Off to the side of the life size board, are set up stands to sit. A few of the Nataku Legion who are in attendance as observers have also set up tables with various miniature soldiers, many of them meticulously painted.

Except for one guy. All his soldiers are bare metal.

After his lackluster performance as a general Jiro moved to the observation area. He had exceeded his expectations in this test, though not by a wide margin.

(Quote if approached)

Kasumi seemed pleased with her performance.

Nothing stellar, but she liked to think she'd shown the Dragon a thing or two.

AND she'd gotten to shout profanity without anyone minding overmuch.

Shiba Haru looked utterly relieved as he entered the observation area and quickly knelt down and offered a few prayers.


(please quote or PM if approached)

Today, Kaoru wasn't going to bet with herself about who would win the event.

Because Dragon.

Most clans would simply cheat in favor of their own. Some would even give a try at objectivity. Dragon? The only certitude was that they were going to be surprised.

Kuroneko just sits and watches.

//pm or quote if approached

Ender wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 25, 2021 6:30 am

Except for one guy. All his soldiers are bare metal.

WHAT IS THIS SHIT?!
... Are we not done?
NO, no, not even close! This is unacceptable! This is a Crane spectacle and he just... he just...
It's... They're just miniatures... Calm down?
Nothing is ever JUST what it appears to be, Saku-chan! Have you not figured that out?!
Simplicity is beauty, in and of itself?
*unintelligible ephemeral raging carries on*

(quote on approach, if you dare! <3)

Asahina Sakura wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 25, 2021 4:49 pm

WHAT IS THIS SHIT?!
... Are we not done?
NO, no, not even close! This is unacceptable! This is a Crane spectacle and he just... he just...
It's... They're just miniatures... Calm down?
Nothing is ever JUST what it appears to be, Saku-chan! Have you not figured that out?!
Simplicity is beauty, in and of itself?
*unintelligible ephemeral raging carries on*

(quote on approach, if you dare! <3)

One man dared. One man faced the challenge without fear. One man was ignorant of the danger he was stepping into...

"It is a pleasure to see you again Asahina-san. How have you been?" Jiro greets with a bow and a gentle smile.

Shiba Jiro wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 25, 2021 5:02 pm

"Not now..." The Asahina had her eyes squeezed shut for a moment, rubbing a temple, before Jiro's words snapped her back, "Oh!" her eyes flew open and she grinned at him for a moment, "Ohayo, um, Shiba-san! Good!" She ignored the angered ghost as best she could. "Good," she ascertained firmly. "And you?"

"I am doing well," he replies, absentmindedly pulling out a sheet of origami paper. "I am looking forward to the festival later. I appreciate what you and your fellow Crane are doing to put it on. In particular I think I'll enjoy the painting and the kites. It should be a lot of fun."

Shiba Jiro wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 25, 2021 5:25 pm

"Oh, fantastic! I look forward to seeing you! I will be judging the kite fighting in the afternoon, and painting to end the day."

Look at what they're doing?! That's completely the wrong idea, it will get their troops killed! Slaughtered! What horror!

Sakura's eye twitched.

"Well, hopefully I'll see you again then as well, but I imagine you'll be busy, so I should enjoy this opportunity to converse with you," he says, while hands work to create something between them.

The twitch was noted, but she had said she was good earlier, so he doesn't ask or press.

"Have you had a preference for any of the events thus far?" he asked.

The Akodo sat and watched the remainder of the matches in reflection. She did not seem unapproachable and studied each move of the next contestant with interest.

Kasumi had watched Michi's performance with...

Concern.

Akodo Michi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 25, 2021 5:49 pm

The Akodo sat and watched the remainder of the matches in reflection. She did not seem unapproachable and studied each move of the next contestant with interest.

She knew the Lioness would be reserved and maintain a proper On, but...

But that has to sting.

"Akodo-san, how does the day find you?"

Shiba Jiro wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 25, 2021 5:40 pm

Sakura smirked, and her attention flicked past Jiro at the spiritual ruckus growing in the observation area.
"That's a complicated question? I've enjoyed them all? But are you asking in terms of which I found the most enjoyably challenging, which I found the easiest, or which I had the most fun?"

Yukikaze no Kasumi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 25, 2021 5:51 pm

"Akodo-san, how does the day find you?"

Michi did not turn away from watching the next test, put placed her hand down next to her and tapped a cushion.

"I am well, Yukikaze no Kasumi-san, I hope this morning's rice porridge filled you with strength", she said. "Come join me, I am learning much from this Mirumoto's varying approaches to handling each of us as contenders."

Akodo Michi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 25, 2021 5:53 pm

Michi did not turn away from watching the next test, put placed her hand down next to her and tapped a cushion.

"I am well, Yukikaze no Kasumi-san, I hope this morning's rice porridge filled you with strength", she said. "Come join me, I am learning much from this Mirumoto's varying approaches to handling each of us as contenders."

"Inari-no-kami looked after me fine."

She had a seat next to her friend and likewise took in the contest.

"Yeah, s'a bit dif'rent from what I'm used to... but that helped. Don't think he'd seen a Mantis skirmish-line before."

Yukikaze no Kasumi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 25, 2021 5:58 pm

"Inari-no-kami looked after me fine."

She had a seat next to her friend and likewise took in the contest.

"Yeah, s'a bit dif'rent from what I'm used to... but that helped. Don't think he'd seen a Mantis skirmish-line before."

"I would think few have", she said evenly, still facing forward. "Besides perhaps the Phoenix, possibly the Crane. Be proud of what you accomplished."

Ahiru wasn't sure how she had done in the test, but nevertheless sat down with the same confidence and grace as always to watch the others.

Even if you're doing poorly, don't let them see you sweat. Or something. Grandmother had said that.

Akodo Michi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 25, 2021 6:02 pm

"I would think few have", she said evenly, still facing forward. "Besides perhaps the Phoenix, possibly the Crane. Be proud of what you accomplished."

"Won't lie, it don't sting like yesterday."

She paused.

"But I lived t'do better today."