bravenewworld | 1st cut - Action; Outside Union

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1st cut - Action; Outside Union

[Anyone outside or on the walls of the city early this morning will notice a stranger approaching the city. Heading from the woods, they're wearing a dark grey hooded cloak that hides their face rather well. They seem to be carrying a sword, as well as a lightweight-looking bag strapped to their shoulder.

They also seem suspicious.

When the person comes close enough, they briefly look up at the walls - if anyone watching is attentive enough, they might be able to make out the features of a girl - and smile, giving a small "hmph" of satisfaction. Finally here.

With that smile, the girl continues on towards the city gates.]

Let's see how much has changed here.

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Sanageyama.

[A brief smile, and she lifts her hood - no need for secrecy if he's already here. Finding Sanageyama was one of the main reasons for her arrival, after all.

You look like you've changed. For better or for worse? Shall I be the judge?

[Her tone is a little mocking, but with Satsuki it counts as affectionate. He did promise to beat her on an even ground one day, after all.]

You're welcome to see.

[He's speaking with confidence this time, rather than cockiness or bravado. He's been training since he was so handily defeated last time.]

But I wouldn't recommend this as a place to check. The City Guard would almost certainly take it as an act of hostility.

Not rushing into it? I see you've learnt at least something.

[She gives another small smile - approving of his growth.]

If memory serves, your city had an arena. They held their wretched tournament there. It would make a good place for a rematch.

Quite the grand stage for such an event, though, isn't it? But at least it's something I can book -- in which case, it's fortunate you showed up early in the morning. There should be plenty of time to get a block of time for today.

Are you that influential in this city? That sounds useful.

[... She's still smiling, being with Sanageyama is always somehow... amusing. More amusing than being around anyone from the team, anyway.]

If I were to say I'm not at my best right now, would your pride still allow you to fight me?

It's more my connections than me.

[He is, after all, a noble, even if he never tells anyone that he is. He can throw his name around a little.]

I'd say that depends. What's your main goal here, to test my progress or to see if I can beat you?

My goal here is to stay. Tell me, Sanageyama - how does one become a citizen of Union?

...That's a good question. It happens so rarely that even I don't know.

[Up to recently, the only newcomers had been Shifters, and he doesn't really know any.]

I think City Hall would be the best place to go.

I see. Escort me there, Sanageyama.

[...]

And book that arena. I'd like to see how much you've accomplished in my absence.

Consider it done. Follow me and I'll take you straight there.

[With that, he turns toward the gates and begins to walk.]

[She follows.]

Sanageyama... what do you know about the man called Nikaido Tadashi?

Kaido? I met him while I was roaming the streets. His brother had gotten killed, and I helped him investigate the death. He's a bit rough around the edges, but decent enough.

When did you meet him?

Hah. He certainly does lack finesse.

I had parted ways with him just before you came to greet me. But I was surprised to see he could almost match my skill.

[He's also responsible for her now-useless shoulder, but she's not going to mention that.]

He could? If that's the case, then someone sure has been training himself. He's been tough as long as I've known him, but never stronger than me.

His is not what I would truly call strength. He lacks self-control, and faced with someone who can stand up to him he reverts to feral insticts to get him through the fight. He called our duel off for fear of losing control over himself, and hadn't it come to that, I possibly would've killed him. Not with my bare hands, perhaps, I'll give him that much, but if Bakuzan was in my hand he wouldn't be able to stop me.

His body might be strong, but his mind isn't strong enough.

I certainly figured you'd have no trouble with him. I'm also stronger than him, after all.

[Though he's sure Satsuki already made that observation.]

I may have to see if I can coax him into something that'll teach him discipline.

I know of a good way to teach discipline.

[It's called "beating people until they have no other choice but to learn it".]

He has... some potential. I can only hope he puts it to good use. But your assistance is welcome, Sanageyama.

I've got a few ways myself. I'd have to, to master kendo as much as I have.

[Even though he got beat, he's still plenty confident in his abilities.]

Have you met anyone else here, or am I the second person you've bumped into today?

Is that true confidence, Sanageyama? I shall be disappointed if you speak better than you fight.

And worry not. I've no one else to compare you to... yet.

Worry? Who's worried?

[He's a bit worried, but understandably so. And he's not going to openly admit it, either.]

Like I said, I've been training. But I have little left to learn about kendo proper -- I've been training my body above all else.

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1st cut - Action; Outside Union

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Sorry for lateness

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... assuming this takes place after the Kaido thread

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sorry for being late orz

No worries!

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