Editing Memories of a Stone Wall (section)

===Act XXV: Advancing===
:>The Isawa, a man about my age with long, thin moustaches drooping past his chin, snarled at Monkey.
:>You insult my family and my clan! 
:>The Isawa produce the finest shugenja in the Empire and I will prove that! 
:>I demand satisfaction!
:>Toshiro stood up.
:>Really, you too?
:>I said nothing, however.
:>As you wish, Isawa-san.
:>The Isawa looked up at Toshiro, taken aback.
:>I assume you meant to settle this with Taryu-Jiai, did you not?
:>The Isawa looked to Naomi.
:>Do not look at her. I will be the Champion for my subordinate. She must save her magic to heal the contestants of this kenjutsu contest.
:>The Isawa looked to where Shoji sat.
:>Shoji nodded.
:>Fine!
:>Well, arguments, and the duels they lead to, were bound to happen once or twice during winter court.
:>I just didn't expect that Monkey and my wife would be provoking it.
:>At least she wasn't the one fighting it.
:>So the entire court headed outside into the snow.
:>The elemental forces called up in a shugenja duel could, and often did, result in collateral damage
:>So they were often conducted in as open a space as possible
:>I am Isawa Momotaro!
:>I am Kuni Toshiro.
:>Shall we duel with avatars, Momotaro-san?
:>The Isawa blinked at that.
:>Naomi explained to us.
:>In a Taryu-Jiai it is difficult to avoid injury.
:>Both parties seek to call up as many Kami as they can, and throw them at one another.
:>The one who overwhelms the other is the victor.
:>Moshi Aoi spoke up.
:>Hai. This method stems from the fact that it was trying to be faithful to the nature and spirit of an Iaijutsu duel between bushi, after all.
:>Naomi took over again
:>It is possible for a Shugenja who can use the strongest magics to instead create an avatar of their chosen element
:>This allows for safer duels, as the avatars battle one another, rather then the the shugenja battling directly.
:>Mantis-san spoke up.
:>So Toshiro-sama just told that Isawa he is a really powerful shugenja?
:>Hai.
:>We all looked on awaiting the Isawa's reply.

:>No, a standard duel will do just fine.
:>Toshiro nodded.
:>So you can't make one then.
:>Aoi-san giggled behind her sleeve.
:>He's making his opponent angry already, pointing out Momotaro-san's weakness.
:>The two faced off, and stared at one another.
:>Naomi spoke.
:>First they extend their senses, opening their minds eye to the Kami. They will try to see what kami their opponent intends to call, and how strong their connection is.
:>It didn't look to me like Tohiro was doing that.
:>While Momotaro was staring intently, Toshiro was leaning on his tetsubo with a bored look on his face.
:>I saw the Isawa's eyes widen with shock.
:>Naomi smiled. 
:>He sees just how powerful Toshiro is now.
:>He will surrender.
:>Aoi-san shook her head.
:>I don't think he will Naomi-sama.
:>He seems too proud to just give up like that.
:>Aoi was correct, the Isawa began to pray.
:>So did Toshiro.
:>Naomi shook her head.
:>Oh, that fool...
:>The snow began to swirl about, forming up and changing into great chunks of ice around the Isawa.
:>The earth itself rose up and flowed around Toshiro.
:>Toshiro's eyes were glowing with a green light, and his hair and Kimono whipped about as though in a storm.
:>Isawa Momotaro's eyes burned blue, his hair spreading out in a fan like a person floating in a pond.
:>Then the ice and the earth rushed towards one another and collided.
:>As both shugenja chanted more and more of their element poured into the swirling chaos that was the battle.
:>And the the roiling ball where their attacks collided burst.
:>I had to shield my eyes the light was so bright.
:>When I could see, the Isawa was laying a good ten feet away from where he had been standing.
:>I could tell because his sandals were still where he had been.
:>Toshiro had been forced back as well; there were clear marks in the snow showing where he had been pushed.
:>Another Phoenix ran to check Momotaro.
:>He's alive!
:>With the assistance of a Shiba they got Isawa Momotaro up and moving.
:>Toshiro thumpdraged his way back to us.

:>Toshiro waved Naomi away.
:>This scrapes are not even worth your effort, I only need a night's rest.
:>What about the pain?
:>What pain?
:>Oh. If you are certain then.
:>I am. Save your magic for those who need it.
:>A lunch break was called, most likely to allow tempers to cool after that display.
:>You think any more trouble will come from that little display?
:>Kitsuki-san nodded.
:>Officially the matter is resolved. The duel is over. 
:>Unofficially however we can expect reprisals.
:>However, I do not believe there will be significant increase over what negative attention we will already receive.
:>None of the Phoenix shugenja will aid us after this, that's about it.
:>I had to make certain of something though.
:>What about Naomi?
:>She was part of it.
:>No, as I said the matter is resolved legally.
:>Now, someone may try to pick a fight with her over some trivial thing because they are upset over this...
:>But I would not rise to such things, Ishigaki-kun.
:>Good.
:>Mantis-san ate lightly since he was going to be battling next.
:>We wished him luck and returned to our seats.
:>We were indeed getting dirty glares from the Phoenix Shugenja in the room.
:>I made it a point to glare at anyone who gave Naomi the stink eye.
:>The hostility became less open after I won a few staring contests.
:>Mantis-san would be facing Kakita Sakurada.
:>It was true the Kakita were more known for their single strike style, their emphasis in iaijutsu.
:>But they did not neglect more basic Kenjutsu training either.
:>Naturally, their Kenjutsu had evolved to build off the fundamental principles of their iaijutsu training, for when a duel lasted beyond the first strike, or on the battlefield.
:>Namely they relied heavily on speed, the way Hida relied on armor.
:>While I was considering that, I realized I knew nothing at all about the Mantis styles of Kenjutsu.
:>So... Mantis Kenjutsu...
:>Kitsuki-san and Monkey turned slowly to look at me.
:>It's pretty... good. Good at that thing, right?

:>The light in their eyes died a little as they realized I was ignorant of his technique even after all this time.
:>Aoi-san was the one who answered me.
:>I would say it is not good at that thing, or any thing for that matter..
:>The Yoritomo are sailors, it would not do for ones katana to be knocked from your hand and washed overboard after all.
:>Their use of easily replaceable weapons like kama is a practical choice.
:>Tsuruchi, the Wasp clan founder, broke his own Katana. It was not until the after the Mantis as a whole gained great clan status that the wasp began to practice any form of swordplay.
:>My own family has a simple style, for the Guardians of the Sun.
:>So, we are now pooling our knowledge, to make up for the primary bushi families of our clan having almost no kenjutsu technique at all.
:>I see.
:>So, what you're saying is, is that Mantis-san is fucked.
:>Amano shook his head.
:>I wouldn't say that Ishigaki-san.
:>Both you and Toku-san showed the strength of your school, despite lacking in advanced Kenjutsu training yourselves.
:>I looked at Amano
:>Really? Fine then.
:>I've got 5 koku on the Crane.
:>Ishigaki!
:>My wife followed up her chastisement with a light elbow
:>She must have thought I was joking, or she would be more upset with me, I think
:>I'll take that bet!
:>Monkey, of course.
:>Naomi-sama is right Ishigaki-san! Betting against your friend is horrible!
:>Thanks for the money, Monkey.
:>The two bowed and fell into their stances.
:>The Crane stood still, looking calmly at Mantis-san.
:>Who ran forward, past the Crane and struck at his hip in passing.
:>The Crane pivoted, catching Mantis-san's blade. 
:>A second clack followed the first as Sakurada-san anticipated Mantis-san's follow up.
:>Then Sakurada-san moved.

:>I had seen Mantis-san make use of his constant motion in battle before, I knew he could use his momentum to avoid attacks or to bowl over opponents.
:>Given the rules of the tournament, he opted for the latter.
:>I wasn't sure if using the former would have helped him, though.
:>Sakurada-san was able to gauge Mantis-san's strength well.
:>He moved his blade with speed, aiming for Mantis-san's temple.
:>Only to allow his blade to quickly slide off of Mantis-san's.
:>Amano whispered.
:>Oh, A feint!
:>Having drawn Mantis-san's blade out of position, the Crane struck him in the side
:>Then brought his bokken down on Mantis-san's wrists
:>Mantis-san's bokken clattered to the floor.
:>Kakita Sakurada bowed to Mantis-san and returned to his seat
:>I took Monkey's money
:>ISHIGAKI!
:>I gave her the money before she could elbow me again
:>I'm just thinking of our future, Hana-chan.
:>Ishigaki-san, if you need money you can just ask.
:>But that would be a loan. I earned this koku.
:>Uh...
:>Naomi looked at the money I had handed her.
:>Forgive me, Toku-san.
:>She put the money away, blushing as she did so.

:>Next up, a Dragon and a Unicorn.
:>Another small woman, with red hair.
:>Not the lightly reddish brown of some Lion, but a vibrant gaijin red, clearly betraying some foreign ancestry.
:>She was lean and well muscled, stripped to the waist, save a sarashi wrapping around her modest chest.
:>I am Moto Li-Ta! Prepare yourself!
:>The Mirumoto facing her was a thin fellow himself.
:>Lean and lanky, with a shaved head.
:>He was going topless as well.
:>A tattoo of a dragon coiled from his shoulder down his right arm and ended at his wrist.
:>This Mirumoto was only carrying a single blade.
:>My name is Mirumoto Sen. I am always prepared. 
:>Hello, Mirumoto!
:>Hello, Moto.
:>They took their stances.
:>Oh, I see what you meant about the Moto style, Ishigaki-san.
:>I looked at the two.
:>So, that isn't Niten?
:>Kitsuki-san pursed his lips.
:>No. And I am surprised to see a Taoist swordsman here.
:>A what now?
:>Samurai who seek enlightenment through mastery of the sword, as did Mirumoto and Kakita.
:>Though they choose their own path, rather then follow either of those two.
:>They train alongside the Togashi.
:>Is that tattoo...?
:>No. They train with the Togashi, but they are not monks.
:>Oh, okay.
:>What do you think Ishigaki-san?
:>About what?
:>The Unicorn!
:>Oh. I think she's in trouble.
:>I'm also wondering why the Unicorn keep sending out chibis to fight.
:>Monkey looked at me.
:>You know Unicorn can fight without being on a horse, right?
:>I pinched the bridge of my nose.
:>Yes Monkey, I know.
:>But the Moto style is meant to be used with their gaijin blades, maybe a no-dachi or nagamaki...
:>She won't be able to bring out her strength with that bokken.
:>Kitsuki-san nodded.
:>I agree.
:>Furthermore, the Moto style is best suited to the battlefield. Not a formalized match like this.
:>Oh. 
:>Moto Li-Ta made the first move.
:>With a ferocious kiai she hurled herself at her foe, swinging her blade one handed and seemingly wildly.
:>I knew it was not undisciplined recklessness, however.

:>The Moto school was strongly influenced by Fire.
:>All Kenjutsu styles, indeed all forms of personal combat are connected to Fire in some way.
:>But the Hida fight in the style of Earth
:>The Mantis in the style of Water.
:>The Shiba, fight in the style of Void.
:>As do the Mirumoto and Kakita, for both of those men sought to understand the whole of the world through their mastery of the blade.
:>The Moto, like the Matsu, were warriors of Fire.
:>Their burning rage consumed their enemies and scattered them to the winds.
:>The Taoist met her Fire with his own.
:>Surprisingly, there were no tricks used in this battle, no techniques. Just simple force colliding with simple force.
:>The two struck each other repeatedly exchanging blows.
:>Then.
:>MATE!
:>The Dragon signaled his surrender.
:>The Moto woman sagged, panting heavily. She had several red welts on her body that were already darkening up into deep bruises.
:>It was then that I saw the Dragon was cradling his arm.
:>A lump that could only be a broken bone distorted his tattoo.
:>A pair of Phoenix came and tended to them.
:>They bowed again and made way for the final match of the day.
:>The first to step up was a Shiba.
:>My name is Shiba Asahi.
:>He faced a Lion.
:>I am Akodo Yoshi. 
:>Monkey's jaw dropped. 
:>I know that name! He's a Kensai!
:>Ooooh. Now I was curious.
:>The Kensai were quite famous.
:>They were trained to fight like water, they sought to master every possible use of the sword, so they could adapt to every situation and foe they might one day face.
:>I wasn't the only one watching intently as these two squared off.

:>The techniques samurai used in combat did not come into being of their own accord, nor were they all gifts imparted to mankind by the Kami.
:>It was a long process of study, testing in combat, and refinement over the course of decades, even centuries.
:>It begins with basic knowledge of how to use a weapon.
:>Very basic.
:>The first techniques you learn are equally applicable with Katana, Wakizashi, or No-dachi.
:>They were then refined to work only with a single type of weapon.
:>Some of the things you could with a no-dachi you could not do with a katana.
:>In their quest to master the blade, great swordsmen went even further.
:>They combined several techniques into kata.
:>The elemental stances were the first kata, and now form the basis for all forms of combat, and are taught in every dojo in the Empire.
:>It was only by combining several Kata that the highest techniques used by the great clans were born.
:>The Kensai of the Lion clan studied kata deeply, ingraining them so thoroughly that they could shift from stance to stance and form to form without effort.
:>It is said that only the Kenku were better with the sword, and indeed, it was a Kenku who taught the first Kensai.
:>Given that Kensai were taught to master the step between basic ability and high technique, which were still being created at the dawn of the Empire when the older races had more contact with humanity, I could believe that.
:>A Shiba bushi was hardly inflexible though.
:>A Mirumoto or Kakita seeks to understand the world through mastery of their blade.
:>From one thing, know ten thousand things.
:>A Shiba approaches the world with a broad mind, seeking to understand the unity of all.
:>From ten thousand things, know one thing.
:>No one said anything, all were too focused on this bout.
:>The two warriors faced one another.
:>The Shiba shifted his stance first.
:>The Lion followed suit.
:>Step and shift.
:>Counter step, shift.
:>Step and shift.
:>Counter step, shift.
:>KIAI.

:>Akodo Yoshi struck as Shiba Asahi was mid step, closing the distance between the two faster than should have been possible.
:>If Asahi was caught off guard he did not show it, his face calm and passive as he shifted mid step and leapt back out of Yoshi's reach.
:>Shiba's movement was natural, practiced.
:>So this then was the advanced stepping of the Shiba School. I began to realize I undervalued such a simple thing.
:>Yoshi calmly returned his sword to a neutral position, taking a new stance.
:>This time he held his blade high, above his shoulder, edge to the heavens and tip pointing at Asahi.
:>The Shiba fell into a stance as he landed, but upon seeing the Lion's stance he began to shift again.
:>KIAI.
:>Again Yoshi struck while the Shiba was in mid movement.
:>Two blindingly fast thrusts came at Asahi, who sidestepped and tried to deflect.
:>Though out of position, he reacted with astonishing speed, a smoothness I recognized from all the times Naomi's Yojimbo had done so.
:>Yet, for all that speed, the Lion's focused precision won out, his bokken finding Asahi's shoulder.
:>Asahi was pushed by the thrust, and pivoted his hips to turn with the blow, slowing in to glance off his shoulder instead of dislocating it.
:>I could tell the Shiba was swimming deep in the void now.
:>How long could he touch the space between all things I wondered?
:>Everyone could find those moments of perfect clarity, where thought and action became one.
:>Monks said this was the ideal state of living, that the Enlightened were as one with all things at all times, and pursued it their whole lives.
:>So did the finest warriors, whose skill transcended the physical and entered into a spiritual realm.
:>But a person who had achieved Enlightenment was a very rare thing.
:>Someone so in tune with the world would appear less than once in several centuries.

:>Eventually, Asahi's concentration would slip.
:>Even as he fell back from the Lion's thrust, Asahi finally made his own move, sweeping low to high and then back down in a single motion.
:>Yoshi stepped to the side of the first strike, deflected the second off of his blade.
:>And snapped a strike at the top of Asahi's head.
:>The Shiba interposed his blade, but Yoshi adjusted his strike and hit his wrists instead.
:>Asahi managed to hold onto his blade, and countered.
:>Only for the Lion to not be where he was aiming.
:>Instead the Lion had fallen to his knee, and spun striking the Shiba in the knee, taking his leg out from under him.
:>Asahi fell.
:>The Kensai had won.

:>Shoji was not pleased with that.
:>The Karo was sweating a bit as he confirmed the lineup for the next days events.
:>Doji Rei vs Kitsuki Takeshi.
:>Hida Ishigaki vs Shiba Hotaru.
:>Toku Satoshi vs Kakita Sakurada.
:>Moto Li-Ta vs Akodo Yoshi.
:>We ate dinner amongst the courtiers, because of three of our group had advanced to the second round.
:>Aoi was unable to sit beside Kitsuki-san, so she settled for sitting across from him instead.
:>Everyone was discussing the day's displays loudly, many bringing up the differences between a spar like this and a battlefield.
:>I was not the only one who was certain that Matsu Keiji would have slain me in a real fight.
:>I did notice most of those who said so wore red, orange and yellow.
:>The other topic most discussed, but in hushed tones to those nearest the speaker, was the animosity between the host and my own group.
:>Of course it had not gone unnoticed.
:>...is his daughter?
:>...accusations...
:>...emerald... jade...
:>...bushi...
:>...very upset...
:>Well.
:>I did my best to ignore the gossip.
:>Though I could feel many eyes on me.
:>Word was getting around, though neither Shoji nor I acknowledged the relationship, that he was my Father-in-law.
:>I caught one Asahina giving Naomi a disapproving stare over her sleeve.
:>I stared at her until she noticed me.
:>Her fan fluttered as she dropped her gaze.
:>The Ikoma beside her hid his mouth behind his sleeve, but I saw his eyes crinkle up.
:>The way they would if one were smiling.
:>Fine, let them share a joke at my expense. But not at Naomi's.
:>Kitsuki-san leaned over, hiding his mouth with his hand as though he were chewing food.
:>They are hoping to bait you into a rude display.
:>I can tell that.
:>I didn't bother to hide my response.
:>In fact, I spoke just loudly enough that some around us could hear.
:>They should be careful what they wish for.
:>The whispering nearest us died down a bit, as cold eyes appraised me.
:>I calmly ate some more rice.

:>Oops.
:>Embarrassed giggle.
:>How clumsy.
:>I glance over.
:>Aoi had dropped a piece of shrimp.
:>Right into her cleavage.
:>This got a lot of attention, needless to say.
:>She fished the shrimp out with her chopsticks, set in on a plate, and handed it off to a servant.
:>Then wiped herself clean.
:>She now had the undivided attention of the entire table.
:>I wasn't sure if she was trying to defuse the subtle tension in the air, or just trying to seduce Kitsuki-san.
:>Likely both.
:>I glanced towards Naomi out of the corner of my eye.
:>She was looking at me.
:>I smiled, with my eyes closed and whispered just loud enough for her to hear.
:>I was just reminded of my favorite sake cup.
:>Naomi tilted her head, then her eyes widened as she realized what I had been talking about.
:>She had to look away, going very, very, red.
:>But she squeezed my hand under the table.
:>Once dinner was over we took our baths and returned to our rooms.
:>I had Daiko and Tetsute brought to our rooms from where the children usually slept.
:>I would not underestimate Shoji again.
:>Naomi gave me sad look as she saw them here.
:>You really think he would do such a thing, Ishigaki-kun?
:>I could tell her sadness came from the fact that she was no longer certain that he would not.
:>I think I will not take that chance.
:>Naomi looked down.
:>Hai. That is reasonable.
:>The children were looking at us both. They could sense their mother's mood.
:>Help me, Naomi?
:>With what?
:>I moved over to the stand where my armor rested.
:>...oh.
:>Naomi told the children to sit still.
:>She had a tone she could use with them that conveyed seriousness, without any hint of anger or disapproval, that got their immediate attention nonetheless.
:>They both sat quietly. Not formally, but quietly.
:>I could see their eyes widen bit by bit as Naomi helped me into my armor.
:>They had seen me in my armor a few times when I would return home; they had never seen me put it on before.

:>I could do it myself, all Crabs could don their armor unaided.
:>But it was a tricky thing to do. There were many laces to be tied. Most samurai needed several servants to don a full suit of armor.
:>Bit by bit, I readied my spirit as I donned my armor.
:>The ritual to don one's armor brought forth their full warrior spirit.
:>Preparing you to kill, to be killed.
:>That is part of the reason why it is taboo to wear one's armor in another clan's territory.
:>Even traveling through bandit infested lands, the act of donning your armor was declaring your intent to do battle.
:>In extreme cases, even one armored samurai could be seen as a declaration of war.
:>Daiko and Tetsute were both staring open mouthed now.
:>For a Hida bushi, their armor is like a second skin.
:>We train in it. We even sleep in it.
:>And we know every shortcut to donning it, so that we can put it on without aid faster than anyone else.
:>As such, we are better able to call up our marital spirit.
:>We can go from relaxed to unrestrained violence in an instant.
:>Or vice versa.
:>As such, while my children had seen me in armor, this was the first time they had been exposed to my killing intent, even though it was not directed at anything as of yet.
:>They bore it well.
:>Daiko scootched across the floor when I was done dressing, and reached up to touch my suneate.
:>She smiled.
:>Tetsute then followed his sister's lead.
:>Naomi got the children dressed for bed.
:>She curled up with one on either arm and slept.
:>I sat beside the door to our room, ankles crossed, with my tetsubo resting across my knees.
:>Nothing and no one would harm them while they slept.
:>I would see to that.
:>I emptied my mind, meditating, and kept watch over my family.

:>I got out of my armor and returned it to it's stand once the children decided they were hungry and woke Naomi up.
:>Then we all went down to breakfast.
:>Four matches today. Two in the morning, two in the afternoon.
:>We were joined by Amano-san, Aoi-san, and Ayame-san.
:>Ayame now wore a simple strip of black silk to cover her eye.
:>While I pondered the spiritual significance of the arrival of the triple A-team, the others engaged in the far less important task of discussing the coming bouts.
:>Aoi was certain of Kitsuki-san's victory.
:>After all, that Rei woman is an archer, not a swordswoman.
:>She only won her first match because her opponent let his guard down.
:>Manits disagreed.
:>She's still a bushi, and Kitsuki-san is still a courtier.
:>But Takeshi-san is well trained, she stands no chance!
:>Did that woman just call Kitsuki-san by his first name?
:>Everyone caught that.
:>Kitsuki-san sighed.
:>Please do not be so familiar with me, Moshi-san.
:>Oh, Kitsuki-kun! Why are you being so cold!
:>She leaned in and looked at him, fake hurt in her eyes.
:>I chuckled.
:>Yeah, Kitsuki-KUN, you should be nicer to our new friend.
:>Kitsuki-san tried to light my beard on fire with his stare.
:>It didn't work out for him.
:>Besides.
:>I continued.
:>It doesn't really matter who wins this next match because neither of those two can beat me.
:>Mantis-san scoffed.
:>Getting a little ahead of yourself there?
:>That Shiba was better than Ayame, but not up to the calibre of the other contestants. I may as well have a bye.
:>Monkey nodded.
:>Ishigaki-san's right about that much at least.
:>Only way the Shiba advances is if Ishigaki gets disqualified for accidentally killing him.
:>But then he wouldn't be able to put up much of fight in the next round, y'know?
:>Eyes were closed. Nose bridges were pinched. Temples were rubbed.
:>Mantis-san growled.
:>One day Monkey, I'm going to hurt you the way you hurt me.
:>Maybe, but it won't be in this tournament!
:>Big Ass Monkey Grin.