This particular white-haired Asahina was found within the shrine to the fortunes, on her knees in meditation, listening intently in search of guidance.

The hour was late for Michi, but she did not visit this minor shrine the previous days, and sought to correct such. First was Hachiman, the fortune of battle, honorable vassal of Bishamon.

She quietly cleared away leaves and dirt from the small shrine, and brought out a small offering of rice. A look toward the Asahina was given, but interruption to either's prayers would be proper in that moment.

(of course, after praying is fine, let's chat)

One eye pried open, and then the other, and Sakura noticeably sat up straighter.
"Oh, hello ...Lion-san," a fellow competitor, if she recalled; it only made sense after all. "You've come seeking guidance as well?"

She clapped her hands and raised her head slowly, high tail drifting back down past her waist.

She shuffled, still sitting before Hachiman's small shrine and bowed to the Crane.

"I have come to offer my thanks to the fortune of Battle on behalf of my family in gratitude to his blessings", she answered. She seemed a bit terse in her answer, but the attitude quickly vanished upon her introduction. "I am called Akodo Michi, daughter of Toranaga and Reiko. It is an honor to meet you."

An incline of her head met the Lion at her introduction, "Ah, and this one is Asahina Sakura..."
And? a private voice encouraged elaboration.
"Uh. Daughter of Sayuri? Once the Topaz Champion?" Was it a question?
"An honour to meet you as well. I trust you're ...that is ...Are, do you make it a habit to visit shrines often?"
The spectral disappointment directed towards her in the air was almost palatable to the Crane and she pressed her lips together.

The Lion was beginning to wonder if she was the only one who came simply to pray and give thanks, rather than be admonished by their ancestors.

"It is great fortune for your to compete, then, to follow in such honored footsteps is a privilege."

Sakura quickly licked her lips, a show of anxiety she did not notice. "... Yes. Thank you? I'm sure you will bring nothing but honour to your family as well. To receive an invitation is an honour in and of itself, and to perform admirably is what we all aspire to, neh?"
Hm.
"If it's not an intrusion, can this one ask where Akodo-san's proficiencies lie?"

"I am a student of the Akodo no Shireikan Gakko, trained at the Castle of the Swift Sword", she replied. The officers courses of the war college were well known. She bowed, speaking the dojo's name with pride. Her face was quite serious, but was not predatory or hateful toward the Crane.