[D0, LM: Training Grounds] Not Early Enough (Open)

[Akodo Michi]

Michi had settled at the inn quickly and bathed after her travels. Now it was time to begin her routine, though later than usual. Setting off to the Academy, she was certain she would see all the other Lion there at such an hour. Despite the history her clan shared with the Crane, she was absolutely certain of the ideal so many espoused There Shall Be Respect Among Warriors. Thus, she was not here to watch her enemy train, but if they decided to honor her with a demonstration she would of course refuse twice.

Dressed in brown hakama and yellow hakamashita, the mon of her family visible on the back, the mon of the war college on the right breast, her clan on the left. She spent at least an hour that morning practicing strength and endurance training, then moved on to agility before, after such time, finally taking up a bokken.

The entire rest of the morning would be spent on drills, her travels had put her too far behind already, she would be forming new callouses this day.

[Shiba Kuroneko]

Tsuma was famous for it's academy and Kuroneko was a curious cat. He wasn't trained in the arts of the weapons nor the arts of the fist but this place probably would aid that lack of the Phoenix shugenja. He noted the dissonant color of the lion among the powder blues. He looked at Kiba that was following him and offered some food. His gaze went back to the browns and yellows. As he looked at the grace of which the young Lion moved. The Shugenja sat down just to watch. Kuro wouldn't want to interrupt the kata of the ones in the dojo. Kiba jumped to his lap and Tori came out of his sleeve to peek on why they had stopped.

[Akodo Michi]

Though there may be grace in all things if one looks, the kata of the Akodo family is precise, strong, and swift. Every shout at the Castle of the Swift Sword is answered in kind by other students, but here in the lands of the Kakita, Michi's voice is a lone roar amongst chirping. Despite this, her form held true, as in her poise could be seen the certainty that her ancestors did answer back.

Now through with her last form for the final time that morning, she held the bokken behind her and bowed to the dojo, then walked precisely towards where the Shiba watched. She bowed to him politely, then accepted a cloth from a servant, wiped the bokken clean, then with another began to dab the sprinkled water and sweat from her face, then arms.

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"Good morning Lion sama..." He greeted as he pet the cat on his lap. "I hope Inari has bless you this morning." Kuroneko gave a seated bow. "This one is Shiba Kuroneko. It is an honor to see you practice with the blade."

[Akodo Michi]

A shake of the head, her high tied hair swishing this way and that. "The honor is mine, Shiba-sama. I am Akodo Michi, trained in the art of the Swift Sword. Have you come to practice? Or perhaps your friend has." Her voice was not cold, but there was no particular emotion marking her face either as she gazed upon the animal in Kuroneko's lap, then back to the Phoenix.

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"This one is Kiba and he just wants to sleep." He made a whistling sound and peeking out the sleeve came Tori. "I think, Tori kun is looking forward to meeting new people." He nodded at the sable on peeking out his sleeve then taking him out. "I, unfortunately, don't have any martial training Akodo san. I just came to watch and see why the dojo is so famous."

[Akodo Michi]

"To answer", Michi said and gestured with her head toward a group of students standing still in Kakita's first stance. "That would be them. The swordsmen of the Crane hold a great secret within themselves, somehow they become very quick by never moving at all."

She paused for a long time, clearly giving all of creation a moment to settle down after laughing at her joke.

"Though in truth they have been doing strength training all morning until now."

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"I see... well each clan has their view of training. One must stand strong like a rock but be flexible like bamboo. Analyze one's opponent before striking like wind." He nodded. "I watched my brothers train. I am the only one with the gift of the kami." He explained.

[Akodo Michi]

"As a priest from the family of warriors, you may have seen much", the Lion allowed, but clearly disagreed with some of the black cat's words. "Are you in Tsuma to compete or do you come to support your brothers?"

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"I am here to compete and support my cousins." He nodded. "I have seen them train but not quite called my attention to the blade. Perhaps a Yari or a naginata may be up my pace, I should find a way to use them if I am to keep myself alive in the forests." The young Shiba petted the cat in his lap.

[Akodo Michi]

"As is proper to support your family", she said and her gaze drew toward the distance where Shiba Haru and a Crab made their welcomings. "Though as to your own protection, is it not the duty of your cousins to see to your well-being? You may not be of the Isawa tribe, but your position is the same, is it not?"

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"That is true that I am not from the Isawa and that my training should make my cousins and brothers be protective of me but I have other friends that I wish to protect." He pets his cat. "They might be tricky and probably helpless with out some guidance. Those are the ones I wish to protect. It is part of my heritage as well to be a protector."

[Akodo Michi]

"I see", the Lion responded. Their expression was harsh, however. "How will you protect them, then?" she stood taller. "There are killers, butchers of battle. They rain blood from their enemy's heart, they are surrounded by shrieking pain and must every moment fend off terror. That is what it means to protect something. If you cannot accept this truth, if you cannot sacrifice some of yourself for those you wish to save, you can protect nothing."

[Shiba Kuroneko]

The Shiba looked at the Lioness with a smile on his face. "I know that there are many dangerous people out there. This tournament ends one of our life journeys and a new journey begins. My weapon is my ability to commune with the kami. But I know that is not enough as I grow older I will have the experience to wield something physical rather than spiritual." Kuroneko lowered his head to look at the cat on his lap. "I am willing to sacrifice my life just to keep them safe. They may not be human but they are still my friends."

[Akodo Michi]

"You are a fool who does not understand my words, but that is temporary. More importantly, you are a kind fool and that is respectable", the Lion stated without malice. "Keep your friends in good care and may they never fail you."

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"Better a fool that knows he is a fool than a fool that think he is a wise man." Kuroneko chuckled. "My friends are worth my care and even if they betray me, they will have taught me a lesson and we still have the memories of the day we were not at arms." He looked at the Lioness. "Lions live in prides and protect their own, so do I."

[Akodo Michi]

"Just so", came the terse reply. The Lion's stance shifted slightly and for a moment watched Haru and Mitsuko again. When she was through, her eyes fixed on the cat in Kuroneko's lap, but she said nothing for a long moment.

[Shiba Kuroneko]

Little Tori came out of Kuro's sleeve and climbed up to the Shiba's shoulder. "I may not understand the art of war..." Kuro pet the little sable. "But I understand sacrifice. I may not understand your world but that doesn't mean that I lack the courtesy to be sympathetic with what it is."

[Akodo Michi]

"It matters, but not overmuch, Shiba-san", she said and sat down now, feeling the very last of the sweat having cooled off of her. The dampness of her hair was now only from the ever slight rain. "Even lives shared in experience have vast differences, wide and narrow views, there is no need for understanding in all things...even more, in the attempt we often misunderstand everything." she moved her finger in a circle, the little creatures about the Shiba following the movement.

[Shiba Kuroneko]

The little Sable followed the finger as it yipped. "True, but one might want to become part of the world be it as friends, allies or maybe the unfortunate one to be an enemy." He shook his head.