05: The Competition, Final Day

You all spent the remainder of the night enjoying the evening as much as you could. Whilst Aki tried to seek out Hitoshi the Mantis was very reluctant to speak and as soon as it was polite to do so made his excuses, citing feeling unwell, and left. Aki would have tried to follow however her standing at the top of the leader board has meant that as soon as she manages to get clear of one individual another three want to speak with her.

After the festivities end you all get what rest you can. Hitoshi seemed to be sleeping when you returned to the inn and had risen and left before you all awoke. You quickly prepare yourselves and make your way to where the final stage of the Topaz Championship will take place.

The tournament grounds are thronged with spectators, but the crowd seems subdued after the events of last night. A mild pallor hangs over the Topaz Championship and from the brusque instructions of the judges you get the impression they'd rather just get the whole event over with. You are all instructed to take your positions and to meditate on the event ahead whilst you are waiting.

Kashita - you are positioned to one side with Shiba Toya, Mirumoto Hinata, Kakita Riku, Hitoshi, Moto Batbayar, Bayushi Mei Lin and Yasuki Jun. As you are all getting positioned Kakita Riku moves to stand directly next to Kashita "Tell me Otaku-san, you have spent time with the Isawa. How would you rate her chances against Kitsu Tsubasa?" she whispers whilst not taking her eyes from where the two shugenga are standing.

Aki - you are standing next to Kitsu Tsubasa. The Lion shugenga seems much more relaxed than you have previously seen them during the contest and they turn and nod as you take your position. "Good luck Isawa-san" he says to you sounding genuinely sincere.

Yoshi - for a few moments you are left standing on your own pondering whether the judges have forgotten to place you before you sense a figure approaching. Turning your head you see Kitsuki Yuikimi striding over, smiling broadly in her resplendent blue and gold armour marking her station as last years champion. "Yoshi-san, I thought it would be an idea to speak with you. I appreciate members of your order are not usually expected to take part in Iajitsu tournaments or the like so if you wished to sit this out I was going to offer you the option to observe the proceedings with myself." she gestures over to where she will be sitting to watch the tournament where Kakita Toshimoko and Bayushi Sugai will also be sitting.

Yoshi - Yuikimi nods and smiles before indicating for you to follow her. As you approach the raised platform where Kakita Toshimoko is sitting Yuikimi takes her seat to his side and gestures for you to sit next to her. As you sit Toshimoko nods at you in a polite manner but he seems distracted, almost eager, for the start of the tournament before he turns his eyes to the empty seat at his other side where you presume Bayushi Sugai should be seated. He frowns then turns to a nearby attendant and says quietly "We will not wait any longer", in response the servant bows before running off.

Kashita - Riku merely grunts slightly in response but does not take her eyes from the two shugenga until the gong sounds indicating the start of the tournament.

All - The first two competitors, Bayushi Mei Lin and Moto Batbayar, moves to the weapon racks and select their specially prepared blunted swords. You had all previously prepared a similar weapon and the sheathes of each are decorated in your family and clan colours (those not participating in the Iajitsu duels were still expected to participate in that particular ritual). As they stand facing each other they seem utterly relaxed until the Lion judge bellows to begin. With a blur of movement the bout is over as Mei Lin's lightning speed proves too much for the slower unicorn. As they both bow and return to their places the next two competitors, Kakita Riku and Hitoshi, move to the racks. Riku is first to reach them and she selects her weapon with a distinctive white and blue wrappings. Hitoshi selects his, wrapped in sea green and gold colours. Both competitors take their positions and the Lion judge once again yells to begin. You think you see Doji Satsume's sad face amidst the observers as the two surge forwards and strike at each other. The sudden flash of blood across Riku's face and the sand of the duelling ring takes everyone by surprise as Hitoshi collapses to his knees, injured badly but still alive. Riku stares at the razor sharp katana in her hands as healers rush forwards to tend to the injured mantis.

Chaos reigns across the arena, Toshimoko and others are shouting orders and others are dashing about. As you study the scene you all catch sight of a slender figure slipping out of a side gate with a sword slung over their back. The sword is wrapped in blue and white wrappings, identical to those on Kakita Riku's blade. Yoshi notes that Kitsuki Yuikimi has also taken note of the figure and stands as if about to move. What do you do???

Yoshi is slightly surprised as Kitsuki Yuikimi nods in response but then moves to join the chase. "Toshimoko-sama's healers are tending to Hitoshi, we will be of more use apprehending this individual" she says as you converge with Aki and Kashita. Seeing Kashita about to pick up a practice sword she shakes her head and guestures to a rack of live weaponry "Grab something useful Kashita-san, we may need a sharper edge before this matter is resolved." she shouts over as she moves to follow her own advice.

You all rush forwards and move to the gate and pass out into Tsuba. Ahead you see the figure running flat out, if you do not catch them soon they will doubtless loose themselves in the buildings of the village....

You all manage to keep pace with the runner and Yoshi even gains considerable ground. As they are running the figure glances back and seems to curse at the fact you are all closing and Aki catches sight of their, quite familiar, face - that of Bayushi Sugai.

As he reaches a cluster of buildings he seems to change course and dash between them, seeming to hope that if he keeps going he will be able to out last you all. Kitsuki Yuikimi shouts to you all "Keep following them, I'll try and cut them off" and she turns and takes a difference route leaving the three of you hot on Sugai's heels.

Despite his efforts Sugai quickly realises Yoshi and Kashita will shortly catch him. As Aki shouts out his name to her companions and readies herself to return to the tournament area you all see a three samurai standing just ahead of where he is headed who turn to face the pursuit. As you close with them they all draw katanas and you realise that you recognise them, they were all part of the Ronin who attacked you in the tea house! Sugai shouts out to them "Kill these fools!" and as he runs to pass them the ronin move to engage with you....

Seeming to react quicker than you thought possible one of the Ronin steps forwards towards Yoshi with a smile and says "Back for more boy" before lashing out with their katana. Whilst the sword whistles past the monk Yoshi finds himself somewhat distracted by the ronin.

Aki moves forwards shouting encouragement to Yoshi as she moves.
Yoshi steps forwards towards the ronin. As he does he focus's his Ki downwards, feeling his connection with the Earth enhanced and his steps take on a more deliberate, solid demeanor and he begins to be aware of the movements around him through the vibrations he feels through the soles on his feet.
Kashita thrusts her Yari towards Sugai and whilst her weapon does not find it's mark it seems the thrusting blade is keeping him off balance.

Sugai draws his katana and tries to advance but snarls as Kashita's spear work stops him from advancing on her. Suddenly he laughs "Children playing at adult games. You can't even keep the Mantis scum safe, maybe you should quite before you hurt yourselves"The ronin on the left moves up towards Kashita, moving inside the guard of her Yari but doesn't have the opening to strike at them this turn. Yoshi suddenly finds himself facing both of the other ronin, both of which slash out with their katanas.... the new opponent delivers a wicked blow towards Yoshi's midsection but the force of the blow seems to reverberate unexpectedly up his arm but he manages to maintain his footing. The Ronin Yoshi was previously fighting takes a step back to bring his katana to bear but fails to connect.

Yoshi - the ronin grunts seemingly in amusement. "Alright boy.....show me" he says before readying himself. The other Ronin next to him moves round to support Sugai.Kashita and Aki - Kashita's spear lances out causing Sugai to jerk to one side, his expression looks to be a mix of frustration and anger as he steps forwards and delivers a vicious blow in return.

Kashita uses the last of her reserves of energy to dodge Sugai's blow but unfortunately is left open to the other Ronin's attack, Kashita stumbles to the side and narrowly avoids having her head taken off.

The Clash

Yoshi and the Ronin lock eyes with one another, silently weighing their opponent...

Yoshi makes a flurry of blows at the Ronin but none of them connect. Seeming to sense his frustration the ground trembles sending the ronin tumbling to the floor and whilst this cuts the ronins laughter short it still stings Yoshi somewhat.

The Ronin scrmables back a short distance along the floor and lashes out at Yoshi with his Katana before regaining his footing.

Yoshi stumbles to the side from the ronin's attack, the exertion of the combat begining to catch up with him. As the ronin lashes out there is another rumble as Yoshi's feet move on the ground and the ronin barely staggers back to their feet.The ronin staggers back to their feet before taking a few quick steps back and trying to regain their breath. They turn and shout to their companion to rejoin them against Yoshi.

You all three begin to steadily back away from the Ronin and Sugai, trying to get a bit of distance between you all. Sugai grins seeing you fall back "They know too much, we need to end them." he says to the others as he and two of the Ronin begin to advance towards you all.

The Ronin that Yoshi was facing off with begins to take a step forwards before stopping with a surprised look on their face as the blade of Kitsuki Yuikimi's katana erupts from his chest. As he slids to the floor she whips her sword round in a swift arc, the ronins blood flying clear of it, as she begins to advance on the others. Sugai's face twists in frustration at this additional complication as the confidence seems to drain from the remaining, now outnumbered, Ronin.

Sugai's attention is focused almost entirely on the Unicorn samurai and he seems quite surprised and barely avoids the surprisingly energetic punch thrown by Aki. From his breathing he seems to be quite taxed by the combat so far.

Seeing the tide turn now they are outnumbered the two surviving Ronin turn and start to flee. Seeing it Sugai yells in anger "COWARDS!" before taking a step back and delivering a vicious blow towards Aki's neck…

Yukimi quickly pads forwards aiming to cut off any avenue for Sugai to flee.

As Sugai half turns towards the threat of Kitsuki Yuikimi's advance Kashita seizes her opportunity and drives her Yari forwards into the Scorpions thigh. With a cry of pain he collapses to the floor, before he can regain his composure Yuikimi's sword is at his neck. "If you wish to keep your miserable head attached to your body I would advise remaining still" she says in a quiet tone that brooks no arguments.

As you all catch your breaths several towns guard come running over. Yuikimi quickly takes charge and sends some after the fleeing ronin whilst the rest take Sugai into custody. Once that is dealt with Yuikimi turns to you all "Quickly, we should return to the tournament and report to Toshimoko-sama".

Yuikimi glances at Kashita and nods in approval. You return to the tournament grounds with a bloody and defeated Bayushi Sugai in tow, only to find Riku grimly preparing to commit ritual suicide for accidentally injuring Hitoshi. The Mantis stands to the side of Toshimoko, pale from his injury but otherwise seeming to be fine. Toshimoko's face looking as if it was carved from stone.
When he sees you, his expression changes to surprise. "Hold!" he commands to Riku "Clearly there is more going on here than first appears!". All eyes in the tournament grounds turn to you, the silence whilst everyone waits for you to speak is almost deafening....

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.....