The heavy atmosphere in the air and the distant, muted sound of lightning didn't stop promised duel from taking place. Snow drifted around the Emperor steadily as he stood on the grounds of the shrine, waiting for the duelists to arrive before the eyes of Amaterasu. It was only fitting that he arbitrate a duel for a crime committed on the grounds of his home, and fitting that the Heavens themselves observe it. His face was a stony neutral as he watched the gate.

Sora, as a member of the Jiyo family in good standing, was also present.

Odd, perhaps, given his known views on dueling.

Ananzihime waited next to him. It was about her fan, and she had a vested interest in the outcome... even if she had no idea how she would want it to turn out. She resisted the urge to fiddle with the fabric of her sleeves, hiding her nerves behind a calm facade.

Hadananzi arrived, wearing a functional but fine silk kimono and a finely crafted sword at his hip. His face was just as stony and emotionless as that of the emperor, towards whom he offered a deep bow. Another bow was afforded to his wife, and to the shrine itself, as if asking for the heavens' blessing over this duel. One way or another, all would be decided soon.

Duels, what a waste of time.

The Dragon shared most of the Wu's distaste for duels as means of resolution of dispute but did not express it as he placed himself in a discreet corner to observe the proceedings.

Genjinwas there, in his Grandmother's Temple, his curiosity piqued, both for the skills and the means.

Gusai follows the young lord.

Hadananzi wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 28, 2021 9:20 pm

Hadananzi arrived, wearing a functional but fine silk kimono and a finely crafted sword at his hip. His face was just as stony and emotionless as that of the emperor, towards whom he offered a deep bow. Another bow was afforded to his wife, and to the shrine itself, as if asking for the heavens' blessing over this duel. One way or another, all would be decided soon.

Dojihime arrived and gave her brother a nod of support before watching quietly.

Regardless of the outcome Tsubaki was pleased as punch to witness the outcome of her machinations.

An extremely plain young woman was amongst the spectators.

The proceedings had been of interest to the young Spider and he watches with curiosity.

His old friend and a valued member of his clan were about to duel. Hikaru knew that this was about more than just a fan. Deeper questions would be answered, one way or another.

He stood, stony-faced, scarcely knowing what to believe.

Ayumu sighed internally.

It was obvious from the start this Kakita man had never been looking for a peaceful solution to his issue, whatever it was. But the laws of the Empire were designed in such a way that if both sides agreed to a fight, then they were allowed to fight.

Well, they were probably loopholes that could be invoked to intervene regardless, especially around collateral damages on third parties that didn't give their consent to be dragged into the mess. But Shiba's presence indicated the matter of the legality of the whole thing had been validated.

The chances of the issue just dying down as soon as one of the fighters would have lost a bit of their blood were not technically zero.

But it was probably not a waste of time to prepare contingency plans for the aftermath of the event.

Yuzuru was present in body, but perhaps not fully in spirit. Hsieh-Hsieh definitely seemed to be paying more attention to the Consort than to the surroundings.

Kakita walked smoothly towards the shrine as snow flittered about him. His face was as austere as the weather… but lacking in any emotion.

No vengeance. No anger. Merely focus…

He arrived at the appointed position, wearing a silk kimono with his hand-crafted blade at his side. His saya was a dark black, with the faint outline of avian wings noticeable in the sunlight.

He bowed deeply to the Emperor before turning to face the shrine for one final oblation.

The strength to defend your people… let it reside in me today.

He turned back towards his opponent and his eyes focused on the darkness he confronted.

I told you last night… I’m coming for you.

Dojihime held out her hand for Fuyuhime to land, the white raven giving a call before she silenced it with a treat.

The Emperor speaks. "Kakita of the Bat was accused of taking the fan of Nanzi Ananzihime by her husband, Nanzi Hadananzi. Kakita-san denies this accusation. All the Heavens to shine truth on this matter as they did my siblings' tournament." With that, he gestured to the combatants to begin.

Kakita bowed to the Emperor after he spoke.

His gaze then shifted as the world around him faded out of focus… he peered deeply into the being in front of him collecting an image of the speed of the creatures muscles…

How swift would he need to be to cut this thing… Nothing else mattered. His breaths slipped into a rhythm… and sought the rhythm that would let him cut. All other concerns be damned.


—————

D8 Duel Init VP: 7d10o10k5+16 61

D8 Duel Assessment VP: 10d10o10k9 58

Just looking for Reflexes.

Hadananzi gaze settles on Kakita steadily, watching him like a hawk... or another sort of bird.

_____

Initiative + Strength of Madness: 9d10o10k6+10 97

Iaijutsu/Assessment: 10d10o10k6 57

[Hadananzi's Reflexes is 5]

So this was a duel that was so important?

If the fan was found and no harm was done, what's the point to all this? Is this a man-thing? Satsuki wondered idly as she stood near Zhe, feeling similarly to her fellow Dragon on what was going on, but... well. Since Genji had moved his little contest around to accomodate this, she had to see what it was all about.