[D0, EM] Another step on the path

[Shiba Haru]

"This is one time when I cannot clear the way for you but know that I am right behind you if you need me. As for the tournament I'm trying to take an Empty Mind approach to it, there will be other duelists here especially among our hosts. I feel prepared but...being under the gaze of Kakita Toshimoko of all people worries me slightly."

[Shiba Jiro]

"He is just a man. You are always under the gaze of Heaven and that does not make you nervous. Why should a mortal man do so?" Jiro replies. "There is no need to feel nervous about such things."

[Shiba Haru]

"Aside the fact that he is a living legend who would likely be Emerald Champion right now if he had chosen to compete. A name that is nearly as synonymous with dueling as the founder of his family and who will be remembered for as long as the empire stands. Yeah why would an aspiring duelist be at all worried about fumbling their draw in front of him."

He laughed unconvincingly.

"We all have our doubts and burdens here brother, lucky for us we have each other."

[Shiba Jiro]

"Well, you have a great deal of talent and have put in significant work. Believe in my faith in your skill. You will be great," Jiro says with a smile.

[Shiba Haru]

"As have you, so if you can believe in me surely you can believe in yourself." Haru smiled, certain that he had baited his brother into having to agree with him.

[Shiba Jiro]

"I always believed in myself. My concern is in the lack of information and time to prepare," he replied.

[Shiba Haru]

"Welllllllll...if you are that concerned we could swap. I could meet her first and do some recon for you. Of course then she would fall madly in love me and that would make things difficult for you." he teased.

[Shiba Jiro]

"That makes sense. You got the looks and I got the intelligence," he joked. "I will be fine. I'm more worried about you than myself. This is a good opportunity to meet a lot of new people. Make connections. Don't only think of sparring and competing."

[Shiba Haru]

"Oh not at all, you know well my desire to build an alliance here, one that can resolve things with word and not warfare. Now if only I was better with words. But remind me again, what types of arrangements do the Crane favor? There is sure to be an Ikebana test while we are here and I would at least like to get the selection right if not the arrangement itself."

[Shiba Jiro]

"They are as varied in tastes as there are varieties of flowers. If we end up needing to arrange as part of the competition it is more important to pay attention to the instructions. The judges will make their preferences known then, subtly."

[Shiba Haru]

"Your advice is to trust in my ability to read the subtle clues given off by, presumably, seasoned courtiers and master artisans?" He asked with a laugh. "Right, well when we get to the test of strength remember to lift with your legs not your back."

[Shiba Jiro]

"No. They will give you the clues. They won't hide them. It's a tournament of talented children, not a test to see if you are a master of all things courtly. They will not make things obvious, but they won't make them too difficult either. And if there is a test of strength then maybe I'll throw together a lever, and lift with my brain."

[Shiba Haru]

"If there is a Kaiu judging you may get bonus points for that, with your brain you may have the whole thing settled before we even get to the dueling. Shiba Jiro, Topaz Champion. I very much like the sound of it and it would be interesting to see an artist win."

[Shiba Jiro]

"About as likely as you giving up the sword to become a geisha. That is, nearly impossible. I don't have any expectation of winning being a non bushi, but you have a good chance I believe."

[Shiba Haru]

"Well we shall see in a weeks time I suppose but I am trying to temper my expectations, if I made a scene because I failed to take the title..."

[Shiba Jiro]

"You will be fine. Just remember to come see me when you are feeling stressed," he tells his brother.

[Shiba Haru]

"The same goes for you, your apprehension is understandable but I am always here if you need me."

[Shiba Jiro]

He nods to Haru. "I was kind of hoping for nicer weather."

[Shiba Haru]

"It isn't the most glorious of arrivals but I'm sure Lady Amaterasu will grace us with her warmth tomorrow."

[Shiba Jiro]

"I do hope so, but I am told ladies can be unpredictable. So I will stick with hopeful rather than expectant."