Lord Gorobei's arrival was heralded by a hush of the whole dojo. He bows formally to the sensei, then to the students, then goes to select his bokken. Giving it a few practice swings, he then looks up.

"Anyone looking for a spar?"

"If the Otomo is willing to meet him at the level he is at, Mirumoto Jinkan will spar with him." A Dragon looking like death warmed over, but in clean and nice exercise robes, freshly tied and tightened properly, said with a bow.

"To clarify. I am Mirumoto Jinkan." In case that wasn't clear from the ghastly scar across his face.

Gorobei bowed shallowly in return. "You alright, there, Mirumoto-san?" he asked, uncertain of what exactly was going on with this guy. "You're not injured, are you?"

"I rolled around too much last night trying to find a comfortable spot. I think it left me with a kink in my back." The Mirumoto replied quickly without any shame.

"I am not injured. Though one wonders if that will remain as it is for long. Is Otomo-sama willing to spar now?"

[[For the purposes of this sparring scene, rolls will be permitted]]

"Otomo-sama is very much willing to spar," Gorobei agreed before assuming his stance.

Initiative | 7k3 ⇒ 50

Let it be known: Gorobei has some crazy luck.

Jinkan assumed his own stance, and breathed deeply in and out. Slowly counting something in his head.

[D12, EM, Open] Swords and Determination, Init, IR/Reflexes, 6k3 | 6k3 ⇒ 21

(21.)

Gorobei moves with surprising speed for one so solidly built, but his technique is all Lion. He seems to have a penchant for fighting low (possibly a result of his compact frame), but while the strike when it comes might have had something of true power behind it, he turns his blade at the last moment and delivers the gentlest of touches instead.

He steps back, a classic Seppun guard on display as he waits for Jinkan's return blow.



Gorobei's armor tn is 20.

Kenjutsu/Agility: Akodo Bushi 1. Free Raise applied to damage. 1 called raise to apply to damage (the better to roll low with, hopefully). | 10k4+4 ⇒ 47

Damage (+2k0 from raises, +1k0 Kenjutsu 3) | 7k1 ⇒ 1

The Mirumoto returns the blow with one of his own, turning to the side and poking the Otomo on the shoulder with a similarly light touch. But the blade is still swift despite lacking anything more than a bruising energy.

"Otomo-sama is fast." He said adjusting for another exchange.

[D12, EM, Open] Swords and Determination, Kenjutsu/Awareness, TN30, Void for 1k1, 7k4 | 7k4 ⇒ 41 (TN: 30)

[D12, EM, Open] Swords and Determination, Damage, keep low, 4k1 | 4k1 ⇒ 1

(Thought this was a duel, but the dice pool is the same anyway. So ignore the words on attack roll.)

"I trained with some of the greats, though I've gotten a little rusty. Not a lot of practice against folks using Niten, though. This is a good challenge."

Spar! attack roll. Free raise and 1 called raises to damage | 9k4+4 ⇒ 35
Damage | 7k1 ⇒ 1

Gorobei lanced in there, the second swing catching Jinkan's left forearm for just a whisper of a hit. Once again, the attack was classic Akodo, but the guard game up Seppun. Gorobei might be fast, but there was a predictability even in his mixed style.

Jinkan was not the greatest or fastest swordsman in the Kyuden. He personally thought himself a middling duelist. So it didn't surprise him in the least when he was unable to poke past the Otomo's guard.

"I fear I am not much of a challenge, Otomo-sama. But I do have an offer of a greater challenge if you would be willing to entertain it."

He settled into another ready stance, waiting to knock aside the Otomo's next attack.

[D12, EM, Open] Swords and Determination, Kenjutsu/Agility, TN20, 6k3 | 6k3 ⇒ 17 (TN: 20)

"Oh? Well, I do like a challenge, Mirumoto-san. What have you got?"

"The Mirumoto would like to invite Otomo-sama to showcase his skills with the blade at a time of his choosing. My daimyo has heard of your abilities and is greatly interested in having you visit one of our dojo as a result." Jinkan said lowering his wooden sword slightly.

"You are far better than me, for certain, and I see value in my daimyo's request. Many Dragon samurai never see any combat in the dojo except from other Niten users. Having someone who has trained with the Lion, and the Seppun would broaden their horizons significantly. And there is no question you are good enough." The Mirumoto paused speaking there.

"Well, to be clear and straightforward, Otomo-sama's time is his own and even just the promise of having him come north at some later date would be greatly appreciated. You cannot be expected to know what the spring will bring after all."

A light appears in Gorobei's eyes. "It would be an honor to cross swords with Lord Mirumoto. I cannot say whether events will require my presence in the capital immediately after court, but perhaps in late spring."