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@ Iaijutsu Duels:

As soon as the last bushi draws and presents their lot to the magistrates, Raicho would step forward to announce the first duel.

"The first duel of the day is Horiuchi Sayoko, on behalf of Doji Koan, versus Isawa Sosuke, on behalf of Asako Sumi. Whenever you're ready, get on with it."

As she stood there near the circled off area, both the Phoenix and the Unicorn would step forward. Sosuke would bow his head and upper body towards Sayoko almost immediately. "I look forward to this duel, Sayoko-san. I know how you feel about most of us, but do realize I come into this eyes wide open, bearing you no ill will."

Sayoko would let out a snort of disapproval, already motioning to move into the centered stance. "Hurry up and take your stance. I have no tolerance for peons."

Raicho would say nothing about the matter, stepping back to allow both samurai to duel uninterrupted. Anyone passing a TN 20 Perception/Investigation (Notice) check would see Benjiro's left hand on the sheath of his katana.

Assessment

Both samurai would take up position 5' away from one another. Sayoko scowled as she glared into Sosuke's eyes, while his own demeanor was surprisingly relaxed.

Sayoko raises once; aims to learn Sosuke's Iaijutsu Rank, Reflexes. Result of 17 vs TN 10. She chooses Sosuke's Agility.
Sosuke raises twice; aims to learn Sayoko's Void, Reflexes, Void Points. Result of 13 vs TN 15. He chooses Sayoko's Reflexes.

Focus

Sosuke would continue to hold his position, undeterred by Sayoko, though a drop of sweat would drip down his brow. Sayoko's hand would be on the hilt of her blade, gripping it tightly, waiting for that split second between victory and defeat.

Sayoko focuses; Reflexes/Iaijutsu vs TN 5. Result: 15.
Sosuke focuses, Agility/Iaijutsu vs TN 10. Result, 16.
Sayoko focuses; Reflexes/Iaijutsu vs TN 15. Result: 22.
Sosuke focuses and spends a void point, Agility/Iaijutsu vs TN 20. Result: 19.

Sayoko's muscles tighten, and Sosuke waits for that opening. However, in his studious examination of Sayoko's movements, he was ill prepared for the first strike!

Strike

Sayoko's blade would lash out suddenly and unexpectedly, before Sosuke could fully draw his blade. With a bright flash of light and a metalling shhhnnnggg, a line of red would appear across the Phoenix's chest!

{Attack roll of 14+10 from focusing = 24 vs TN 15; 11 damage, Sosuke is Nicked!}

Sosuke's hand had barely touched the handle of his katana, and he had already lost. Sayoko would flick her katana to dislodge the droplets of the yojimbo's blood across the ground between them before sliding her weapon back into the sheath.

"Well, it's finally over for me. Thank you for an excellent duel, Sayoko-san," he would say, bowing to her once more. She would simply smirk, turning to leave. The Phoenix, after a few moments, would stand up and turn the other way, heading aside to get treated by one of the local Asahina on staff.

WINNER: Horiuchi Sayoko

((Edited for rules adjustment, because I cannot read!))

The Hare had no clan to stand with, and had made no effort to make a display of himself- he'd more or less vanished after he had drawn his lot, standing quietly amidst the crowd and seemingly focusing inward as he watched the first duel unfold, from the period of tense, growing silence to the sudden striker. Nothing like how he was used to fighting.

But, it was not meant to be a fight then. He'd trust the Fortunes to help him to victory, if they willed it.

Stepping forward, the Hare approached the Mantis, and stopped ten feet from him.

"Susumu-san. You do me an honor today,"

The Hare sounded a bit distant, even if he was polite, but he seemed to be focused on something- presumably the duel at hand. With greetings out of the way he'd slowly approach to the appropriate distance, waiting to be acknowledged before he'd take his stance, out of respect.

@ Iaijutsu Duel:

Susumu would nod to Denbe, flashing him a confident smile. "You're the only one here who I think fully understands what hardship is like. Believe me, Ujina-san, the honor is mine."

Though, as Denbe stopped too far away for dueling protocol, Susumu would look at the Hare's feet, then back to his eyes. "I hope... you're not nervous, Ujina-san. Here..." The Mantis's hand would be on the hilt of his sword as he closed to 5 feet. "Allow me."

Assessment

Susumu would grin as he would attempt to gauge Denbe's capabilities.

Susumu aims to learn Denbe's ranks in Iaijutsu. 8 vs TN 5.

Denbe, focus!

@ Iaijutsu Shenanigans:



Would he have much of a choice?

He would leave the crowd with her as discretely as possible.

The Hare blinked, taken off guard by the compliment, and then smiled, warming up and coming more to the present with a nod to Susumu as he helped him close the distance, and fell into stance a moment after the Mantis did.

Instead of answering specifically, the Denbe smiled elusively and settled in, his eyes moving down from his opponent's shoulder to his legs and feet, examining the poise and balance of his feet. Dueling might have been new, but he knew about balance.

Denbe had to put his best effort forth from the get go, trying to clear his mind and offer as blank a slate as possible.

[1 Raise to learn Agility, 1 Raise to hide Information]
[5k3 Awareness/Iaijutsu(Assessment): 22 vs TN 15 to learn Agility and Reflexes]

Denbe stood quietly for a moment, and shifted his stance slightly- tensing as if ready to draw, trying to put the Mantis on the spot. If he was constantly watching for Denbe to draw, then it'd truly be a test of the speed with which he could react when the real motion came.

With a tiny nod, the Hare continued to hold steady.

[Denbe chooses Susumu's Reflexes]
[Denbe awards Susumu first focus.]

Carefully measuring his breaths, Denbe tried to keep still to the absolute- everything but his hair and white-and-red clothing shifting in what wind there might be. A clear, focused mind. The staredown had begun.

[4k2 Void/Iaijutsu(Focus): 13 vs TN 10]

There!

Susumu coiled a bit too tight, and for a moment his gaze seemed to lose focus. That was when Denbe moved, clutching the hilt and sweeping his blade forward with one hand and scabbard back with the other, striking a quick downward sweep flowing straight out from his draw.

[1 Free Raise for accuracy.]
[4k2+5 Reflexes/Iaijutsu(Strike): 17 vs TN 15]