Editing Memories of a Stone Wall (section)

===Act XXIV: Kenjutsu===
:>The Karo began to announce the rules.
:>Single elimination.
:>Using bokken.
:>Those trained in the way of Niten would be permitted a second, shorter bokken. 
:>This is a challenge of Kenjutsu, after all, not Iaijutsu, and the second blade is the core of the Niten style.
:>It was at this point that Shoji stepped up beside the Karo and whispered into his ear.
:>The Karo's eyes widened, but only for moment.
:>A contestant will be eliminated if they are disarmed, fall prone, surrender, or are rendered unconscious. 
:>Those of ill health or frail bodies are encouraged NOT to participate, for while the best shugenja from the assembled clans will be on hand to treat the competitors, serious injury is still possible.
:>...and death, for that matter.
:>Though it wasn't said out loud.
:>Killing someone with a bokken wasn't easy.
:>Deep, heavy bruising and cracked bones were the most common injuries.
:>But it was possible to crush an eye, a larynx or to break a neck or crack a skull.
:>Of course, such a lack of control would be a shameful display, but not criminal.
:>For that matter, most Kenjutsu tournaments included a certain number of hits as a qualifier for victory.
:>This was done specifically to reduce the likelihood of injury, since you only needed to touch your opponent to win.
:>It was as though Shoji wanted people to get hurt.
:>I glanced up at him as the thought struck.
:>Our eyes met.
:>He was looking straight at me.
:>Oh. He DID.
:>So, this is the best you've got then Shoji?
:>Fine. I can handle this much.
:>The first match was Chibicorn against Doji Rei, the winner of the archery tournament.
:>They were both so small I thought we were sitting further back than we actually were at first.
:>Chibi battle, round one. FIGHT!
:>...fight?
:>Any day now...
:>Yet the two combatants just shifted stances at one another, occasionally taking a step and counter-step.
:>Hm, yes I see.
:>Kitsuki-san, of course.
:>Please, do enlighten us.
:>Rei is using a Daidoji style I think. It fits with her skill at Kyusutsu.

:>Monkey spoke up.
:>Yeah, you're probably right.
:>They have two they teach, don't they?
:>Kitsuki-san nodded.
:>One is for the battlefield, the other for Yojimbo.
:>Both are very defensive in nature.
:>The more battlefield oriented one teaches techniques that take advantage of allies.
:>One exposes themselves when attacking, so the Daidoji teach a style that limits that exposure.
:>Mantis-san snorted.
:>I decided I wasn't going to be shown up by Monkey of all people.
:>So I looked over Chibicorn.
:>Classic stance, almost archaic. And he wasn't a woman.
:>He's trained in the Shinjo style then.
:>Oh?
:>Yeah. If you saw the Moto style you'd know right away.
:>And the Utaku wouldn't teach men their Kenjutsu.
:>Right.
:>What do you know of the Shinjo style Ishigaki-san?
:>You know how Shinjo beat Hida? Run around, dodge, tap him a few times and call that a win?
:>Yeah, it's that with a few Gaijin tricks added in.
:>I was getting some cold stares from Monkey and Kitsuki-san.
:>So these two are both trained to defend and counter. Which is why this fight is so boring.
:>It will become very interesting once one makes a move, though.
:>Snort.
:>Chibicorn made the first move
:>He took the high stance, and Kiaied loudly.
:>Then struck.
:>Rei deflected, pushed back and followed through with a strike.
:>But Chibicorn fell back holding his bokken in one hand and twirling it in a circle.
:>It connected with Rei's blade, pulled in into the circle, and yanked the blade around.
:>What is THAT?
:>Gaijin tricks. Like I said.
:>Now Rei was the one exposed.
:>Chibicorn took proper hold of his bokken and thrust the point forward driving it into Rei's sternum.
:>There was a loud whuff as the air was driven from Rei's lungs.
:>Rei tried to sidestep and swing, but Chibicorn was already moving in his own sidestep.
:>He spun as he moved, bringing his bokken into his opponent's hip.
:>Rei went down to one knee.
:>Chibicorn looked at the referee who signaled him to keep going.
:>You had to be fully prone to be eliminated, not just on a knee.

:>He took a high stance and brought his bokken down.
:>Rei didn't try to deflect.
:>Instead she rolled backward onto their feet.
:>As chibicorn's bokken struck the floor Rei lunged forward hitting him in the temple.
:>Chibicorns head snapped sharply to the side, his whole body leaning over.
:>Blood dripped from the gash opened in his head.
:>Then he fell.
:>Naomi was the first one to reach him.
:>Kitsuki-san frowned.
:>That was dangerous.
:>Such a heavy blow to the head like that?
:>I could see Naomi using a more advanced healing spell, one that did actually repair a damaged body.
:>Chibicorn was able to stand.
:>The two contestants bowed to one another and returned to their seats.
:>Our next contestants were Bayushi Kentaro.
:>And Kitsuki-san.
:>Oh, oh boy.
:>I am not certain who to root for.
:>GYAH!
:>Seriously, stop DOING that!
:>Bayushi Amano, that ninja fuck, had one again joined us without anyone noticing.
:>Well, I know who will win!
:>Okay, this is ridiculous.
:>The Bayushi joining us without anyone noticing was one thing, but the MOSHI?
:>It is obvious that Kitsuki-san will be victorious.
:>I mean no disrespect, Amano-san, the Bayushi train fine swordsmen.
:>But the infamous Scorpion Feint will not work against Kitsuki-san's all seeing eyes.
:>No offense is taken, Aoi-san.
:>In truth, I suspect you may be right.
:>The two contestants bowed and took their stances.
:>Kentaro did not bother with a basic stance, but held his blade parallel to his shoulders, with his weight on his back leg.
:>Amano smiled. 
:>Yes cousin, he will not fall for simply pretending you are a novice.
:>Now then old friend, how will you respond?
:>Kitsuki-san took a low stance, his wooden blade held along the length of his waist, tip pointing behind him.
:>Oh! Wonderful!
:>I wondered at first what Amano was fussing over, then I saw.
:>Kitsuki-san was leading with his LEFT foot.
:>His body was covering his hands.
:>He was hiding his intentions from his opponent.
:>Kitsuki-san was trying to deceive the Scorpion.

:>So, this was now a battle of deception vs perception, and the winner would be the one better at BOTH.
:>Is that about right?
:>Yes, exactly that Ishigaki-san.
:>I don't see how that helps Kitsuki-san though, do you Amano-san?
:>There was always a feeling like something was very wrong whenever Monkey managed to say exactly what I was thinking myself.
:>Well, we would not expect to see such things save when sparring against a fellow Bayushi...
:>You're saying the Scorpion are better at tricking people than spotting tricks?
:>It may give the wrong impression, but I suppose you could look at it like that, yes.
:>Indeed, the staredown between those two was quite intense.
:>I could almost feel their spirits colliding.
:>People have said things like that before.
:>Some of the great treatises on the art of swordplay were often spiritual as well as practical.
:>Maybe I was finally starting to see the spiritual side of Rokugan.
:>Maybe I was just deluding myself with sweet poetry.
:>Kentaro stepped in quickly.
:>Strike First, Strike Last.
:>He held his blade parallel to his shoulders, tip pointing toward his right side.
:>Pulling back on his rear hand and moving forward with his front, he slashed at Kitsuki-san's eyes.
:>Then abruptly reversed his momentum.
:>Returning his blade right where it was, he spun to his right.
:>Driving the tip of his blade straight at Kitsuki-san's side.
:>Kitsuki-san leaned back from the slash to his eyes, and closed in.
:>He brought his blade up from the low stance.
:>And struck precisely where Kentaro's wrists were.
:>Hands numbed from the impact, Kentaro dropped his blade before it could reach Kitsuki-san.
:>Both contestants bowed as a Shugenja came over.
:>Kentaro waved him away, simply massaging his wrists.
:>Kitsuki-san returned to us.
:>You damaged his ego more than his body, I think, my friend.
:>To read him so perfectly, and convince him his feint had worked.

:>Then it was my turn.
:>I'm Matsu Keiji! Glad to meet you!
:>A bit informal. Not that I minded in the slightest.
:>Likewise, I'm Hida Ishigaki.
:>I've been hoping for a chance to fight you since the Sumai Tournament!
:>Matsu Keiji was a big fellow.
:>Only shorter than me by a few inches.
:>We both took high stances.
:>Surprisingly, Hida and Matsu Kenjutsu look very similar to one another.
:>But that is only what is on the surface.
:>The Hida style of swordplay leaves more openings than one would expect, intent on delivering powerful full swings that can cut even a horse and rider both, or an ogre.
:>Just like the Matsu.
:>But why they do this comes from two very different places.
:>The Matsu see no need to protect oneself when your foe should be lying dead at your feet.
:>The Hida style assumes it's students will be in heavy armor.
:>The Openings we leave will be covered by our armor.
:>Also, while the more advanced techniques of the Matsu continue to hone an invincible offense, the Hida style begins adding deflections, warding stances, and strikes meant to force your opponent back as one advances in the school.
:>Of course, I had yet to advance to those levels of Kenjutsu.
:>So Keiji and I were likely going to just hit each other with wild abandon and see which one falls over first.
:>The wild grin on his face told me he thought the same thing.
:>And he liked the idea very much.
:>Matsu. Crazy, all of them.
:>At the referee's signal, Keiji rushed at me.
:>I allowed him to make the first move.
:>I watched and waited as he rushed at me, and turned my blade just a bit.
:>His one blade came down, hitting mine.
:>My hands stung from the strength of the impact, but I tensed up my shoulders and held firm, letting his blow slide down my bokken, and away from me.
:>I could see he was surprised.
:>It was true I did not know any advanced kenjutsu techniques to defend myself.
:>Only the basic deflections.
:>But, I knew how to use them very well.
:>Some people do not put as much stock in the basics as they should.

:>Keiji laughed out loud.
:>GOOD! How about THIS then!
:>He whirled while back stepping, snapping his blade at my exposed side with one hand.
:>The circular motion added momentum to his attack. A crushing tidal wave.
:>I pivoted my hips, bringing my bokken quickly to my side.
:>As per the principles taught by Kobo Ichi-Kai, straight force must be turned aside, round force must be blocked.
:>However he dipped his blade at the last moment, striking the very end of my bokken.
:>I did not have the strength to hold back his assault.
:>And his blade passed by mine and into my hip.
:>He blinked as my body tensed under his attack.
:>He was too far back for me to attack.
:>And my feet would not move.
:>This is not good.
:>He flexed his own hands, and shook his head.
:>That was a neat trick there!
:>What did you do, when I hit you?
:>I borrowed some of Hida's Strength, that's all.
:>HAH!
:>Well then, I'm coming again! 
:>His attacks were too good, he struck with the force and then moved away like a river that rushed inexorably toward the ocean.
:>Though I had no idea HOW he could do such a thing, his blows rooted my feet to the ground.
:>A chill ran along my spine.
:>Fear?
:>This man made me afraid?
:>I could not hope to stop his relentless assault.
:>Then there was only one thing to do.
:>I closed my eyes and focused upon the kata I knew.
:>I would become as the earth itself, and endure his assaults until I had an opening to strike.
:>He struck my blade, passed me and hit me across the back as he did so.
:>It was all I could do to turn and face him.
:>Hmm. You know it's no fun if you can't even fight back a little...
:>Or what? Is your plan to break my bokken on your body or something?
:>I managed to keep the tremble out of my voice as I returned his banter.
:>Oh, I'm sorry were we fighting for real now?
:>I was just waiting for you to finish running around like a decapitated chicken.
:>His eyebrow twitched.
:>BWAHAHAHAHA! Man that's good! 
:>I like your attitude Hida Ishigaki-san!
:>Fine then, I'll crush you with my next attack!

:>I could see him begin to empty his mind.
:>Keiji was still out of my reach so he could take his time.
:>My defense, though basic, was very solid.
:>He hadn't been able to land any decisive blows, only barely reaching me.
:>He intended to change that.
:>I had heard the Matsu could paralyze a foe with fear due to the ferocity of their assault.
:>Until this day I did not realize how powerful that technique truly was.
:>I knew though, that I could not let his next strike land.
:>But I was already doing everything I could to cover up, yet he was still breaching my defense.
:>Very well then. I would have a very narrow window in which to attack him.
:>I had to make it count.
:>I shifted my stance, letting my own Fire burst forth.
:>He came at me, and I struck in between his steps.
:>I heard bones crack as I struck his right shoulder.
:>I followed through and then pulled my blade back, hitting a second time in the ribs.
:>It was not enough to bring him down.
:>It was enough that his own attacks were thrown off.
:>His blows landed, and I could tell he had broken several of my own bones.
:>He did...something as he struck me.
:>From my vantage point on the receiving end, I couldn't tell what.
:>My vision swam, but I remained standing.
:>We turned to face one another again.
:>He had not moved far enough that I could not reach him this time.
:>I could see his cracked and bruised ribs were making it hard for him to breath.
:>He panted at me.
:>Damn! You're a hard one, aren't you?
:>A bit, yes.
:>Heh. 
:>We both struck each other again.
:>I could tell he was used to doing battle while injured, and that he had some technique to further that ability.
:>As did I.
:>We were both on our last legs it would seem.
:>Our strikes fell upon one another.
:>I tasted blood.
:>It was harder to breathe than ever.
:>I suspected, dimly, that a rib had pierced into one of my lungs.
:>I planted the tip of my bokken into the floor to hold myself up, coughing up the blood in my mouth.
:>I looked around.
:>Where was he, where was Keiji-san?
:>I found him, face down.

:>I felt a cool gentle rush.
:>An unpleasant, but not painful, sensation accompanied my bones sliding back into place.
:>I hacked up some more blood, until I could breathe again.
:>I glanced down and saw the bruises fading from my body.
:>My Hana-chan was seeing to my injuries.
:>I glanced over my shoulder and was relieved to see Keiji-san sitting up, a Kitsu helping him to his feet.
:>He let out a whistle.
:>You hit pretty hard yourself there, Hida Ishigaki-san!
:>I gotta say though, I thought I shouldn't use that technique, that I'd kill someone for sure with it!
:>Not did I not kill you, you were still standing!
:>Matsu Keiji-san, you're a beast. I couldn't afford to hold back my blows either. Believe me when I say this: You hit harder than an Ogre.
:>That's some compliment! Thanks!
:>We bowed to one another and returned to our seats.
:>All the others, even Amano and Aoi-san, were staring wide eyed at me.
:>I closed my eyes. 
:>In a real fight he'd have killed me.
:>No way.
:>It's true. He was able to wound me that much with a bokken.
:>With a real blade in his hands I'd be dead.
:>Why didn't you move and hit him?
:>Amano, of all people was the one who answered that.
:>The Matsu teach a technique that causes their attacks to bring forth fear in those they strike.
:>It leaves them unable to move.
:>Truthfully, I do not know of many Matsu who would even think to use it the way Keiji-san did though.
:>Monkey san scoffed.
:>Oh come on, I've seen Ishigaki-san stare down Oni!
:>He's telling the truth Monkey. 
:>He scared me.
:>I'm not immune to the emotion, after all.
:>I said nothing more.
:>I was certain my opponent was not determined by random draw.
:>But I had overcome Shoji's first, and likely, best challenge.
:>If there was another warrior in the Empire more deadly than Matsu Keiji-san I had no desire to cross blades with them at least.

:>The next bout was the Shiba Gunso.
:>Against Shiba Ayame.
:>We exchanged confused looks.
:>I thought Ayame-san was going to keep a 'low profile', after the issue with my father?
:>We all did, Naomi-sama.
:>Amano unfolded his fan and cooled himself while he thought.
:>Mantis-san growled.
:>I don't like this.
:>The competition is rough, she shouldn't be in here.
:>Monkey pointed out something else.
:>If she wins, she's going to have to fight Ishigaki.
:>That was true. The first match of the next round would be Kitsuki-san against Doji Rei.
:>I would have the winner of this match.
:>Kitsuki-san frowned, putting his fan to his lips.
:>She faces her own Gunso, who is likely far more advanced in the Shiba style than she is.
:>Monkey commented again.
:>It'll be a battle of footwork.
:>Shiba's style teaches more steps than any other school, to maximize positioning.
:>I looked over at him, incredulously.
:>Just watch, Ishigaki-san. I'm right.
:>I wasn't doubting what had been said, I was doubting that it was Monkey who said it.
:>The fight began, and Gunso stepped forward.
:>Ayame stepped back.
:>They did this again.
:>They each stepped to the side, switching their stances up.
:>Gunso pulled back his blade and let loose a Kiai.
:>Ayame fell back several steps.
:>He simply returned his blade.
:>So that's his plan. Make her waste energy with excessive maneuvering.
:>He took calm forward steps, sliding his rear foot so he would always have stable footing.
:>Kitsuki-san, do you see that?
:>Yes. The variance is subtle, but that is definitely a distinct step.
:>Ayame took a short, quick step of her own to close the distance and strike at her gunso.
:>He anticipated it though.
:>No, the speed of his deflection... he baited her in.
:>He then struck, a slow overhead that she caught on her own blade.
:>The wooden swords ground together as he pushed strongly.
:>He over balanced her, and a scrape as his bokken slid along hers.
:>And into her eye.

:>The referee threw himself between the two instantly.
:>Ayame fell, holding her hand over her eye in shock.
:>Blood leaked from between her fingers.
:>Naomi rushed in to help her.
:>Another shugenja interposed himself.
:>Hida Naomi, please leave her to her own clan.
:>But I am a water tensai!
:>Nevertheless, the Phoenix Clan looks after it's own.
:>The gunso threw himself down in front of Ayame, head to the ground in a dogeza.
:>Forgive me!
:>That sounded like a real plea to me.
:>I looked over to Kitsuki-san, arching my eyebrow.
:>He means it.
:>Monkey snarled.
:>Monkey.
:>SNARLED.
:>That bastard! The gap in their skills was too obvious, he did that on purpose!
:>Kitsuki-san grabbed Monkey's wrist.
:>It looked just enough like an accident, though.
:>Ishigaki-san. 
:>Yeah?
:>This is Shoji's doing, isn't it?
:>...
:>Yeah.
:>And now you will face the Gunso next...
:>You will need to restrain yourself, Ishigaki-san.
:>Amano nodded. 
:>I can assure you, by the time you face him the whole court will know that you were friends with Ayame-san, and that you hold this against him.
:>I shot the Scorpion a glare, though out of respect for Kitsuki-san I said nothing.
:>I could not see his eyes of course.
:>Amano faced me directly and said, simply.
:>It has been done before.
:>A break was called, so the arena could be cleansed of any negative karma that may have been brought about by the 'unfortunate accident' and to allow the spectators time to collect themselves.
:>We went to visit Ayame-san.
:>A bandage wrapped around he head diagonally.
:>Blood stained it over her eye.
:>She gave us a brave smile.
:>It doesn't hurt, the shugenja's magic saw to that.
:>But, they said it was completely crushed, and I will not see out of it again.
:>Naomi threw herself down before Ayame with a cry.
:>Forgive me! I could have saved your eye, I know it!
:>No, Naomi-sama! No one blames you for this!
:>But, my father!
:>No. A Phoenix did this to me.
:>My Clan, did this to me
:>You are a Crab, Naomi-sama. Not a Phoenix.

:>I sat down heavily.
:>And cupped my face in my hands
:>I had completely underestimated the depths of Shoji's vindictiveness, the depths to which he would sink.
:>And to think, I had been worried that it was irresponsible of me to take my friends and family to Kyuden Hida.
:>The full depth of my folly was made clear to me, when the people close to me were in less danger within spitting distance of the shadowlands than my Father-in-law's castle.
:>Hana-chan. It is not your fault.
:>It is mine.
:>I told them about the 'conversation' I had with Shoji.
:>I couldn't quite bring myself to elaborate on the messier parts.
:>But I conveyed the important part.
:>We had argued, and I had antagonized him.
:>Amano shook his head.
:>I believe Isawa Shoji must have a copy of Tangen's Lies in his library.
:>If you cannot kill an enemy directly, infuriating them by attacking those close will cause them to make a fatal mistake.
:>Ishigaki-san.
:>I do not blame you, either.
:>I looked up.
:>I would not even be alive now if not for you and your friends.
:>Shoji is a vindictive man. He would have punished me for not following his plan even without your fight.
:>I couldn't help but notice she used no honorific.
:>If there is anyone I will hate for this, it is my gunso, who did as he was told even though it was wrong.
:>And the Shugenja, who made sure this wound would be permanent.
:>I thank you all for your concern, please, let me rest now.
:>We filed out, I was the last to go.
:>Leave him intact, for me, Ishigaki-san.
:>Okay.

:>The next battle was Monkey, up against Mirumoto Kokoro.
:>No question what style Monkey's opponent would use.
:>They bowed. 
:>Monkey assumed his stance.
:>Kokoro did not.
:>Kitsuki-san hissed "The Eight Directions!"
:>What.
:>Oh? You know this stance, Kitsuki-san? You are well versed, aren't you?
:>What stance. 
:>What the the hell are you talking about you crazy woman.
:>He's just standing there.
:>At the referee's signal, the Mirumoto walked up to Monkey.
:>He did not step. He walked.
:>And Monkey stepped back.
:>Kokoro snapped his blade at Monkey's neck in time with his own stride, stamping down with his foot as he attacked.
:>Monkey got his own sword in the way stoping Kokoro's attack.
:>Only for Kokoro to get closer and stab his short blade at Monkey.
:>Monkey leapt over the attack.
:>Okay. What the hell.
:>This didn't look like Kenjutsu, it looked like two untrained brawlers going at it.
:>Kitsuki-san nodded. 
:>Such is the simple grace of the Niten style. It seeks to make the swords one with their wielder, so that every movement and action is as normal as walking.
:>Amano agreed.
:>And the Toku teach that one must always strive to do what must be done.
:>It will be a wonderful match, each a natural fluid expression of their art.
:>I leaned in to Mantis-san.
:>Those two are out of their minds, aren't they?
:>Yeah. 
:>Just checking.
:>Monkey made several rapid thrusts, but Kokoro spun his blades in circles.
:>Though Monkey was able to make two thrusts in the time it took for one blade to make a full circle, Kokoro had two blades.
:>Every blade was pushed aside as Kokoro closed the gap between them again.
:>Then, when his blades were both outstretched to his sides, he brought them quickly together attacking Monkey in a pincer maneuver.
:>Monkey leapt back out of the way of the blades as they whistled past one another.
:>Then launched himself forward and struck at the Mirumonto as soon as he landed.
:>Thwack.
:>Monkey hit Kokoro across the chest.

:>As Monkey passed him, Kokoro whirled.
:>His body twisted in the direction of Monkey's strike, softening the blow.
:>As he spun, Mirumoto Kokoro brought up his blades.
:>Then brought them down.
:>He caught Monkey on both shoulders.
:>The force of the strikes pushed Monkey down onto his right knee.
:>Unlike Doji Rei, Monkey's opponent did not pause to look at the referee.
:>Kokoro knew full well the match was not over.
:>Kokoro was behind Monkey, who was on one knee and unable to move well.
:>And poised to strike again.
:>I could hear Kitsuki-san whisper.
:>'If the enemy attacks first, kill them'.
:>'If you attack first, kill them'.
:>'If you and the enemy attack at the same time, kill them'.
:>Though I had actually never read Niten, I assumed that must be what Kitsuki-san was quoting.
:>I realized I had misconceptions about the Mirumoto style.
:>I had assumed it a defensive style, as it taught the practitioner to shield oneself with their wakizashi, their honor.
:>The opposite was true.
:>As the Hida style taught one to let their armor cover the openings left when one attacks, the Mirumoto style used the short blade to do the same.
:>Kokoro had kept up a constant attack, putting pressure on Monkey from the moment the match began, let leaving Monkey no opening to safely attack.
:>And now, this match was over.
:>As Kokoro began to bring his long blade down, Monkey snapped his hips.
:>Switched from being on his right knee to his left knee.
:>And brought his bokken into and through Kokoro's ankle.
:>The Dragon's feet crossed over one another, and he fell, spoiling his own swing.
:>Still, Kokoro lashed out with his short blade even as he neared the ground, and struck Monkey on top of his head.
:>Kokoro hit the floor.
:>Monkey's head snapped down.
:>But he remained on his knee.
:>As the referee declared him the winner, he looked up with that stupid grin of his.
:>Monkey's Kenjutsu was nothing special.
:>Like most minor clans, it covered the basics yet lacked much of it's own personality.

:>But once again Monkey showed the Toku bushi was at his best when he had no chance of victory.
:>I heard Mantis-san's whisper plainly
:>Seriously. HOW does he do that?!
:>Shugenja came up to the contestants, but Monkey whirled and glared at the Isawa nearing him.
:>He exchanged bows with Kokoro, who still wore a shocked expression of his own.
:>Then, Monkey came over and bowed to Naomi.
:>HIDA Naomi-sama, please.
:>Monkey spoke loudly enough for many nearby to hear.
:>The Phoenix shugenja are poor healers; they could not save the eye of one of their own. 
:>I would rather place myself in your care.
:>Amano fluttered his fan.
:>Kitsuki-san just closed his eyes.
:>Of course, Toku-san. It is my honor.
:>So...
:>Monkey just snubbed the entire Phoenix clan, by suggesting the Hida family was able to produce Shugenja better at healing magic.
:>That went over about as well as you would expect.
:>The Isawa Monkey had turned down stormed over and began yelling.
:>Just what is that you are saying, Toku-san?!
:>Monkey looked over even as Naomi healed him. Not bothering with a scroll. She was showing off, just a tiny bit.
:>Did I stutter, Isawa-san?
:>Or am I wrong about Shiba Ayame-san losing the use of her eye forever?
:>Monkey.
:>With just a little help from my Hana-chan.
:>Was making the Isawa look incompetent.
:>And they were doing it on purpose.
:>As if that wasn't strange enough, I found myself exchanging incredulous glances with Bayushi Amano.
:>It wasn't the fact that Monkey, and my wife, were upset. We all were quite furious.
:>Nor did I find it all that odd that they would choose to strike back in some way.
:>Naomi would endure great abuse without a word of complaint.
:>But should she see someone else being abused she was often the first to act.
:>Monkey, though not as compassionate as my wife, found deliberate cruelty to be just as offensive .
:>What boggled the mind here was that after direct warnings from both Kitsuki-san and Amano that I must control my rage, it was THESE TWO that were acting recklessly.