The four dueling pistes have been diagrammed onto the training ground floor of the Kakita Dueling Academy.

A judge, Ikoma Ryuko, stands at the center line, as the two contestants make their way to the ready positions.

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 would be nice. But at this moment, all eyes were upon her, and she held a weapon in her hands.

This is what I was born to do.

At the time, she drops into her stance, wide and aggressive, a smile on her lips.


____________
OOC: Fire stance chose

D10 - Duel vs Suzume Rin initiative - Fire 3 Meditation 2 - Quick Reflexes distinction | TN: 1 | Success: 4 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 2


Using 2 opportunity to reduce strife to 0
Strife taken from round 1
Strife: 1/8
Fatigue: 0/8

Link to duel thread in forum

"Ohayo Togashi-sama."

Rin bows low and respectfully

"It is an honour to face you today, neh? May the fortunes bless us both."

She takes up her stance opposite the Dragon, calmly wresting one hand on the hilt of her weapon.

Day 10, 1st round duel against Togashi Shinko

Initiative roll, meditation/earth | TN: 1 | Success: 1 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 0

Bid Reveal-
Both bid 0
Shinko - Init 8
Rin - Init 2

Gooooo!

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: Rising Blade Kata to draw and attack - TN 3 - Fire 3 Melee 3 | TN: 3 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 2
Opportunity to Reduce 1 strife, in inflict 2 strife on Rin

Way of Dragon active to Ward- reroll 1 die with a success or bonus success

Strife 2/8

Rin steps back carefully eyes tracking Shinko as the Dragon launches her assault. It's a few moments of stressful repositioning as the Dragon just keeps coming before....there!

The Sparrow sidesteps, twisting her scabbard outwards and drawing her bokken in one smooth clean strike straight across Shinko's arm, battering aside the warding hand and earning a clean hit.

Day 10 Event, Duel vs Togashi Shinko

Round 1 Iaijutsu Cut: Crossing Blade technique, TN 2, spending a void point.
Including Two heavens ward ability
Martial arts melee/Earth | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 3 / Strife: 2


(( 2 opps for the crit which I believe will be the first strike, last opp to reduce strife))

((Strife 4/8))

Suzume Rin showcases that patience is a virtue. Her bokken finds its mark, striking true.

Ikoma Ryuko raises the hand on Rin's side. "Suzume Rin is victorious. Good duel."

Rin bows again

"Well fought Togashi-sama. Yer even faster than Ikoma-sama! Never even thought I'd have the chance to see niten in the flesh and all."

Another bow to the judge and then one to the spectators and Rin departs.

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 crowd to cheer for her opponent. "To the worthy victor!"

She turns back to Rin. "I came here to duel the best in our generation, and I'm not disappointed. You're a tough nut to crack Suzume-san. Perhaps a rematch someday" Shinko rubs her ribs. "Just not today"