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Post by Sanada Yukimura on Apr 20, 2009 19:49:10 GMT -5
"This atmosphere... It feels rather awkward. Anyways, follow me to the garden, it's this way."
While he was leading the group to the garden, he started to think about the people following him.
They're trying too hard to be serious. I'm serious, which is why I laugh. They need to laugh more, or I'm going to find it hard to trust them. When people don't laugh, they either don't know how, or they have ulterior motives. If they want to see serious, then I'll show them serious.
"This is the garden, you three go sit over there under the gazebo. I'll be back in a little bit."
Once he saw them starting to go towards the gazebo, he turned on his heels and made his way back to the gate, and once reaching there he went into the barracks and said, "Shigeru, bring the box and follow me."
He quickly left the barracks, with the elder sword master following him carrying a rather long but thin lacquered box.
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Post by kobayakawahideaki on Apr 23, 2009 13:51:22 GMT -5
((Sorry this is late. Been busy busy))
Interesting...
The act of kindliness towards the young boy piqued Hideaki's interest - a cruel man wouldn't care so much, it would seem. However, with visitors present... Hideaki couldn't help the cynical feeling that told him that it could have been a show for the benefit of the guests - Akemi and himself.
Kobayakawa acknowledged Nobuyuki's glance his way with an inclination of his head and a slight smile. It didn't hurt to try to be at least friendly. A ronin like him couldn't afford to make enemies, especially with the views many samurai held on them.
He, along with Akemi, followed the two brothers. Hideaki then proceeded to head underneath the gazebo. He eyed Nobuyuki for a few moments, wanting to start a conversation to avoid an awkward silence, but unable to think of anything to say. Akemi, fortunately, came to the rescue.
"It is very nice to meet you lord Nobuyuki. Isn't this a beautiful garden?"
Hideaki wasn't sure if Akemi had some kind of motive in mind or was merely questioning innocently. It was hard to have to cross-examine everything she did... trying to second guess it all just gave him a headache.
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Post by Sanada Yukimura on Apr 25, 2009 23:22:03 GMT -5
(Sorry for not responding, I was waiting for Nobuyuki. We can continue until he comes back.)
Arriving back at the gazebo, with the elderly looking man following close behind him, Yukimura stood a short distance from them by some goza and said,
"Kobayakawa-san, would you please come here a moment?"
Then giving a nod to Shigeru, the sword master opened the case he was carrying, and inside was a beautifully ornate sword scabbard, but what was even more important was that there was a strong sword with a keen edge that was in the scabbard in the lacquered box.
Once Hideaki came closer, Yukimura said,
"I have a feeling I know why you're here, but I can't just accept that without knowing your skill with a blade. Would you perform some test cuts with this sword on the goza here?"
With this, not only can I gauge his skill, but also his intentions. If he came here to murder someone, he would not hesitate to use the sword. Though trying something like that would be useless with Shigeru here. If he decides to do the test cuts, then he's genuine in coming here, and I know he'll be a man I can trust.
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Post by kobayakawahideaki on May 4, 2009 10:58:13 GMT -5
Interesting...
Sanada had to be planning something. What kind of man took weapons from visitors at the gate then happily handed them arms whilst standing right in front of them? Either an idiot, or a man who had something in mind. Yukimura didn't look like an idiot.
Hideaki took the blade and did exactly what he was asked. He hadn't come to Kofu to kill anybody, and to act strangely would just be asking for trouble.
Did I pass?
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Post by Sanada Yukimura on May 4, 2009 11:14:38 GMT -5
A slight nod from Yukimura to Hideaki's question was his answer. Then looking over to Shigeru, the elderly man nodded, and motioned for the sword to be given to him.
Once in his hands, he sheathed the blade, and Yukimura then spoke saying, "I believe I can trust you to be a part of my forces. However I would like it if you would go over the cut with Shigeru here. He is considered a master swordsman, and will help you in any areas of improvement, a test cut is also a good conversation piece. So, Shigeru, if you would?"
A very subtle nod came from the elderly man, and he soon looked over the cut, looking for any imperfections or tears. What was best was a good clean cut, and he soon found one. He then said,
"You let the blade move too much horizontally, perhaps because you are too nervous, or you have never practiced much with a sword. Though I would rule out the later, since the cut is generally a good one. However watching your stance and actually doing the cut, your motion is too predictable, and that will get you killed if you are ever in a sword fight. I hope perhaps that you would practice more."
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Post by kobayakawahideaki on May 4, 2009 11:35:26 GMT -5
Hideaki listened closely to the old man's advice. He had no doubt it was good, because he could't see Sanada keeping around a person who didn't know what he was doing. Men only get older for as long as they were better than others, and in time, than illness.
"Thank you Shigeru-sama, I will try harder."
He didn't use the sword much, which was probably not a particularly good idea, even though he preferred the kamayari. You never knew, after all. Hopefully, he could improve his skills.
"I prefer the kamayari, but that isn't an excuse to neglect my swordsmanship."
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Post by Sanada Yukimura on May 6, 2009 9:33:26 GMT -5
"The kamayari is an excellent weapon, but it's advantage is also it's flaw when you get into confined areas. If you practice with the katana, you can also utilize techniques for it with a wakizashi. That is the weapon for confined spaces. I like your enthusiasm though, I believe you and I will get along just fine."
With that, Shigeru gave a nod, and then made his way back to the barracks. Yukimura turned to Hideaki, and with a smile motioned for him to come sit back under the gazebo. Placing his hands on the railing, he looked out at the small pond, and observed the lilies and koi fish for a moment before turning around and saying
"Kobayakawa-san, I'm going to offer you a position to serve me. From this day foreward, you shall receive a new kimono every year, access to the castle and any facilities within, such as the smith or training with Shigeru, plus a stipend. That is, if you choose to accept it."
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Post by theothetaco on May 9, 2009 0:06:20 GMT -5
Fukushima Masanori slowed his horse to a trot. He nodded to the two men riding behind him.
"It seems we are here. I suppose we should make ourselves known." He watched as the man behind him to his right moved his horse forward, calling out to the guards on the gate.
"Fukushima Masanori wishes an audience with Lord Sanada, please, open your gates!"
Once inside the castle, he dismounted and removed his weapons as requested. Walking quickly, he followed the guide to the guest room and waited, his two bodyguards waiting near the gate. The Sanada are a powerful family. Aligning myself with them would be wise, at least for now.
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Post by Sanada Yukimura on May 12, 2009 19:29:19 GMT -5
(Sorry for taking a little while, sometimes I forget to log in a Yukimura).
While in the garden with Hideaki, Yukimura received word that another ronin had requested an audience with him. So giving a slight nod to Hideaki, he said
"Kobayakawa-san, I trust you will be fine on your own. I shall meet with you again soon, we'll have a discussion in the war council. I must attend to something first."
Walking through the garden, he made his way to the main castle entrance. The guards pointed out that the visitor was in a guest room on the ground floor. Slipping off his sandals, Yukimura walked through the entrance, and made his way towards the guest room.
He opened the door slowly, and walking on the tatami mat, walked past the ronin and took his seat on the raised portion of the room. He spoke with a formal tone, saying
"I am Sanada Nobushige, my courtiers have told me you come here for an audience with me. Well then Fukushima-san, what may I do for you?"
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