05: The Competition, Final Day

Toshimoko seems somewhat non-plused by Yoshi's response and turns to look at Aki and Kashita Do either of you have anything to add to....that?

Toshimoko stares atSugai for a long moment before glancing to Yuikimi, the current Topaz Champion nods slightly verifying your statements but otherwise does not interject. Toshimoko does not return his gaze to Sugai but simple says "Your silence only confirms your guilt. I will not have you in my sight any longer" as he turns his back on the Scorpion a number of guards move forwards and drag Sugai away. The Scorpion shoots a furious gaze in all your direction before he disappears from view.

Once he has been removed Toshimoko turns to view you all again, his composure seeming to have returned somewhat. He pauses for a moment before speaking "It seems we owe you three a debt. Without your intervention it seems an honourable servant of the emperor would have taken their own life needlessly and the true guilty party would have escaped. But that can wait, we have a tournament to finish" he turns to study the tournament standings before turning his gaze onto Aki "It has been many, many years since a Shugenga lead the tournament. You have accounted yourself admirably and done your clan and family proud, you all have" he says regarding all the competitors at the latter part of his statement before turning his attention back to Aki "You have one more challenge to face though, the taryu-jiai." he returns to his seat on the dais before his voice booms out "Isawa Aki, Kitsu Tsubasa take your positions".

Aki stands across the training field from Kitsu Tsubasa, the tension almost palpable in the air as all eyes are on the pair of Shugenga. After a few moments Tsubasa gives a slight, almost nervous smile before bowing deeply towards Aki. "Isawa-sama, you clearly have the better of me. I concede the field to you" he says before bowing again and withdrawing slightly. There is almost a stunned silence before the crowd erupt into a quiet applause, the other competitors are somewhat more exuberant in their congratulations.

As Kitsu Tsubasa backs away you all see Toshimoko nod in satisfaction, seeming quite pleased with the result. He stands to begin a small speach, congratulating Aki and the other competitors in having all achieved the required standard for all of your gazes are drawn to the crowd just to the side of where Toshimoko is speaking. The gathered people part slightly and you all catch a glimpse of Doji Satsume's face. He looks on with approval, then turns a challenging gaze directly at you before becoming lost in the crowd. You can see in his eyes that his story isn't complete, and you'll see him again.

Your attention snaps back as Toshimoko dismisses you all to make your preparations for the formal gempuku ceremony. During this ceremony, the newly-made samurai adopt their adult names, receive the swords that are their marks of status, and make their oaths of loyalty to their families, clans, and the Emperor.....

After you have all taken some time to clean up and prepare yourself you wait in quiet mediation until you are finally summoned to the Temple to the Seven Fotunes. You gather there with the other competitors, the solemn atmosphere tamping down the excitement you all feel within.

You can see senior samurai from each major clan standing to one side waiting to accept the oaths of the competitors from their respective clans. Almost out of place amongst that company is an eighth samurai. From their dress and the challenging, almost contemptuous glare, they are sweeping about you realise this individual is of the Mantis clan, here to take Hitoshi's oath.

One by one each competitor is called forwards. After a short prayer they are blessed and purified by a priest before the representative from their clan comes forwards to take their oath. For some this seems to flow naturally, others are somewhat more reserved but the oaths given rings about the centre of the temple. As they finish each new samurai is presented with their wakasashi along with a katana for the Bushi's. Additionally Kashita is also presented with the Yari she grabbed when pursuing Sugai, Aki is provided with the boken that Sugai was trying to flee with, and Yohsi is presented with the katana that was carried by the leader of the ronin - you are each told that these items are provided as a mark of honour for their part in the apprehension of Sugai.

Once each of the competitors have completed their gempuku they stand aside, all other than Aki. Once again a priest steps forwards and intones a number of cleansing prayers over her before moving to one side and Aki is then prompted to move to stand at the centre of the chamber. She is joined there by Kitsuki Yuikimi who turns to address the assembled samurai. "We stand here to commemorate not only the fact that the empire has this day gained the service of 11 new samurai but one has risen above the rest to attain the mantle of the Topaz champion." she turns and smiles slightly at Aki "This honour has only been attained by the best of us and through our actions serves as an example and inspiration to those who will follow." as she speaks she turns to the side where the traditional armour of the champion stands, no longer hers to wear, and reaches to take a small bundle from the side before turning back to Aki "Allow me to be of service Isawa-sama" she says with a bow before revealing an exquisitely made golden brown robe which she proceeds to dress Aki with. As she steps back the room almost erupts into applause as the assembled throng join in celebrating all of your achievements.

---

The day following your gempuku is a hectic one. The celebrations lasted long into the night but now you have risen with the weight of new duties pressing on you. As you make your farewells to those samurai you have become particularly familiar with, Hitoshi in particular searches each of you out to express his gratitude for your friendship during the contest, you are each approached by a servant who requests that you come with them on a matter of some import. You soon find yourselves lead to the magistrates estate in Tsuma and you are introduced to Agasha Sumiko, the acting Emerald Champion. She smiles as you all enter seeming to weigh you with an appraising eye before speaking "Nasty business with Sugai. You all showed quick thinking and a commitment to justice" the dragon explains "both are qualities an Emerald Magistrate must posses". She stops for a moment to produce three sets of documents, an invitation for each of you to journey to the palace of the Emerald Champion and train as Emerald Magistrates, an extremely prestigious position "The choice is yours whether to accept this opportunity. The last few days have been very busy for you all so take some time to think and meditate on it before making a decision but I do hope to see each of you at the palace soon" she finishes with a smile before quickly dismissing you all, citing other pressing business, and you are all left with a decision to make about your future.....