So, traveling throughout the Empire, dispensing justice and kicking ass? It's... it's perfect!

Shinko bows deeply. "My thanks Asahina-sama, but is it too much for the service we provided? "

A first refusal, for dealing with a Crane.

Don't you dare take that back!

Ask away! RL no Oni hit me pretty hard on this one

I really wasn't certain what precisely made Kasumi so angry. I know I faded out a bit but Shinko really liked her

Nice duel! That was a hell of a roll you beat Shinko on

Shinko tries to discreetly pat Jun and Kasumi on the back, beaming at them.

"Because everyone gains. Everyone trots out the best and brightest... shows them off to brag. And set them up for marriage, especially the minor Clans." Shinko cocks her head to the side. "I don't doubt that you'll get some marriage proposals. I know that's what my Clan is counting on"

Shinko was a tad surprised to hear that she was to report to the administrative center, Shinko didn't mind. She'd meant what she said about wishing those who had bested her well, but it still left a bitter taste in her mouth. She was still nicely dressed, having expected to go to the ceremony when s...

"Uh huh" Shinko nods. "And for shugenja it's how good they are with magic. And courtiers, I don't know, how well they can play the courts. None of that, none of them really, were tested. This thing" Shinko motions. "Is a game. It's bragging rights. A way for Clans to show off without people losing l...

Shinko seems to think. "Sumi-chan. This is going to likely be a silly question, but I'm a Dragon and we are famous for them: what is the true test of how skilled a samurai we will be?"

If Shinko is upset, she doesn't show it. Instead she beams a giant smile. "Nice shot Suzume-san! That draw is tricky, and you absolutely nailed me when I overextended! I honestly didn't think you could move out of the defensive posture so quick." Shinko salutes with her blade, and motions for the cr...

Shinko chimes in. "Well if what they say in sake houses is true, you kick their asses on the wages and do a damn good enough job in covering it that the masters of the court can't prove a thing" Shinko sips her cup. "But I had not seen them go out of their way to slight you Sumi-chan, and the event ...

Shinko is not the most subtle of people. But, among her skills, was to provoke people.

"Oh? Then who deserve it?"

Shinko is off like a shot, drawing on a rising slash from the standard position. Her free hand flares wide, as if expecting something to come, while she strikes with a single hand to probe Rin's defenses. The strike is easily defended without much effort. __________ Duel vs Rin round 1 - Iaijustsu: ...

"Oh. Um. Sure." Shinko is a tad surprised, but moved around the room. The third cup is from a tea set, and doesn't match, but it holds the sake well enough.

"So, 'Sumi-chan...you've been carrying a weight today. Do you want to let it drop?"

This was it. Shinko stood waiting in her ceremonial robes, the wind rustling the hair that had been tied up. She had made her peace with the idea that she might not make it, but to slide in at the last moment, even at the bottom of the rankings... No, it didn't matter her ranking. Winning...winning ...

"Hey there. Come in" Shinko slides the door open. "I have drinks Sumi-chan. How about you take a load off?"

True to her word, Shinko readies the sake in a warmer, setting out a pair of cups. Kasumi had been visibly...off. Shinko had taken a liking to the girl and...was this what having a friend her age was like. She leaves the door askew in preparation.

Apparently before Urusai could respond a wild dragon appeared. The Lion turned her head to face them and offered a bow in return. "Togashi-san is generous", she answered respectfully. "I feel your movements on the course were worth attention, as expected of one who grew in the mountains." Shinko is...

Shinko gulps and kneels. Suddenly the miniature rock garden she had been given to present seems paltry.

SNIP Shinko sighs and shakes her head as Kasumi leaves, but her attention turns then to another. I gave it my absolute best there. I think every bounce I could have asked for went my way. And still... The sight of Michi and Aya's dummies remained in Shinko's mind. It was slight, barely perceptable....