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Post by SAKAMOTO RYUICHI on Feb 25, 2011 18:02:49 GMT -5
Some of the other people I had met had jumped to the same conclusions. They had mistaken my cautiousness for paranoia, and my respect of my men as being 'attached' to them. This was not the case at all. It was all a simple formula for getting the most out of your soldiers, and a formula for success in today's war-ridden world.
"It's simple, I respect them. Did you think they thought there was any chance they'd lose their life back there? No. They knew I would diffuse the situation. Why did you back off after I mentioned you being outnumbered and the possibility of death? You wanted to survive. These men know the best chance they have at survival in the world is sticking to me, and I know the best chance I have at unifying the land is with them. Every life needlessly sacrificed is one that could have been used for the greater cause. If they are in top shape, happy, healthy, we have the best shot at winning."
Shifting on my saddle, I ushered my horse forward, matching the pace at which the aforementioned soldier walked, all of the other soldiers following suit, and I expecting her to do the same. Again, I had realized this was not the optimum situation for her, and she was perhaps reluctant still. I had an easy method to quell her thoughts and sate her mind. I would give her the choice, or at least make it look like she could make the choice herself.
"Now, that I answered that, answer me something. What should I do with you? The simplest thing I could see is having you serve me, in which case obviously I will extend the same respect as I have with my men, and be provided for in every way you need. I realize who you are, a famous samurai. It would be advantageous to have you amongst my men. Though, again, you are a woman, and you could be used other ways. . . "
I scratched my chin in thought, looking aimlessly about. |
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Post by NAKIGAHARA JUN on Feb 25, 2011 18:25:57 GMT -5
“Well then, aren’t we an ambitious young Daimyo, Sakamoto-san? I would think ill of myself if I didn’t warn you that countless lords have failed trying to achieve that very same goal. But you’re a smart boy, I’m sure that you would know as much. “ She looked down at the ground as it slowly passed by, “Unifying this land... hehe.” She chuckled at the thought. Ambitious men with big plans... such is the nature of life.
“You are too kind to give me such options! While such a lowly person such as myself should be grateful that you do not have me grovel to your castle, I must still approach this decision with caution.” She pauses her speech for a few slow trots, “You offer me a military position? While I’m sure you think you are offering me fame and fortune, I’ve been down this road before, so forgive me for hesitating. I am, after all, just a lowly woman, and as you said earlier, it is a surprise that I even survived for so long in the woods!” Her general tone was very sarcastic, even still.
“Perhaps I would be more suitable as a more female role in your new world order. Like a maid, or a cook in your might, mighty castle. What else did you have in mind, Sakamoto-san?” |
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Post by SAKAMOTO RYUICHI on Feb 25, 2011 18:38:48 GMT -5
Again, it wasn't very hard to miss her sarcastic tone, as I had been subjected to similar before. However, I took it in stride, and again, continued to allow her to talk as she pleased.
"Are you suggesting you are too weak to fight, Nakigahara? You disappoint me. You speak sarcastically, yet demean yourself. I would have no problem forcing you to be a concubine, as it is within my power to do so. I attempted to extend a hand in respect, and allow you to join my ranks, but all you do is disrespect me."
My hand was released from my chin, and my demeanor changed. In the coming minutes more and more soldiers came to meet our advanced squad, having come to see if I had made it through alright, just as protective of me as respectful as I had been of them, and In no time the soldier count rose from five to ten.
"So it's settled then, huh? You will serve as my woman? When I call to you, no matter what time of night you'll come to my bed. And surely, with all your experience in battle you will bear fine sons that will become fine samurai some day. I have but one last question, do you find me weak? I can assure you am not, and would be happy to demonstrate right here in a spar just how powerful I am." |
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Post by NAKIGAHARA JUN on Feb 25, 2011 22:02:38 GMT -5
Nakigahara was having trouble believing what she had gotten herself into--this would also certainly be the last time she left the solitude of her forest. Force her to be a concubine? Preposterous! He clearly had no idea just who the hell she was. To be subjected to a life of domesticated servitude would be a fate worse than death.
“Thank goodness you have such keen senses which allow you to so eloquently pick up my sarcasm! I assure you with no arrogance that if given the chance to face any of your soldiers one on one, man vs woman, they would quickly see limbs severed from body.” She said this without carrying that the very soldiers she spoke of were surrounding her.
Suddenly, more soldiers had surrounded them... making her chance of escape even less likely. She was going to have to play this out longer than she had previously planned. “You are a very, very arrogant man, aren’t you Sakamoto-san?” She said now laughing and rubbing her eyes.
“Fine then. Let’s spar. I will of course require five wooden swords, and I expect that your soldiers will not interfere. I would hope you are as honorable as you are arrogant.” She spat. |
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Post by SAKAMOTO RYUICHI on Feb 25, 2011 23:20:49 GMT -5
"Wooden? Why would we use that. . .?"
With a smirk I dismounted and nodded to all of my men, they automatically knowing exactly what to do. A circle formed around us two combatants, a perfect circle created by the soldiers, each one of their swords drawn. There would no exiting the circle until one of us conceited. Of course, I had no intention of losing, regardless of anything.
My feet were spread equidistant apart, right in front of left, and my right hand placed on the hilt of my katana, directly on top of it thumb inward and palm straight into the air, strapped by sheath to my left hip. My left hand stood just beneath the tsuba, poised to aid in the initial draw. My eyes were transfixed on the so-called Samurai. Whatever former musings I had spoken were dispatched for an air of seriousness, my eyes stern and true.
"Sparring rules will be in place, everything will be decided in one critical blow. We are but five minutes from my castle now. There is no risk of dying." |
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Post by NAKIGAHARA JUN on Feb 25, 2011 23:58:38 GMT -5
Nakigahara actually laughed at his refusal of wooden swords, shocked that he had the courage to face her in a fight that could potentially be to the death. Either he was very skilled or very stupid. Whatever he was, she was going to find out sooner rather than later.
“I’m impressive, Sakamoto-san, I only assumed that you wouldn’t face me with actual swords--you seem to be especially cautious, still you choose to risk your life? Your confidence has made you more... attractive, actually.” She grinned, hopping off of her horse and stepping into the circle.
“Now... Lets see if your moves can back up that confidence!” She widens her legs sinking into a stance, and grasping her main katana. She was at a distinct advantage without any plated armor.
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Post by SAKAMOTO RYUICHI on Feb 26, 2011 0:57:21 GMT -5
Though a Shogun myself I did not choose to wear any heavy armor despite my look, only wearing my ornamental helmet. The suit I wore was made of lightweight fabrics and only resisted tearing, nothing more. There was no such advantage between any of us, though I carried but one sword to her five, making me a bit more mobile.
Regardless of anything I did not strike, but rather stood my ground, allowing my senses to take in and filter everything tertiary to the battle. Little by little everything else melted away, the random sounds of forest, the whispers of my subordinates, and the lights of the castle. There was only her now, as my gaze continued to transfix on her frame, becoming sensitive to every subtle movement she made.
"After you~. . " |
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Post by NAKIGAHARA JUN on Feb 26, 2011 1:28:41 GMT -5
With a slight grin on her face, she continued to stand with her feet buried in the dirt, gripping her blade even tighter as she narrowed he gaze, opening her pale bad eye to increase her depth perception. Through it, she could see only shadows, but it allowed for he cuts to be more deliberate.
“I wouldn’t dare strike such a powerful Shogun first. Please, show the lowly female Samurai how to fight.” She laughed, unsheathing her first blade partially so the glint of the cold steel shines in the light of the moon. She moves her back foot slightly, placing her on the ball off her foot allowing her to pivot more easily.
“Teach me something, sensei!” She wouldn’t attack first, especially with these men surrounding her. She needed to get a feel for what she was in for.
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Post by SAKAMOTO RYUICHI on Feb 26, 2011 15:52:52 GMT -5
I gave her what she wanted this once, my hand twisting as it pulled my katana from my sheath horizontally, not stepping into the movement, but rather staying stationary. The move was little more than a bluff, and to get her to do something rather than standing there. I could see she was versed enough to know that it was usually the person who attacked first who was killed in an instant. However, this movement had very little follow through, and very little power behind it, despite my grip being tight. This would allow me to follow up if need be.
I wondered how well she would react to it.
"Take this!" I yelled sarcastically. |
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Post by NAKIGAHARA JUN on Feb 26, 2011 16:12:01 GMT -5
Finally, the Shogun swung his sword at long last. But what of the swing? Was it fast as light, with surgical precision? No... Then it must have been powerful, with a lot of strength behind it? It wasn’t that either. Either this “shogun” was a joke of a fighter or she was trying to draw her strike. Judging by the fact that he had barely moved to swing this weak swing, she had to assume the ladder.
Using her pivoting foot, she moved ever so slightly in what appeared to be a lazy manner. The blade only inches from he skin, skimmed off some of the silk from her already tattered sleeve. She looked down, shrugging. “At least your sword is sharp. Now be a man and strike me as if I were your fiercest enemy before you mess around and hurt yourself.”
Her voice seemed lower than usual, calmer if anything, it seemed that her attitude had changed as she stepped into the fray. Hey eyes narrowed.
“Be a man, little boy!”
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Post by SAKAMOTO RYUICHI on Feb 26, 2011 16:48:14 GMT -5
"I don't want to scratch that immaculate skin of yours, but I'm growing bored."
My stance was changed, as my sword was held close to my frame in both hands. Though I didn't want to, going against my better instincts, I'd initiate this battle. With a small step forward my sword lashed out diagonally upward toward the woman's chest, the most immobile portion of her body. This meant a few things, one being that when she reacted, she had very few options besides defending given our proximity. A follow up strike was also easily accessible to me, by allowing of my hands to fall from the grip of the weapon at the apex of it's arc. This allowed gravity to take hold, and thereby grabbing the weapon again, I could easily take control into another technique. It was the best opener given the situation. |
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Post by NAKIGAHARA JUN on Feb 26, 2011 17:07:12 GMT -5
“About damn time,” she said with a straight face as she witnessed her opponent position himself for an upward swing with deliberate intent. Now this was an attack! Finally, Nakigahara drew her blade, with feminine elegance allowed to her by her iado background, deflecting his strike midway through its arc as she unsheathed. Such power! He certainly was a legitimate warlord, his strike still caused her to go up on her toes, forcing her to back away three steps to regain balance. Fortunately, the impact would probably drive his blade back towards the ground for a moment of unbalance as well.
She would wait for his follow up strike before making an offensive strike of her own-- still trying to get a feel for his style.
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Post by SAKAMOTO RYUICHI on Feb 26, 2011 17:30:21 GMT -5
"Heh."
As my sword was deflected down, I immediately used it as an anchor to push myself forward into another step, before bringing the sword back up diagonally in both hands in a similar arc in the opposite direction, this time aiming a bit lower than before. I did not give her any time to react, and stayed on the offensive, setting the pace of the battle. I feared for her safety more than my own in this case, there not being much distance between her and the wall of swords that formed the circle around us.
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Post by NAKIGAHARA JUN on Feb 26, 2011 17:47:11 GMT -5
This shogun was an aggressive type of fighter, a full fledged attack without giving any time for thought or reaction. As he continued on his offensive spree, he set a fast pace to the duel, she would have to pick it up if she wanted to win, and she would. Quickly, holding her katana in one hand she narrowly deflected the second strike causing it to narrowly miss her exposed thigh. Now it was her turn, her parry brought her backwards, closer to the swords of the men surrounding them. She dug one foot into the ground to push off of, propelling herself forward and drawing her wakizashi with her free hand in order to deliver a strike to his abdomen diagonally, spinning her body in a way that she would be facing him once again..
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Post by SAKAMOTO RYUICHI on Feb 26, 2011 18:39:01 GMT -5
Using the forward momentum caused by the parry into deflection, I needed only to continue moving forward and to the left to avoid whatever counterattack she had mounted, out of the effective range of her smaller wakizashi. As she would miss her strike I would need only simply use my leg strength to stop myself, before pivoting into a one-hundred and eighty degree spin, to deliver a shallow diagonal slash at the maximum length my reach would provide across her back.
". . !" |
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