Editing Memories of a Stone Wall (section)

===Act XXXI: Duelists===
:>The next day, Shoji announced the last event of the winter court.
:>An Iaijutsu tournament, to be fought concurrently along with a Taryu-Jiai tournament.
:>Most likely because you had to have an Iaijutsu tournament, but he also wanted to drive home his point about the power of Isawa Shugenja.
:>Toshiro grinned when he heard the news.
:>I looked over at Naomi.
:>Do not worry, Ishigaki-kun.
:>I will not participate.
:>Taryu-jiai are too violent; everyone gets injured.
:>I had been worried about exactly that, though for a different reason.
:>She was worried about hurting her opponent's, I was worried about her, and the baby she was carrying.
:>Winter was nearing it's end. 
:>She'd be starting to show, sometime next month probably.
:>Definitely had to keep her safe.
:>Oh shit.
:>I checked my riceball for ninjas, and realized I was only half-joking this time.
:>As if there weren't enough things to be paranoid about while Naomi was with child...
:>Monkey was going to enter the Iaijutsu tournament, which surprised no one.
:>Kitsuki-san was also going to enter, which did surprise me.
:>He saw my surprise.
:>I must do this, or I may end up wallowing in my grief forever.
:>I nodded.
:>I understood. You had to force yourself to take those first steps in the aftermath of loss.
:>I wasn't sure if it was good to do so much so quickly, but I trusted Kitsuki-san to know himself better than I did.
:>Just don't try to do too much too soon, alright?
:>He nodded.
:>I won't.
:>I brooded on it for a while, then entered myself.
:>Oh, I fully expected to lose in the first round.
:>But I wanted to apologize for my earlier insult to the spirit of the Iaijutsu duel.
:>I had made enough enemies at this court, I could at least apologize to the Crane this way.
:>There are times in every person's life when they must do things they truly never thought they would
:>Mourning the death of a Scorpion, making nice with the Crane? 
:>My father was likely shaking his head in embarrassment, if he could see me now.

:>When had said concurrently, Shoji had meant it.
:>The Iaijutsu tournament would be held indoors, while all the secret fuss had been in regards to the Taryu-Jiai tournament.
:>A wide dueling circle had been constructed, a large pond had been dug and many many logs gathered for a bonfire.
:>This ensured there would be ample Kami about for whichever element a duelist would choose to use.
:>And ensured there would be no widespread property damage from the release of raw energy.
:>So the final competition was not just bushi competing with bushi and shugenja competing with shugenja, it was also bushi competing with shugenja for the attention of the audience.
:>The biggest shock came when Shoji himself entered the Taryu-jiai tournament.
:>Tongues wagged and fans fluttered as that news spread through the court.
:>Amongst the competition in the Iaijutsu tournament I saw many familiar faces. 
:>Matsu Keiji and Akodo Yoshi from the Lion.
:>The Dragon sent forth three.
:>Mirumoto Kokoro, Mirumoto Sen, and Kitsuki-san.
:>Kakita Sakurada was alone from the Crane. One man, one sword, one strike indeed.
:>Bayushi Kentaro from the Scorpion.
:>Myself and Hiruma Saji from the Crab.
:>I hopped Saji would put on a better showing than I could.
:>From the Unicorn there was a Shinjo by the name of Kyosuke and the Chibicorn.
:>Still hadn't caught his name
:>Monkey, of course.
:>And two Shiba from the Phoenix. Asahi, and Hotaru.
:>The Mantis put forth no one. Not the Iaijutsu tournament, or the Taryu-jiai.
:>The number of Shugenja on hand was far more limited though.
:>Each Clan, save the Mantis, had only one contender.
:>In order to make sure there were no bias the Phoenix sent two. Shoji, and one Agasha Hoichi.
:>Mantis-san scratched his chin.
:>Surprised Shoji didn't bring out a half dozen or more Phoenix for the shugenja duels.
:>Naomi shook her head.
:>You should not be. It would smack of desperation, to simply outnumber everyone else.
:>No. Father would go for quality over quantity, every time.

:>I watched Kitsuki-san's duel.
:>Mostly out of concern for his mental state.
:>He faced Keiji in his match.
:>Though I have no great skill at reading swordsmanship, I had an advantage.
:>I had known Kitsuki-san for years, and I had already crossed blades with Keiji.
:>I could see Keiji was better than I expected, but I didn't think he could beat Kitsuki-san.
:>Unless of course...
:>I looked from Keiji to Katsuki-san.
:>His stance was fine.
:>But I saw a shimmer in his eyes.
:>They were watering.
:>I snapped my gaze back to Keiji.
:>He had noticed.
:>Keiji frowned, then pulled his blade as he lunged forward.
:>Kitsuki-san closed his eyes as he drew his one blade.
:>A tear spilled over.
:>And Keiji's blood hit the floor.
:>Keiji looked down at the light scratch on his chest, blade still half in it's sheath.
:>The hell...?
:>He spun around.
:>Keiji was the kind of person who enjoyed a good fight, win or lose.
:>He had been offended when Kitsuki-san seemed to be handicapped by his own emotions.
:>Now he was incredulous that he had lost.
:>Not because he had lost, but because it meant he had completely misread the situation.
:>Tell me HOW, Dragon!
:>Kitsuki-san sheathed his blade and bowed.
:>I watched your fight with Ishigaki-san closely.
:>I never forget anything.
:>Your nostrils flare just before you strike.
:>Keiji stared, mouth hanging open.
:>He blinked, slowly.
:>Then he broke out laughing.
:>Man! A Crab I couldn't crack open and a courtier who really CAN use their mind as a weapon!
:>He shook his head,a rueful smile on his face.
:>This was one hell of a winter court!
:>Keiji bowed to Kitsuki-san.
:>As Kitsuki-san walked past me, I whispered his name.
:>Not now...
:>I must meditate, Ishigaki-san.
:>I watched Kitsuki-san leave, not knowing if I should press or let it be.
:>Then I had no time to worry about Kitsuki-san, because my match was up next.
:>I pulled my arms out of my kimono as I entered the ring.
:>Not because I was trying to scare my opponent, but because I was showing there would be no hiding an injury for me.

:>Of course, staring at my opponent, I began to want my armor very, very badly
:>Since, you know, Bayushi Kentaro over there had quite a few reasons to dislike me.
:>I was reminded that Shoji wanted ME to die just as badly as I wanted him to.
:>We took our stances
:>I suppose I could have bowed at this point. 
:>Conceded that his skill was superior and walked away without risking anything.
:>But I can be just as stubborn as Shoji.
:>I looked at Kentaro.
:>Yep, he hasn't gotten markedly worse since we last fought.
:>Oh fuck it, I'm not standing here all day.
:>The skin beneath my left eye split open, and blood flew.
:>I glanced down at my hands.
:>I had managed to draw my blade all the way.
:>But I hadn't gotten my second hand on the grip.
:>Then I looked over my shoulder.
:>Kentaro stood behind me, back to me, sword held out to his side and point down.
:>I looked very closely.
:>No venom.
:>I see.
:>I sheathed my blade and bowed.
:>Then I wiped the blood from under my eye with a thumb and left.
:>Monkey walked past me, heading into his match.
:>Toshiro's up.
:>You should be there for him.
:>I'll look after Kitsuki-san.
:>You sure you can do that AND fight at the same time?
:>He grinned at me.
:>Seems kinda hard, doesn't it?
:>...
:>God.
:>Dammit.
:>Monkey.
:>I went to see Toshiro fight.
:>He was up against an Asahina.
:>Be at ease Kuni-san, my element is the wind. I will not hurt you when I defeat you.
:>And I promise I'll try my hardest not to kill you...
:>Toshiro looked the Crane up and down.
:>...Twig-san.
:>That's Toshiro for you; always considerate of others.
:>Chunks of earth ripped themselves free from the ground, floating around Toshiro in a spiral as his eyes blazed with green fire.
:>The Crane folded his hands together, head bowed and eyes closed, and his Kimono and hair began to whip about dramatically.
:>Aside from that, I could see no hint of the Crane's power.
:>Who was it that first said 'Only a fool thinks the wind is empty.'?

:>Then the earth flew.
:>Toshiro's kimono flapped and snapped.
:>A few tears opened in the silk.
:>And the tie holding back his hair broke.
:>Toshiro has VERY long hair.
:>Loose, it hangs down below the center of his back.
:>Now it blew back, as though he stood facing a Hurricane.
:>Toshiro himself leaned forward a bit, into the wind.
:>Then the wind died.
:>I looked over at the Crane.
:>I could see one foot and an arm poking out from the mound of earth that covered the Asahina shugenja.
:>Toshiro bowed to his defeated opponent.
:>Growled as his hair spilled over his shoulders.
:>Reached into his obi and pulled a spare tie.
:>And quickly rebound his hair.
:>As he left he spoke.
:>Only a fool thinks they blow down the mountain.
:>As Phoenix shugenja swarmed over the battlefield, both to use magic to return it to it's original state and to heal the Crane, he noticed me.
:>Worried about me, were you?
:>Nah, I know you can handle yourself.
:>I just wanted to see you show off.
:>I grinned at him.
:>He chuckled.
:>Then sobered up.
:>How's Kitsuki-san?
:>He won.
:>Matsu Keiji.
:>Toshiro grunted.
:>Monkey's duel was up at the same time yours was.
:>Shall we?
:>As we headed back Toshiro looked over at my eye.
:>Kentaro.
:>I lost.
:>No poison then.
:>Nope.
:>What was he trying to say?
:>Lots of things Toshiro. Warriors speak with their fists, or their steel.
:>Pretty sure 'I will fucking end you if I ever have a legitimate reason to do so' was in there though.
:>So... if you two ever find yourselves on opposite sides of a battlefield he'll try to hunt you down and kill you. But aside from something like that you're safe?
:>From him, at least.
:>Toshiro nodded.
:>We arrived in time to see Monkey and Shiba Asahi bowing to one another.
:>I recognized the confused look of a victim of Monkeyjutsu right away, even before I saw the blood running out of Asahi's sleeve.
:>The first round was over for us. 
:>I was out already, everyone else went on to round two.

:>Saji did indeed give forth a better showing than I did.
:>He beat Shiba Hotaru to enter the second round.
:>Aside from Kitsuki-san, Kentaro and Monkey, Kakita Sakurada, Mirumoto Sen, and Akodo Yoshi all advanced.
:>Mirumoto Kokoro was eliminated by Yoshi.
:>There was time in between rounds. So Naomi led us all in a tea ceremony. Soothing wild spirits, calming turbulent emotions, seeking out balance and harmony.
:>Naomi had definitely succeed in culturing me, if only a little bit. 
:>I was starting to enjoy the taste of matcha.
:>Kitsuki-san would face Akodo Yoshi.
:>Monkey got the bye.
:>Mantis-san rolled his eyes.
:>Luck really is a skill for him.
:>And you, Toshiro-san? Who do you face?
:>That Agasha. Your father beat the Kitsu in the first round, and now he's facing a Tamori.
:>Kitsuki-san scowled.
:>Hmph.
:>So he puts one Phoenix on either side of the brackets?
:>He still hedges his bets, even though he does not flood the competition with Phoenix. 
:>Monkey leaned in and whispered to me.
:>I've got the bye so I'll be there for Kitsuki-san.
:>I nodded.
:>Mantis-san covered Monkey whisper with a question, so Kitsuki-san wouldn't notice.
:>We were worried, but we didn't want to be intrusive.
:>We might end up in a barrel if we annoyed him.
:>So, Toshiro-sama.
:>Think you can take Shoji?
:>Toshiro folded his arms in thought.
:>Depends.
:>On what?
:>How much he let his studies fall by the wayside to spend time politicking.
:>Naomi frowned.
:>Appointment to the Council is still based on merit. 
:>Politics only serves as a tiebreaker.
:>Do not underestimate him.
:>Toshiro nodded.
:>I watched the shugenja duels.
:>Toshiro and Agasha Hoichi squared off.
:>Neither said anything, they just drew upon the kami.
:>As Hoichi's eyes blazed the bonfire beside the arena flared up, higher and higher, until it threatened to set alight the very heavens.
:>Pillars of stone erupted all around Toshiro.
:>Hoichi snapped his hand out, pointing at Toshiro, and the flames leapt from the bonfire, rushing towards him.

:>The spires of rock surrounding Toshiro closed, on him.
:>Hoichi's flames washed over them, burning so hot that my vision swam back and forth as I tried to look.
:>The rocks began to glow, a bright red and soften.
:>Then I heard a cry.
:>Not from within the earthen fortress, but from Hoichi.
:>Heads turned quickly.
:>A spire of rock had erupted right beneath Agasha Hoichi's feet, launching him into the air.
:>The flames died, and the stone fortress, now almost completely molten, flowed down and away from Toshiro.
:>He was seating hard, his Kimono was blackened and his hair singed.
:>Toshiro took a step, and wobbled a bit.
:>But kept himself upright, and left the ring under his own power.
:>As Naomi tended to his burns and helped replace the water he had lost he grinned at me.
:>Now I know what it's like to be a baked sweet potato. 
:>Hmm. You are very sweet; perhaps you were a sweet potato in your past life?
:>I think so.
:>Naomi muttered under her breath.
:>Crabs...
:>Then it was time for Shoji to battle.
:>He faced a Tamori whose school focused on earth, like he did.
:>Furthermore, the Tamori had history with the Phoenix.
:>The Agasha family used to be part of the Dragon Clan. 
:>However, in protest over the actions of the Dragon Clan Champion Hitomi, they abandoned the clan they had served since the dawn of the Empire and joined the Phoenix.
:>The Agasha family daimyo, his spirit crushed by the betrayal of his own family, abandoned his duties and wandered the Empire as a ronin for a time.
:>At the end of the War of Spirits, the remnants of the Agasha still within the Dragon Clan were renamed the after him, becoming the Tamori family.
:>His daughter, Shaitung, had led the Tamori down a new path, different from the Agasha from whom they had been born. Turning to Earth, over the Fire of the Agasha
:>Such was her power that she once fought all five Elemental Masters to a draw, during the Dragon-Phoenix war.
:>The duel did not go as I had expected.

:>The Tamori woman quickly began to call to the Kami.
:>She was dressed in typical Tamori fashion, after the precedent set by Tamori Shaitung.
:>That is to say, she could have challenged Moshi Aoi for title of 'most scandalously dressed woman' were Aoi still around.
:>Her hair whipped about in the currents of power as the earth kami rushed to her side.
:>It was a testament to her control that she did not also lose what little covering she had, even as her Kimono was blown about.
:>However, Shoji appeared to be doing nothing at all.
:>No glowing eyes, no winds of power.
:>He just... stood there.
:>And as the Dragon called more and more earth to her, he snapped two fingers up, and then down at her
:>His eyes flashed with power, just for a moment.
:>And all the earth the Dragon shugenja had called up slammed into her at once.
:>Naomi gave a cry and ran to the side of the injured Tamori.
:>I could see blood staining the rocks that almost buried her.
:>Toshiro lent his aid, quickly moving the earth aside so Naomi could reach her.
:>Shoji did not look. He did not bow. He just turned and walked away.
:>Naomi began to cough as she chanted her prayers.
:>I ran up to help, steadying her.
:>I also got a good look at the Dragon.
:>Her ribs were crushed, blood spilled from her mouth, showing that her lungs were badly torn.
:>It was a small miracle her heart wasn't destroyed.
:>Even as Naomi coughed up her own blood, the Tamori's wounds set themselves.
:>The Dragon rolled over, hacking up the last of the blood as her body was restored.
:>Naomi smiled.
:>You're safe now...
:>Then she went limp in my arms.

:>I carried Naomi back to our room and laid her down gently.
:>The Tamori woman came with us, as did Mirumoto Kokoro.
:>She introduced herself Tamori Miyu, and had begged me to allow her to repay Naomi for saving her life.
:>She used her earth magic to sooth Naomi's pain.
:>That helped Naomi to wake up, and I prepared her tea.
:>She's been ill since birth.
:>I explained.
:>Thank you, ah...
:>Miyu. My name is Tamori Miyu, Hida Naomi-sama.
:>Naomi looked around, taking in our room and the pair of Dragons currently in it.
:>I. Did I...?
:>Yeah.
:>I said.
:>Here.
:>I handed her her tea.
:>The kids were staring at their mother. They could understand, at least to some degree, what was going on when she had her fits.
:>They both sat close enough to touch her, or be touched, but they did not do so in front of the strangers.
:>It was a testament to her skill as a mother that those two ever behaved at all, even though it was only the most serious of situations.
:>Naomi caught Miyu looking at the children.
:>Ah. These are Daiko and Tetsute, our children.
:>Hewwo! 
:>Hi! Hi Hi Hi!
:>Eh, close enough.
:>Mirumoto Kokoro spoke.
:>Hida Ishigaki-san, If you would permit it, I would stay here to watch over your wife and children with Miyu-san.
:>Your companions are still in their respective tournaments, are they not?
:>I shot a glance to Naomi.
:>I am feeling much better already Ishigaki-kun.
:>Go! They need you there now.
:>I nodded.
:>I leave them in your care, then.
:>I returned to the place of the Iaijutsu battle.
:>I had missed the last round completely.
:>Monkey, Sakurada, Sen, and Yoshi were the final four.
:>Kentaro had lost to Sakurada, Sen beat Saji, and of course Yoshi was able to best Kitsuki-san.
:>His technique is amazing, Ishigaki-san.
:>Was all Kitsuki-san would say.
:>Monkey gave me a little nod, saying it was just that, and not Kitsuki-san allowing himself to be distracted.
:>You can all stop that now, by the way.
:>I will not belittle Amano-san by pretending I am fine, but nor will I allow this to sway me.

:>I have his shoulder exactly one pat.
:>Acknowledging both Kitsuki-san's pain and his resilience without straying into barrel territory.
:>The last matches would be fought consecutively,
:>Sen vs Yoshi.
:>Monkey vs. Sakurada.
:>Toshiro vs Shoji.
:>And then the final of the iaijutsu tournament.
:>And then this long court would at last be over. 
:>Tomorrow was the first day of spring.
:>Of course there was an added complication to the semi-finalists matches now.
:>There would not be enough time for them to rest between the semi-final and the final.
:>They would need to mindful of this. Expend too much energy on their first opponent, and they may hinder themselves in the next match.
:>Not enough, and they may lose a match they could have won.
:>Well, the other three would.
:>Monkey would just Monkey around.
:>Still, a Kensai, a Kenshinzen, and a Taoist swordsman...
:>While he would only face two of those three, it was a tall order, even for Monkey.
:>Mantis-san leaned over to me.
:>Do you think if we bet against him it'll give him a better chance of winning?
:>Worth a shot, I guess.
:>I put 2 koku on Sakurada, Mantis-san put 4 on Sen.
:>Toshiro shook his head at us.
:>Then put 3 on Yoshi.
:>First Sen and Yoshi faced one another.
:>They bowed and took their stances.
:>Tension filled the room.
:>I wouldn't have been surprised if their gazes has struck sparks, so intensely were they glaring at one another.
:>Even I could feel their spirits clashing.
:>The truest victory is the one with no strike.
:>The greatest warriors and generals alike won before the blades were even drawn, before the battle joined.
:>Both Mirumoto Sen and Akodo Yoshi were great warriors.
:>I didn't see what triggered it, but they both moved at the same time.
:>Yoshi drew his blade, and came in with a simple but fast overhead.
:>Sen drew his sword with his LEFT hand, in a truly odd grip.
:>Sen placed his palm behind his blade and pushed as he struck. 
:>Catching Yoshi just below the ribs.
:>And getting inside Yoshi's range.
:>Yoshi's strike missed.

:>Yoshi and Sen bowed to one another.
:>Kitsuki-san pursed his lips.
:>What is it?
:>Nothing. At least, nothing I could put into words...
:>Everyone had their limits. Even a thing as ephemeral as Mushin no Shin.
:>We all nodded, understanding what Kitsuki-san was thinking even without the words to describe it
:>And now Monkey stood before a Kenshinzen.
:>The Mirumoto and the Kakita families rivaled one another as the finest duelists in the Empire.
:>However, Mirumoto's technique was a practical one, broadly useful. 
:>Whereas the descendants of Kakita had spent the last thousand years refining their ancestor's single strike technique.
:>All that knowledge, experience, training. It all came to rest in the blade of Kakita Sakurada.
:>The only time I had seen Monkey happier was when he told me he was father.
:>Truly, the fool lived for moments like these.
:>The two stood.
:>Sakurada took the stance every warrior in the Empire could recognize on sight.
:>Monkey popped his blade with his thumb, but let his right arm hang limp.
:>Sakurada looked at Monkey with a broad gaze, seeing all of him, his technique laid bare before the eyes of the master.
:>Monkey just grinned, like he knew a wonderful secret.
:>And then Sakurada's blade flashed.
:>I couldn't see the draw, it was so fast.
:>Monkey's blade was still in it's sheath as the Crane struck.
:>And Monkey fell backwards.
:>Monkey caught himself on his hand before he hit the ground.
:>He spun his body around, drawing his blade.
:>Sakurada's eyes widened as only a few strands of Monkey's hair floated through the air.
:>And then Monkey slashed the Crane across the legs.

:>The silence was astonishingly loud.
:>Sakurada looked down at the thin cut that ran across both shins.
:>Then at Monkey, who stood up straight with that grin of his.
:>You really are good at doing the unexpected, aren't you?
:>You know it!
:>They bowed.
:>And then the court went outside to see the battle between Crab and Phoenix
:>Earth vs Earth.
:>The animosity between Shoji and my group, and the fact that Shoji had clearly been willing to kill his last proponent, only heightened the anticipation.
:>Taryu-jiai were very dangerous, just as Naomi had said.
:>An 'accidental' death in one of those was much more common than one in an Iaijutsu duel.
:>Shoji looked over at Toshiro.
:>I seem to recall you asking one of my subordinates if they wished to duel with avatars.
:>If you are still confident in your power, then let us do so now.
:>Toshiro looked on, the nodded.
:>Son of a bitch.
:>Shoji must actually be scared of Toshiro, if he decided to pass up the normal duel for a safer avatar battle.
:>After all, in this form it was the avatars that bore all the damage.
:>NOT the shugenja themselves.
:>Shoji did not bother with his scroll.
:>His eyes blazed as he prayed, fingers folding into a mudra.
:>The light spilling from his eyes and mouth was not the earthen tone I expected.
:>It was green.
:>It was jade.
:>His avatar formed, a towering giant eight feet tall. 
:>Made of pure jade.
:>That bastard.
:>Toshiro smirked.
:>Then he began to pray.
:>Also without a scroll.
:>Energy crackled and lashed the ground, calling forth his own avatar.
:>Blue-white energy.
:>A great titan of earth arose, as tall as Shoji's.
:>And then the raw earth fell away, revealing a being of pure crystal, glowing from within with a pure, holy light.
:>Shoji's eyes widened.

:>The two Shugenja stared at one another.
:>Toshiro's self confident smirk only enraging Shoji even more.
:>Then the two titans began to move, literally shaking the very earth with every step.
:>I heard a hiss.
:>One of the Dragon Courtiers had bitten their tongue.
:>A shugenja picked his way, carefully, over.
:>It was hard to walk when the earth beneath you was moving.
:>The avatars picked up speed, until they were running.
:>And they collided into one another.
:>A thunderous boom accompanied their collision, as though Osono-Wo himself cheered for this spectacle.
:>The two then began to strike one another.
:>Crystal and jade fists chipped at impossibly hard bodies, sending splinters flying into the crowd.
:>Some courtiers had to duck, and all moved back.
:>I didn't though.
:>A few flying shards of mineral meant nothing to me.
:>Shoji's avatar struck an overhead blow with both arms, causing Toshiro's to double up.
:>It then leapt into the air, coming down with it's fist into the head of Toshiro's as it tried to right itself.
:>Toshiro's avatar was forced down to one knee.
:>Then it surged back up, wrapping it's arms around the Jade giant's waist.
:>Toshiro's avatar slammed it's head into Shoji's.
:>Over, and over and over again.
:>Cracks ran through the jade avatar.
:>It then dug it's feet into the earth.
:>And gripped the crystalline titan.
:>They looked like two sumai, struggling with each others mawashi.
:>Slowly, yet inexorably, Toshiro's avatar was lifted into the air.
:>The Jade avatar fell backwards, carrying the crystal one over itself as it did so.
:>It drove the crystal avatar head first into the ground.
:>There was silence for a time, then both giants rose.
:>Both had gouges and cracks, but the light from Toshiro's was as strong as ever.

:>The two behemoths stood still for a moment.
:>Then Toshiro's, unmistakably, took a stance.
:>It was a stance I recognized too.
:>It was a Kobo Ichi-Kai stance...
:>Shoji's avatar came in swinging it's jade fists.
:>And Toshiro's avatar blocked.
:>Shoji's avatar punched straight ahead.
:>And Toshiro's avatar stepped to the side, slapping the jade fist aside.
:>Shoji's avatar tried to grab hold of Toshiro's by the shoulders.
:>And Toshiro's avatar drove a knee up into Shoji's, driving it back.
:>Toshiro was calmly having his avatar defend itself against every attack Shoji made.
:>And I could see quite clearly that was infuriating Shoji more and more.
:>The Jade avatar continued to backpedal after Toshiro's avatar drove it back.
:>Then it halted, and charged again.
:>Toshiro's avatar crouched low, and thrust out both arms.
:>The Jade avatar threw itself onto them, unable to halt its forward momentum in time.
:>Toshiro's blow struck Shoji's avatar in the hips.
:>It staggered back, and then fell.
:>Toshiro's moved way faster than the earth had any right to move, and leapt upon Shoji's avatar, sitting on it's chest.
:>Then it began to punch.
:>And punch.
:>And punch.
:>Over and over crystal fists slammed into the jade titan, as Shoji's avatar tried in vain to escape, to right itself, to throw Toshiro's off, anything.
:>Toshiro's avatar brought both it's fists together on either side of the jade avatar's head.
:>And shattered it completely.
:>Shoji's avatar crumbled away, as the Kami's vessel could no longer contain it.

:>Shoji stared, disbelieving, at the pile of rubble that was his avatar's remains.
:>Toshiro's crystal giant walked over to Shoji, looming over him, bathing him in it's holy radiance.
:>That shook Shoji from his shock.
:>He looked from the avatar to Toshiro.
:>Twice.
:>Then, as though the very act would shatter his spine, he bent his head to the victor.
:>Only then did Toshiro release his own avatar.
:>Toshiro stood there for long seconds, as Shoji waited for Toshiro to return the bow.
:>Toshiro turned and thumpdraged away.
:>Shoji's head snapped up.
:>YOU DARE INSULT ME LIKE THIS?
:>Toshiro paused.
:>Without turning around he said.
:>Oh? Do you wish a duel over this matter of honor?
:>I looked at Shoji.
:>I can now say I know what man who is so enraged he tries to swallow his own tongue looks like.
:>Toshiro left.
:>I ran up beside him.
:>You magnificent bastard!
:>I could hug you right now!
:>He looked at me evenly.
:>I'd really rather you didn't.
:>Everyone went back inside to watch the very last match.
:>Mirumoto Sen vs Monkey.
:>As the two bowed and took their stances Kitsuki-san mused.
:>The Taoist swordsmen are very spiritual, but they can also use their blades in unconventional ways.
:>If there is anyone here who may be able to anticipate Monkey's technique, it would be Mirumoto Sen-san.
:>If the utterly absurd should come to pass and both miss the first pass, this could become a truly strange battle.
:>Everyone exchanged glances.
:>We didn't need to say anything.
:>We all knew full well often 'Monkey' and 'Utterly Absurd' went together.
:>Kitsuki-san glanced at me.
:>Did you know, Ishigaki-san?
:>The Taoist swordsmen engage in body hardening exercises, as you Crabs do.
:>I doubt it's done quite the same way though.
:>Huh.
:>I looked closer at Sen.
:>Sure enough, I could see the signs.
:>I doubted their technique was the equal of the Hida Ryu's though. 
:>Both of them took seemingly lazy stances.

:>Even I could see the mind games being played by these two.
:>Each was trying to confuse their opponent and so, disrupt their spirit.
:>Monkey made the first move, charging in.
:>Sen sidestepped, drawing and cutting at Monkey's back as Monkey passed him.
:>Without a moment's hesitation, Monkey tucked and rolled forward holding his sword out to the side so he didn't cut himself.
:>He sprang up. His kimono cut down the center of his back to his waist.
:>But Monkey himself was not injured.
:>I glanced over to the Crane.
:>Sakurada was watching impassively, no doubt committing everything he saw to memory so as not to be caught off guard again.
:>Several other Crane however, were pinching the bridges of their noses or rubbing their eyes.
:>Yosi was frowning as well.
:>Lions.
:>They were big on the weight of tradition.
:>Monkey and Sen faced one another again.
:>Then Sen moved.
:>He took his sword in one hand, sidestepping and pulling his blade back.
:>As Monkey brought his own blade up to deflect Sen's strike, Sen lashed out.
:>Not with his blade.
:>His free hand seized Monkey by the Kimono.

:>That was a knife fighting technique.
:>Seizing your opponent and pulling them onto the blade of your tanto.
:>I couldn't believe there was anyone who could do such a thing with a katana.
:>Until Sen twirled his blade around.
:>He held it with his hand just under the tsuba, the dull edge along his forearm and tip pointed behind him.
:>However, I knew firsthand that Monkey understood the messy art of knife fighting.
:>Monkey stomped on Sen's foot, and slammed his forehead into Sen.
:>Sen's head snapped back.
:>Monkey tore free from his grip, leaving half of his kimono in Sen's hand.
:>Sen shook his head to clear his vision.
:>And Monkey used the opportunity to strike.
:>Sen tossed Monkey's Kimono into the air between them, and Monkey cut that instead.
:>As Sen prepared to attack again however, Monkey thrust his blade forward.
:>And just nicked Sen's knuckles.
:>A single drop of blood fell from Sen's hand.

:>Once we were able to get through the crowd of courtiers swarming the Iaijutsu champion, we congratulated Monkey.
:>And informed him he owed us 10 koku for our assistance.
:>Wait, what?
:>We bet against you.
:>He looked hurt.
:>Why would you do that?
:>Because the worse the odds are against you, the more likely it is you succeed!
:>He blinked.
:>Oh... that's true, I suppose.
:>Okay Okay.
:>Just you three right though? 
:>Kitsuki-san nodded.
:>I had no part in this foolishness.
:>Okay, hang on.
:>We reached our rooms and Monkey darted in, then came out with ten koku.
:>For each of us.
:>We had been teasing him, of course.
:>We didn't really expect him to repay us.
:>But now we had to decide If we should do the honorable thing and correct him, or if we should keep the money to make him pay for the nonchalant way he just threw away thirty Koku.
:>Mantis-san was the one who couldn't bear it.
:>No, we were just teasing you Monkey, we can't take these.
:>Yeah, but you still helped me out, didn't you?
:>Toshiro gave in next.
:>We... we were joking, Monkey. I don't think it really works like that.
:>Oh? Well, the fact that you cared enough to even try is good enough for me.
:>Okay, guess it's my turn.
:>But, it was ten koku in total. Not each.
:>Then Monkey grinned.
:>I know.
:>I just wanted to see if you'd feel bad or not.
:>...
:>...
:>GOD! 
:>DAMMIT!
:>MONKEY!
:>Naomi had recovered quite quickly.
:>Katsuie-sama offered to take us via the Yasuki vessel that was coming to pick him and his entourage up.
:>We'll be making for the lands of the Crab, but I'm sure we can drop your friends along the way, if they have places to go.
:>We were going to need time off for Naomi's pregnancy.
:>We set sail the next day.
:>One by one, my friends left at their own ports.
:>Each promising to try to attend the birth.
:>Eventually Naomi, Toshiro, the children and I arrived back at our home.
:>We set aside all thoughts of the war that we had failed to stop, focusing instead on the new life coming into the world soon.