu’s.

“Apologies if it’s irrelevant.”

“No no, it’s fine. Just continue what you’re doing.”

“Aye.”

Iga points to where one of your inner pockets where you’re keeping that black bead he handed you.

“Remember to call if you’re in trouble.”

>>4707384

You pass the second day pondering on your skills as a swordsman. Now that you have some real combat experience under your belt, it’s pertinent that you extract out the relevant insights and improve.

The third day arrives. Your body isn’t fully healed, but it’s recovered enough to get back to training. Some of the bruises still hurt when you move, but you soldier through regardless. It’s early morning, as the birds chirping outside seem to want to tell you, and you quickly make your way to the dojo.

Lined by the sides are rows of disciples, Asahiko included, and at the far end of the hall is Master Yasashiku. You bow respectfully when you enter his presence.

“So, what do you seek from this dojo?”


>”I wish to receive instruction on how to strike with the same speed and power as the Nakatomi style.” [Focus on offence]

>“I wish to receive instruction on how to defend against the Nakatomi style.” [Focus on defence]

>”I wish to receive instruction on how to maneuver better in the midst of combat.” [Focus on movement]

>other

>>4707386
Now consider, that we are a god damn terrible Samurai who's abilities so far have been lackluster to say the least.

But also consider that our every success has been focusing and striking incredibly quickly with our Reedcutter.
So with that in mind, I'm inclined to propose that we should focus on moving or offense. We planned to head to the old man to get our defense up without needing eyes, so I think we should go offense to get our reed cutter up to snuff.

>I would like tot learn how to strike with speed and power
>I would also like instruction on reaching the focus I did in that last bout, if possible.

>>4707386
>>”I wish to receive instruction on how to maneuver better in the midst of combat.” [Focus on movement]
A good strike starts at the foot. A good dodge as well.

>>4707386
>”I wish to receive instruction on how to strike with the same speed and power as the Nakatomi style.” [Focus on offence]

>>4707386
>>”I wish to receive instruction on how to strike with the same speed and power as the Nakatomi style.” [Focus on offence]

>>4707386
>”I wish to receive combat instruction." [Focus on stamina]

>>4707417
>>4707623
>>4707643
>>4707805
>>4707904

>[Focus on offence]

Exams end tomorrow, so next post will be up soon!

>>4708732

“I wish to receive instruction on how to strike with the same speed and power as the Nakatomi style.”

Master Yasashiku nods. “Very well. But I’m sure you’re aware of the differences in the styles of our respective schools. What wisdom I give may not be wholly applicable to your own swordsmanship.”

“That is to be expected. Even so, I wish to learn from the Nakatomi school.”

“Good. Then let us begin.”

At last, you begin your training with the Nakatomi. It starts off relatively easy with everyone carrying out sword swinging drills in unison. Following that is sparring, with disciples randomly picking out sparring partners. Instinctively, you turn to look at Asahiko who is also occupied. Darn. You’re the only one without a partner.

“Hmmm… I guess you’ll have to wait your turn.” Master Yasashiku says slightly embarrassed.

“That’s fin-” Before you can finish your sentence, he abruptly shouts toward the dojo entrance.

“TADATOSHI! GET YOUR ASS HERE AND SPAR.”

About to leave the dojo is Nakatomi Tadatoshi, with his bow strapped around himself and a quiver full of arrows ready to leave holes in some poor practice targets. With a dark expression, he walks toward you and the disciples.

“Why?”

“Oi, show some respect for the Master.” One of the disciples yells, only to silence himself when Master Yasashiku holds his palm out.

“Can’t you see our guest here doesn’t have a sparring partner?”

“He can wait.”

“No, is that how we treat our guests? You’re sparring with him.”

“I don’t want t-”

“Yes you are, or you’ll be kicked out of this dojo too.”

Tadatoshi is left speechless, preferring to glare daggers at you instead. After some tense silence, he acquiesces. “Fine.”

“Good, guess my nephew isn’t that bad of a brat after all. It’ll only be for a few weeks, and it’s only sparring. After that you can go back to what you usually do.”

Tadatoshi sets his bow and quiver by the side and picks up a wooden wakizashi and sword similar to the one now in your hand. His steps are heavy and deliberate as he walks up to you with an even angrier expression.

“Let’s get this over with.”

You nod and the fighting promptly begins. Without so much as a warning, he rushes toward you. His two blades held in a cross shape in front of him. He’s trying to end it in one strike, you predict. You support the back of your blade with your left hand, ready to meet his attack. Yet, something seems off about his form. At the very start of his attack, his legs are too close, causing his slashes to hit lower than intended and with less force, allowing you to swiftly parry both blades.

A chance to attack arises, one that you rush to take. Your hand is extended all the way to maximise the reach of your katana. Dipping your body slightly, you make a wide horizontal slash. The tip of the blade slices against the whole width of Tadatoshi’s chest before being stopped by his wakizashi.

>>4713463

Genuine surprise overcomes you. You can’t help but feel your attack was a fluke. The rest of the room, including Tadatoshi himself, also stares in disbelief. However, the air quickly reverts to how it was just moments before after Master Yasashiku screams for everyone to focus on their duels.

Tadatoshi stands there with a thoughtful expression, somehow looking even more serious than before. Master Yasashiku stands up from his seat and walks towards the two of you, placing his hand on Tadatoshi’s shoulder.

“You’re rusty. This is what happens when you skip training. If this was a real fight, you’d be dead.”

“If this was a real fight, he’d be dead before he could even come within five meters.” Tadatoshi retorts.

“That’s if you even have time to nock, draw, and loose your bow. He’s only a few meters away, y’know.”

“Tch.”

“Continue sparring, it’ll be good for you. You’re going to have to fight in the Moriyama Spring Tournament anyway.”

“I’m not going.”

“You have to. All sons of the Nakatomi are required to participate. This is something not even I have a say in. Anyway, you’ve gone every year and done decent, how’s this year going to be any different?”

Through all this, you just stand there perplexed. Looks like Tadatoshi had some complicated relations with the rest of his clan. Master Yasashiku proceeds to advise him on his technique and give you some tips on how you could’ve better executed the final attack.

After they’re done, Tadatoshi heaves a big sigh and readies his blade again. You two end up going at it for the whole two hours of sparring. After only a handful of bouts, something seems to click for him. His movements become quicker and more precise, but more frighteningly, his eyes seem to lock on to your every move, reading even the slightest motions, like an eagle locking on to its prey. Needless to say, he won every duel after the first few.

“Good... fight...” you say panting, but before you know it, Tadatoshi is at the door with his archery equipment and leaves the dojo. How eloquent.

After sparring, disciples are given time for self-practice, a perfect time to work on one’s identified shortcomings after combat. For you, it is a good opportunity to prepare for the demonstration ceremony of the tournament. Before commencing duels, tournaments typically have demonstration ceremonies where participants perform a technique or series of techniques. Appropriate targets would, of course, be provided in accordance with the swordsman’s request.

In past tournaments, you’d always keep the demonstrations simple. A clean cut speaks a thousand words, you’d tell yourself. This time, under the guidance of Master Yasashiku, perhaps you could try something more technical.

>>4713465

What do you choose to practice for the demonstration ceremony?
>Reed Cutter: A low and wide slash aimed at the ankles. You are somewhat proficient in this, but you fail to make a straight cut sometimes.

>Swaying Grass: Used when surrounded by enemies. The swordsman dashes to each target in a circular fashion and performs a series of fast, broad slashes. You are still learning this and are unable to handle more than two targets for now.

>Returning Wind: An attack made at the edge of the swordsman’s attack range while he propels himself backward to create distance. You are proficient in this and can pull it off rather consistently.

>Vast Plains: A circular slash performed with the blade fully extended. You are somewhat proficient in this, but cannot execute it with enough speed for it to be useful in actual combat yet.

>Work on your fundamentals. Do what you usually do and perform a single, clean slash.

>>4713467
>Returning Wind: An attack made at the edge of the swordsman’s attack range while he propels himself backward to create distance. You are proficient in this and can pull it off rather consistently.

>>4713467
>Returning Wind: An attack made at the edge of the swordsman’s attack range while he propels himself backward to create distance. You are proficient in this and can pull it off rather consistently.
I think with an ability to put some distance between us and the opponent, we'll fare better against attacking styles like the Nakatomi.

>>4713467
>Returning Wind
I want to pull this off "Consistantly" since we know how much difficulty we can have with the reed cutter.

>>4713467
>>Vast Plains: A circular slash performed with the blade fully extended. You are somewhat proficient in this, but cannot execute it with enough speed for it to be useful in actual combat yet.

>>4713467
>Swaying Grass: Used when surrounded by enemies. The swordsman dashes to each target in a circular fashion and performs a series of fast, broad slashes. You are still learning this and are unable to handle more than two targets for now.

>>4713467
>Work on your fundamentals. Do what you usually do and perform a single, clean slash.
beauty in simplicity. Also it's nice to start the tournament as an underdog/wildcard

>>4713477
>>4713521
>>4713563
>>4713737
>>4713798
>>4714311

>Returning Wind

Writing now!

>>4714734

You find yourself a decently sized corner of the courtyard to carry out your training. In the storehouses, disciples could take out bamboo poles or wound tatami mats to use as targets for training so you take out a few dozens. You drive one bamboo pole firmly into the courtyard ground, as did a number of other disciples in their own part of the courtyard.

“Let’s do this.” You tell yourself. Your blade gleams with bright sunlight as it’s taken out of your scabbard, accentuating the fine ripple patterns on the steel. You position yourself close to the pole with your blade held upright, your feet spread shoulder width apart, and your knees bent slightly. It’s been a while since you last drilled any specific technique due to having to be on the move, but the feeling of practicing kata never grows old for you.

To reduce the number of bamboo you need, you decide to target the very top of the bamboo, and work your way down with each repetition. In this way, you could also practice varying the height and angle of your slash with Returning Wind. A win-win for both you and the dojo.

You plant your right leg to the ground while your left leg kicks backward, causing your whole body to dip forward. To propel yourself backward, you direct strength to your right leg to push yourself back together with the momentum generated by your left leg. At the same time, you slash upwards from left to right toward the bamboo pole. A split second later, you hear the sound of bamboo splitting and yourself a meter and a half away from the pole. You could call this a good first try, at least.

From what you could make out while executing the attack, your blade made contact lower on the blade than it should've, which hampered the distance you could travel backwards.

Perhaps you needed to delay your attack more. You try again, this time slashing from right to left. However, your cut falls short of the bamboo pole. You delayed your attack a little too much. After more tries, you find it exceedingly hard to slice with the top of your katana. Making a cut was easy, but making a cut with a specific part of the blade requires control, especially while one is in motion.

>>4715055

By the time the bamboo pole is half gone, you probably only managed to get in a couple good cuts. Unbeknownst to you though, is that Master Yasashiku was observing all your attempts while also watching the other disciples. He steps forward from where he was standing.

“Are you practicing that for the demonstration ceremony?”

“Ah- Greetings Master Nakatomi. Indeed I am.”

“You’re gonna embarrass yourself if you give them a show like that.”

Ouch. But it’s probably true.

“I can tell your movements are well practiced. You’ve obviously drilled them for many hours before. However, they’re still sloppy. Just now you got some good strikes in, so you should pause whenever that happens and think about what’s different rather than immediately moving on.”

Hold on. Something like that should be obvious, but in your training sessions, you rarely sit down to ponder on your movements deeply other than during breaks, preferring to go by feel. You can only attribute this to your eagerness to do practice.

“Pay extra attention to your left leg as well and you should notice something.”

“Thank you, master.”

A few days pass, and each passes with the routine of waking up, sword swinging drills, sparring with Tadatoshi, and free practice. It seems like each day, the gap between you and Tadatoshi widens, but more likely, it’s that the gap was initially that big and he’s just brushing dust off his skills. Still, you’re actually making steady progress with Master Yasashiku’s advice.

One of the more crucial things that Master Yasashiku said is to constantly keep in mind your available attack options. For a style like the Nakatomi school, having two blades means that one’s paths of attack widen significantly. To fully utilise the Nakatomi style, one has to seize these paths of attack when they arise, and they can come up when one least expects it. During your duels, there was more than one time when you failed to see an opening that was there. Thankfully, this could be honed through doing battle.

Other than that, you begin to understand what Master Yasashiku was saying about your left leg. It controlled the amount your body dipped, and also a portion of the force used to move backward. More importantly though, depending on how much you kicked back your left leg, it made it easier or harder to slash at different angles.

Having a mentor sure is convenient. That damn instructor at the Toumi school got sick of teaching you and told you to stop coming.

One day, Master Yasashiku instructs everyone to take a break while he handles some matters.


In the meantime you...
>Talk to Asahiko.

>Talk to Tadatoshi.

>Practice Returning Wind in the dojo.

>other