Because of course the contestants watch each other and confer...and Urusai owes someone some thanks.

The Phoenix moved to the side of the event and watched those performing their tests. In particular, he noted Kasumi and her little tree.

Beautiful work Kasumi-chan.

He nodded to the Seppun when he noticed his observation, but didn't approach, simply glad he seems to be less stressed.

Urusai bows to the Phoenix from where he sits. His hands shake much less, now.

A bow gets a properly returned one. He wasn't disrespectful after all. Simply somewhat relaxed most of the time.

Urusai approaches.

"It was good work," he says, without preamble--and why not, since bows have already been exchanged? "Clean. It's appreciated."

"I appreciate your kind words Seppun-sama. Many here are showing a talent for the arts. I'm not being struck by the same inspiration as others, but I enjoy observing others' creations as well. It can be as rewarding as creating one's self."

Urusai nods, smiling.

"Indeed so. The Kitsu youth--formidable sort, he--did well this morning. And the Asahina maiden--she gave herself over to the work!"

"Very fine pieces. And Asahina-san seems to be putting in drastic effort each day. I hope that the pace she is maintaining will not hurt her," he says with a hint of concern.

"I'm confident in her abilities," Urusai affirms. "And we do not grow except by testing."

He nods at that. "That's true, and she seems very capable. But sometimes when we test our limits we find them, and that can hurt. I just worry about other people's well beings though."

"It's admirable," Urusai says, nodding again. "Indeed so."

Sat in a corner, Kaoru observed the dance of prospective champions while sipping the tea she didn't get the chance to drink during the event itself.

Performances of participants seem to vary widely, and to not match with that would be expected, but, in retrospect, Kaoru wasn't surprised. This test was even more rigged than the Mantis one, since Doji-sama would attribute points solely on his own appreciation, without even a semblance of an objective fact to back up his claim.

But at least the Crane were cheating with style.

And, let's be honest, the Scorpion test to come will likely not be any better.

Seppun Urusai wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 22, 2021 5:25 pm

"It's admirable," Urusai says, nodding again. "Indeed so."

"How have you been enjoying the championship, Seppun-sama?"

Shiba Jiro wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 22, 2021 5:55 pm

"How have you been enjoying the championship, Seppun-sama?"

"Well," Urusai says, chuckling, "I'd like to be doing better in the events!"

Sakura makes her way to the observation area, looking scattered and unfocused - as, admittedly, she tends to after these events.

(quote on approach, friends!)

Well . . . that couldn't have gone any worse . . . Seto retreated to a corner and stared at the decapitated top of the bonsai in his hands. Fortunes he needed a smoke.


--

(You know the drill, quote or PM if approaching the Cat that knocked the teapot off the table.)

Seppun Urusai wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 22, 2021 5:58 pm

"Well," Urusai says, chuckling, "I'd like to be doing better in the events!"

"I can certainly understand that. Although, when is the last time an Artisan won the championship? I'm not exactly surprised that the events are not suited to my training. So I'm just happy to have the opportunity to try."

Nekoma Seto wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 22, 2021 6:42 pm

Well . . . that couldn't have gone any worse . . . Seto retreated to a corner and stared at the decapitated top of the bonsai in his hands. Fortunes he needed a smoke.


--

(You know the drill, quote or PM if approaching the Cat that knocked the teapot off the table.)

With a bit of a rueful smile, and holding some sort of nightmare doll made out of a paintbrush in his hands, Hirame made his way over to the corner as well. Where he spotted a familiar face.

"Is this the embarrassment corner?" Hirame said, turning his rueful smile on Seto. "I hope so. Me and my friend here need somewhere to hide." He lifted the doll, giving it at little shake. On closer inspection, it was really just more crappy than terrifying.

"Ah Hirame-san. Hi."

He looked at the doll and then at the leafy stick he held.

"Well you made something . . . I kinda . . . destroyed something. Two somethings. I hope that teapot wasn't valuable."

Michi sat with another cup of tea, examining it closely as it had further mystery to reveal.

Before sitting, she gave a bow to those she saw, the Phoenix brothers, the Seppun and others.