Sun rose slowly above the city even as the heat dispelled that mist that had caressed the skyscrapers the night before. A small group of tense samurai had gathered in the garden surrounding the House of Steel, with dignitaries and priests present. The focus of attention was on the two bushi clad in respective clan uniforms preparing for what was to come With the Spider issuing the challenge, the Lion had decreed time and place and so now Matsu Manatsu stood ready, resting her left hand on her blade. She was an unlikely duelist - a southpaw that made her unpredictable. She could be seen stroking the wrappings of her blade as she if she was caressing her lover.


(Matsu Manatsu)

The Spider samurai representing Yakumo was leaning to a tree, fiddling with his communicator even as he waited for everyone to arrive.

(Daigotsu Goro)

Kanna arrived, and, before going to her assigned place, checked one last time the recorder was set up right. She sadly couldn't film herself due to her role in today's play, but there was no way she would pass on images the Lion propaganda could exploit ad libitum.

A good general plans for victory, so she already had in mind what to write after Manatsu's true strike. There was many possible variants depending on the targeted audience, including some that could be mildly favorable to the idol, and all would be milked:

Glory is not honor: Spider PR's darling Susumu Yakumo learns the hard way honor is not something your agent can arrange for you.

Spider challenges Lion to prove her honor. What happens next won't surprise you.

Bad apples rot the whole basket: How Susumu Yakumo learned the sins of her fellow were dragging her down.

Of course, the wise general also had a contingency plan for unlikely outcomes and so did she. Let there be enmity between us: Tales of an unlikely duel.

But like, that wasn't going to happen unless trickery. The Heavens would back the righteous.

There were few matters that required such a special level of formality, but Yakumo at least had the mind to dress for it, opting for a five-crested kurotomesode paired with a pale grey obi with woven pattern of white lillies. The songstress had an air of strength and tradition around her, as she arrived with a couple of others from the Spider embassy, there to witness the duel.

"Kitsu-san, greetings." A respectful bow was given to the Lion, and she took up her place near the Daigotsu who would serve as her sword in this match. Words of trust had been given before when she had been introduced to her champion, but now the moment of truth was here.

Yakumo entrusted Daigotsu Goro to enact her will and determination.

Sumiko had made sure to arrive early enough to support her kin. She remained as part of the crowd though, rather than coming too far forward.

The Imperial adjunct called the duelists to ground she had deemed most suitable, indicating them both a location where they should stand, the young woman waving her fan rather vigorously as she took a stock of the situation.


"Good morning, Daigotsu-san." Manatsu called out to her opponent, offering him a low bow.


"Fuckface." her opponent replied, Goro scratching his neck as he observed his opponent, his 'free' hand resting on the hilt of his blade. Where Manatsu seemed eager and energetic, Goro seemed almost lethargic. Yet anyone who caught glimpse of his eyes could sense his focus. Goro was a man prepared to kill - even if the duel was to be fought to the first blood only.

Goro's choice of flowery prose did make Yakumo raise an eyebrow, but she couldn't really fault him for speaking the truth. She just hoped he didn't actually try to murder the Matsu in this kind of duel.

Yakumo bowed to the Imperial adjunct, and took her spot as one of those being championed in this duel, showing that she was ready.

Well. Whatever. In true World of Dreams fashion, these two likely had a one hundred episodes long telenovela-style common history, with today's kind words being the last but not the least plot twist.

Kanna similarly noticed the imperial they could begin.

Sumiko managed to hold back a frown.

That wasn't necessary...a tactic to distract maybe?

With the Imperial arriving, Sumiko watched on

"Silence! Silence please!" Voice of the Imperial Adjunct called out, the poor young woman having been more or less coerced to witness the duel. "Today we are resolving a matter of honor between Yakumu Susumu-san and Kitsu Kana-san." Having been literally dragged from her bed, the adjunct could hardly remember her name, let alone of those involved. "Championing Susumu-san we have Daigotsu Goro-san."

Hearing his name mentioned, Goro blew a kiss at the adjunct, the young woman rather flustered by the sudden and disrespectful act.

"Hi sweetie!" Goro called out, zero fucks of any sort given, licking his lips behind his mask.

"Representing Kitsu-san we have "Matsu Manatsu-san." The Imperial adjunct managed, flustered as she was.


"Miya-sama." Manatsu offered a bow to the adjunt.

"Duelists! Take your places!"


Goro took his stance, his sword held high, eyeing his opponent with disdain as he assessed her.


Manatsu chose a low guard, her blade parallel to the ground, steel in her eyes.

__________
Assessment | 6k3 ⇒ 21 (TN: 20)
Assessment | 5k2 ⇒ 9 (TN: 20)
Goro gains +1k1 on his Focus roll for beating Manatsu's assessment by 10 or more.

If we have to have a second duel because of you, Goro... well, you have my support, but she would not be happy about it. Though she imagined that if anyone told Goro that they were personally insulted and wanted a duel to restore their honor, he'd likely tell them to piss off. Or something along those lines.

Sure, she had seen duels during her time on Isora's Rest. But never with herself involved. It was an entirely different experience to be on this side, and also maintain her calm and faith in the righteousness of her actions in defending the honor of her family.

Yuji had been in the crowd of Spider, watching the duel. When he saw Yakumo, he would offer her a smile of support.

A bit weary from a night of killing pirates, Reki was there to provide some presence. She frowned at the Spider's comment. But she expected that sort of behavior, particularly from the Daigotsu.

Kanna wasn't sure what game the Daigotsu was playing. Likely one where the only winning moves was not to play.

Reaching for his center - or rotten core - Goro focused, his eyes intent on his opponent.


His opponent responded in kind, biting her lip as she tried to gauge what the Spider might do.

________________________

Focus | 7k4 ⇒ 39 (TN: ?)
Focus | 7k4 ⇒ 35 (TN: ?)

"Iai!" Goro shouted, stepping towards Manatsu as he swung his blade in downward arch, his blade cutting into Manatsu's shirt, leaving a bloody wound just above her bosom.



"Ei!" Manatsu replied, trying to sidestep Goro even as she brought her blade upwards in a skillful lunge, her steel gleaming in the sun even as it sunk into Goro's thigh.

Bloodied, both warriors stepped back, neither quite understanding what had just happened.
__________________
Strike! | 6k4 ⇒ 30 (TN: 20)
Damage | 6k2 ⇒ 12 (TN: ?)

Strike! | 7k4 ⇒ 28 (TN: 20)
Damage | 7k2 ⇒ 18 (TN: ?)

...

It would appear the message of the Heavens is: "Don't bother us with your childish quarrels."

...

This one was going to be a nightmare to make a PR stunt about.

Reki sighed and rubbed her head. She should have worn the cat ears for all the levity this result created.

Her eyes turned to the judge, waiting for their assessment.

Guess that's it?

Sumiko kept a neutral expression, looking to Yakumo to see how she was.

What... the... fuck...

Yakumo's eyes widened slightly, the only sign of her surprise, and she pretty much had no idea on how this would work out.

Yuji brought his fan from his sleeves. Covering his face, his eyes narrowed at the display from the Daigotsu duelist.

Idiot. It's unnecessary to live up to *that* reputation.