Corrine
Another day in these forsaken lands had proven to still be as much trouble as since he had first arrived. The only place that would give the samurai any sense of tranquility would be in the vicinity of his prestigious dojo, where he would train and aid others in their endeavors in honing their craft. A large wooden structure with an equally sizable training mat, decorated with a variety of weapons and inscriptions of meaning words for the Lion warriors. There the young master wearing a black hakama with golden designs would be meditating on the floor before carrying on with his exercises. One had to hone their mind before having full control of oneself and by extension the blade, as it wasn't just a piece of equipment—it was an extension of one's very self. Those were the teachings he learned from the infamous school of the Kensai, which he relayed to his students. 

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Elisabeth
Akodo was still getting settled into the city, but days of shopping to setup his household had left him itching for the dicipline of the field. He loved the city provided him outlets he had not had in a long time, such as getting to begin a gardening project for the first time in what felt like years, and the food... No more camp fire cooking, or stews made of whatever they could find.

Still, he couldn't let the city make him soft, and going without training for more than a few days made him antsy. So one morning he decided to change that. Instead of his kimono, he put on his pale yellow gi and dark blue hakama. The hem of the hakama was a bit ratty from training in the open field rather than in a proper dojo. Still, he remembered his ettiquete. He held his boken in his right hand, bowed before stepping onto the tatami mats, and then sat facing the shrine and bowed to it and the words of their ancestors to either side. There was someone already there, someone he hadn't met yet, but whom he was informed of.

"Pardon the intrusion, Akodo-sensei. I am Akodo Katsuhiro, and i would like to join you for morning training if that is alright."

The bokken in his hands was obviously well used and well loved. It had the obvious signs of abuse from someone used to sparring with the bokken, but had also been lovingly polished. In the blade were carved the kanji for the wrods 'strength and honor'

"You have kept a beautiful dojo here, and your formidible reputation preceeds you. I look forward to practicing here and with you." He bowed to the man, perhaps a bit deeper than either of their positions demanded for the occation, but Katsuhiro was honest in his praise of the man.

"I also wish to say thank you on behalf of my men and women who will be training here as well. To learn from a kensai is an honor."
Gary
The Matsu was also quite new to the city. Arriving along with Akodo Katsuhiro's other troops, which had a sizable amount indeed. In all likelihood they had never spoken, or if they had, it would have only been a sentence of pleasantry or two. Now that the troops had settled in, everyone had fanned out and taken to the delicate life of a caged city soldier. In mere days, even the Lion would soak in the amenities of the urban world and forget their drills; heads lost among the Geisha, sake houses, and other dens of ill repute. 

Matsu Kozue was perhaps no exception when it came to finding herself wrapped up in foray into the uncouth from time to time, but she was stubborn enough to always drag herself from her bed, and put in the days work of keeping herself in shape, which meant drills, running, and time outdoors to balance out all city living. Today was the first day she ran into anyone as she wandered into the dojo. She was dressed in simple training garb. A dark tan gi with the sleeves rolled and tied up with the Matsu mon on the back and an even darker hakama which looked black, but was a rich dark walnut or chocolate brown when the sun was on it. 

She knew better than to speak to her betters. She merely bowed deep, and then fixed them both with a curious gaze before she found her own corner to practice her kata in. Her motions seemed heavy and angry, replacing grace for sudden force. Her face was not serene, her jaw was set hard, her eyebrows furrowed. This was not a practiced duelist, this was a soldier.
Elisabeth
Akodo noticed that another samurai had stepped into the dojo, this one bearing the Matsu crest. He let her get started for a while as he did his warm ups as well, swinging the katana with both right and left hand and then with both, stretching his arms and back muscles, building the strength and limbering up. He knew the men and women that came with him had been overdue for a break, so he did not press anyone to come for morning drills during their first week, but he certainly was interested in who it was using their 'leave' time to come into the dojo. He would have to ask Akechi in private if he had seen others.

Her movements were obviously well practiced, she certainly knew her stuff, but he could also sense something in her... An anger that most people attributed to Matsu. He knew that there was depth to them no different than anyone else, but while Akodo practiced maintaining a serene face, hers was hard set. Still, she had that gritty pragmatic feel to her motions that was an indication she was also not used to a dojo with smooth floors. A good technique was one that killed your enemy and kept you alive.

"Ohayo, Matsu-san. You are more than welcome to join us if you wish."
Corrine
Many students partook in training within the dojo to continue the legacy of infamous swordsmanship. One of these individuals would approach the Lion Akechi with an invigorating aura, which emanated more as his Akodo brethren would address and compliment him on the maintenance of the facility. Remaining seated in a kneeling position, with the seat resting on the feet, glancing over towards his Akodo counterpart. Noticing the rather damaged bokken in his possession, showing he wasn't a novice in this regard—at a closer glance too he would notice the damaged pattern and small indentations that could suggest some of his striking habits. 

"I'm much obliged by your tribute, however, you don't have to remain so formal in this setting. This is a sanctuary to hone yourself in the craft of swordsmanship, I merely aid in accelerating your growth as best seems fit."

The sword saint would remark calmly, not wanting to indulge in formalities when it wasn't necessary. To him once in the premise of the dojo, all that mattered to him was expanding his understanding of the art that was swordsmanship. 

Amid the Akodos exchange, there would be another who would enter the premises of the dojo. Catching the lion's eye, her movements were that of a well-trained warrior but her strikes were stocked with a lot of vexation. That was a very dangerous threat to cross when in a duel or any combative manner, as these emotions would more often than not cloud one's judgment. This lack of clarity would define an individual's life at hand; proceeding, to stand up and reach for his bokken the sword saint would approach the Matsu.

"You were certainly an experienced warrior, your strikes fierce, furious even. May I ask what intentions fall behind your strikes?"

He asked inquisitively to the Matsu.
Gary
Kozue internally grimaced. Both of her counterparts, whom were surely of higher station, had the bad fortune of being polite enough to talk to her. Some blessed Lion were not this polite, and would merely nod and grunt a sort of warrior's hello, and then everyone would go about doing their labors of their day. No such luck was to be found in this dojo. 

She stopped swinging her well worn bokken and inhaled slowly, relaxing her countenece into something more placid and controlled. Without a scowl and a swinging sword she looked youthful, despite her gangling awkward tallness. She had never learned properly to be looked at, and had long felt she took up too much space, the only time she filled that awkward space was when she was widening it further with a swinging blade, then she was at ease, when the blood started pumping and the screaming started.

She turned and bowed again to both of them, a low bow to be sure, but nothing that could be taken as a grovel. "Akodo-sama," She nodded at the more distant man, whom she knew to be her commanding officer and then fixed her gaze on the complete stranger, "Akodo-sama, I am merely shaking off the balm of sleep. Fury is the blood of the Matsu, we need no cause for it." This was a lie, but she had no reason to discuss personal matters with either of these men.

In the spirit of not wanting to leave a foot in the door for further questions about her emotional state, she let a wry smile curl on her lips. When she smiled she always looked mischievous, and it highlighted how her face seemed to fit her clan, her features were broad and catlike. All the more highlighted by her striking amber eyes, a trait typically only seen in the Kitsu family. "I hope you have both had rice today and you are both having a productive morning," She added with a bit of candor in her voice.
Elisabeth
Akodo's gaze shifted to one of warmth when Akechi asked him to be less formal in the dojo, as it was a sanctuary of a sorts, and while Katsuhiro appreciated that, he had to lead by example.

"I appreciate that, Akodo-sensei, but while we are on these mats, between these walls, as head of the dojo I am offering not just you respect, but the long line of ancestors who preceded you, as well as the great men and women who will succeed you. It is important we honor the tradition. Outside of this dojo, if you prefer, we can be more informal."

While he did his own practice swing warm up, he couldn't help but overhear the interaction between Akechi and the Matsu woman, particularly at her response. *Fury is the blood of the Matsu, we need no cause for it.* He would have chuckled if he had been alone. There was certainly some truth to that, but it was only half the truth. He felt it more accurate to say that the Matsu tended to not reign in their emotions as much as others, and so allowed themselves to feel everything much more fully. It was both a blessing and a curse.

"White rice with an egg on top, with a little furikake, along with fruit that hasn't been in a baggage train for weeks... I feel as though I am fed like the Emperor himself."

Feeling a bit limbered up, he turned to Akodo-sensei and Matsu-san, "If you have the time, I would appreciate a sparring partner."
Corrine
The sword saint gave a skeptical look at the Matsu, although he wouldn't be one to pry on someone's emotional state—the way she handled her blade told him everything he needed to know. Although he would be taken aback slightly by both of the samurai's remarks about their early meals, not expecting to be speaking on this topic. These two were unique individuals from their first interaction and added to that they were opposites of one another. This gave a little scheme that went through his head, expressing a slight grin on his face the Lion would make his way to on side of the mat where he would sit down at a crisscross position. 

"Well since it seemed both of you are well nourished and energized, how about you two show me what you can do in a friendly spar? The winner will get a pleasant surprise in store." 

He said so excitedly as he sat on the sideline, waiting in anticipation for the aforementioned sparring session.
Gary
Kozue gave a polite smile to her commanding officer as he recanted his breakfast with obvious gusto and appreciation. He seemed like a kind and jovial man, she thought to herself, she would be proud to serve under his command.

She was less excited to here the other man, who seemed the sensei of this dojo, had volunteered her as her captain's requested sparing partner.

She bowed her head casting her face into the shadow of her messy bangs, "If that is why my taisa commands of me, although I am surely no match for his skill. I am quite young." This was posturing, but she didn't know what to expect. All men, regardless of station were one blow from death, and their station did not stave that blow, their skill did.

She unbowed her head and loosened up her shoulders a bit more, with a few more wide circling swings of her bokken. She bounced gently on her heels testing the floor. It was not meant to be showy or intimidate, she was just going through the motions of prepping herself for sparring.

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Elisabeth
Akodo bowed to Akechi and Kozue as they stood before one another, preparing for the fight. He held up his katana and planted his feet firmly onto the tatami floors. He began to resembe a knarled old oak tree, immovable in his earth stance while she bounced gently, limbering herself up. Once Akechi called the start to the fight, Akodo ceded the first heartbeat of initiative to her, expecting her to take it, but she seemed to hesitate longer than he was, so he pushed forward like a falling tree, letting out a fiercesome kiai as he struck at her, she was able to nimbly avoid his attack and press one of her own.

He raised his blade to block with well practiced movements, sharp and crisp, but was still surprised whe the powerful *Crack* Of her bokken on his shook him. Had he been in another stance, that attack might have gotten through. He threw it off, and came at her again, pressing forward, but she was quick as well as strong and kept pace and distance with him. While perhaps not refined in the way of a duelist, you learned good footwork in the field very quickly or you died.

"I know many may hesistate in risking harm to their commanding officer, but if you do not push me to the limits, I may find myself unprepared when I need it." He wanted to see that fire she showed earlier come out. *Let me feel that Matsu fury*
Gary
Akodo Katsuhiro had a strong foundation as a swordsman. As she calculated his swings each was meant to keep her on the backfoot. It was a defensive style that was meant to outlast your foe, eventually they'd grow tired and sloppy, or they'd dive into a reckless assault and if it failed, normally the counter attack would be their death.

Matsu Kozue did not get tired, she did not get sloppy, she just hit what needed hitting longer and harder till it stopped moving. This technique, with it's many variations, had never failed her really.

He feinted, she swung her blade twice as hard at his sudden parry. **Crack** She pressed into his guard and began a series of walloping overhead swings, the kind meant to cave a skull in. **Crack** **Crack** **Crack.** He dodged out from the last swing, leaving her exposed, but a desperate leap to her right sent her just out of range from his counter swing.

She landed low, and shot a grin up from under her messy bangs. Then reared up suddenly throwing herself like a rocket, if he was expected a sword swing, he wouldn't get one, this was an old fashioned shoulder ram, aimed right under the sternum.
Elisabeth
Akodo was pleased and surprised when he saw her low and off balanced suddenly throw herself at him. It was an unconventional move that was something that you learned when you were in a life or death battle and the only thing that mattered was you stayed alive and killed the other guy. It wasn't clean like a duel at court, this was the messy fighting style of someone who had seen war and Akodo *Loved it*.

He had the range on her, perhaps he could have evaded and tried to strike at her in turn, but he was starting to feel excited by this. She was rising the to challenge he had offered her. So he changed his stance, dropping to meet her rather than trying to slip away. Instead he caught her charge, though it still took him out of his stance, he grabbed onto her as he fell back, taking the both of them down backwards and into a roll so that he could throw her behind him, leaving them both on the floor for a moment as he rolled to the side and tried to push himself to his feet. She was probably the quicker and stronger of the two of them, but he could be wiley when necessary. Now it was her turn to put him on his back foot.
Gary
The up and over motion hadn't really been expected as Katsuhiro managed to throw her. She warbled her whole body as she tumbled trying to not land on her head or neck. Instinct kicked in she gripped the hilt of her bokken like she were lost in the burning sands and it might produce water if squeezed just hard enough. The last thing Kozue needed was to lose her sword, that would be worse that concussing herself. If you went out cold on the battlefield, you'd often get forgotten about for awhile as your foe moved on, but if you did come around to your senses, it was much better to still be holding your weapon.

For a moment she wasn't sure where or how she'd landed, but the mid throw thrashing paid off, she had landed on her side, not a bad way to land, even if her hip would be sorely reminding her about it later. She threw her freehand under herself as a brace and rolled onto her feet and used the momentum to arch her sword hand out, swooshing the blade in a wide cut meant to take a man's legs off at the knee if he were closing in on her.

Her initial arch didn't hit anything, but she was righted again, and she reoriented quickly. He was close, to her left about 3 paces and almost to his feet. Had the wild swing she used to stand herself up connected, it would have probably smacked him right in the head. That thought costed her a beat. She definitely hadn't been trying to knock her captain out. She furrowed her brow and advanced anyway. Again with little fanfare or flashy moves, she just stepped into his space and began to swing like she was trying to chop a tree down on a tight schedule. Thwack, thwack, thwack.
Elisabeth
The Matsu samurai-ko came at him with a fury that made him wonder if she was Bishamon reborn and attempting to break their bokken against one another. Even as immovable as he was, even as the mightiest tree might stand against the storm, both would sway in the fury of a taifun or would break. Still, he began to feel that he had been on the defensive too long. She had railed at him, and it would not due to have her underestimate her commander either. Lions believed a duel let you get to know someone's truth, and so he did. Shifting his stance from the strength of the earth, his mind sought the peace of the void. He stopped trying to stop her, and instead he tried to become one with the her, and the dojo, and the wooden blades in their hand. He no longer strategized or fought against her, but with her movements he paired his own, and held his katana in a one handed grip.

As she swung her blade at him he swayed a bit, getting just out of range of her blows, matching her steps with steps of his own. He began to bat at her blade, not parrying or redirecting it, but exaggerating it, toying with her footwork, and then without warning, he wasn't. He met her bokken strength for strength and shifted from a constant retreat to a constant charge, hammering her with blows of his own. He did not have the same power she did, but his attacks were designed to not give her a moment to find good footing again.
Gary
Kozue had to give her commander some internal admiration. Had he just stood there letting her wail on him, she probably would have eventually just destroyed their bokken but he broke off and after a bit of baiting her and testing her rhythm he stepped into a pocket he made and started pushing her. She shifted and shuffled to her side as he swung rapidly, the two of them circling and warbling back through the center of the dojo like some drunkards dancing. The whole while their bokken kept crashing together.

Had it been a real fight with steel the Matsu would have probably kicked him in the chest to get him away and recenter herself. This wasn't a battlefield though and they were just playing at a duel of sorts. It was probably better to let him have the exchange than to start playing defensive. It would be better for the next time if he didn't know she had more tricks up her sleeve. It was useful for people to think you could only hit things hard.

With that decision made, she made a counter step, instead of continuing to circle, she took one stride into his arch, caught the wooden blade on her own and sheered the blow into her own thigh. It met home scoring a nice solid hit, which caused her already sore leg from the tumble to question her methods with another sharp ache. 

Her own blade was pressed against his gut. In a real fight she may never walk again, but he would be quite disemboweled. The two of them stood locked in the position for a few heavy breaths. Their faces scandalously close. Her golden eyes were narrowed, a grin ran across her lips as her chest heaved with each deep breath. For a moment the world was still and she could feel her blood flowing and her heart racing still. It had been a good fight the kind she would not forget anytime soon.

"You stuck first," She said, her voice trembling with exertion. She took a weak step backwards on her aching leg, then another to open up space between them where she bowed low, conceding the match.
Elisabeth
He had to give her credit, she kept her composure even through his harrying, though as he looked down and saw her blade at his stomach, he realized what she was doing. They both knew who really won the fight, but she was doing so gracefully. Not only had she gotten likely the killing blow on him, but she took a blow to her thigh that was painful, but she kept control of her bokken enough to not injure him. That spoke of a control and presence of mind that was truly impressive. She may have bested him, but that was the least part of what truly impressed him about her. His dark eyes, much too close to hers for any sort of propriety outside of the dojo, flicked up to meet hers. There were specs of dark green moss in his dark brown eyes, something that spoke of the rich earth and the mossy gardens of home, but there was something hidden there too... Nothing sinister, more... Mischievous. For a moment, there was a hint of a satisfied smile on his face, but then he took a step back, and his face as eternal as the mountains once again. He held his bokken in his right hand as he bowed first to her, and then to Akechi. Only after they had bowed, he he relax his stance and let out another deep breath.

"Well, Sensei? What did you think? I'll admit that it was a bit unorthodox for a dojo duel, but I quite enjoyed it. It felt like an actual fight."

He turned back to Kozue, "Which Matsu did you say you are? And what is your rank?"
Gary
"Matsu Kozue," She responded, still coming down from the high of the duel, she looked a little too pleased with herself. She tried to regain her composure, but she felt like she'd gotten away with something she shouldn't have, which made it hard for her not to wear a dopey grin. The two of them had shared a moment and she was certain her captain was the kind of man who should lead. "Nikutai," She added. "I am honored to serve under your command Taisa-sensai."

She turned to Akechi to hear his appraisal of the situation, and also offered him another bow. She'd mostly relaxed by this point, but her leg would be bothering her for a few days. The price of showing off.
Corrine
Akechi throughout the sparring session watched in awe at a rather impressive display of fighting spirit both these lions possessed amid heated battle. Watching every move they took in vivid detail, from the way their body aligned as they went on the attack and the way they situated themselves when defending. Both were very skilled duelists, although they needed some refinement when it came to commanding their emotions in the heat of battle. Standing up from where he was seated to approach the two warriors, giving each a gentle tap on the back in recognition of their effort:

"That was a splendid bout the two of you had, although it wasn't without its faults. Katsuhiro-Sama, I understand more than anybody on committing yourself to the thrill of battle but willingly engaging a foe in a physical exchange with someone physically more imposing than you was a bold move that would have cost you your life in the case this was a real altercation. Exploit the fact they are generally straightforward with their approach with your strength to take control of the fight."

He would then move his gaze to meet eye-to-eye with the Matsu, giving her a solemn expression:

" As for you, never doubt yourself again, against any foe, it doesn't matter if they are your superiors or not. The strong beat the weak but it is the wise that beat the strong. You showed your strength in character today, as expected from a Matsu—you have extraordinary potential. You just require refinement in your judgment, letting yourself get fatally hit by the enemy is too risky, even if it gives you a finishing blow. Practicing how to counter the opposition's attack to use as a window for your own will prove fruitful."

Overall, the sword saint was ecstatic by the demonstration by the two Lion in battle, now all that was left was one more trial when they were ready:

" Now, if you two are up for it—I'll give you a chance to apply some of the things you learn from the bout whenever you two feel ready." 

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Elisabeth
Akodo gave a slight smile to his Matsu companion who had fought the good fight, and while he himself had lost, he was the least injured due to Matsu's incredible skill and control, all while channeling the rage of her ancestors.

"I appreciate your offer, Akodo-sensei, however I believe I shall need a moment to catch my breath after so much adrenaline course through me."

He offered the man a bow of apology, "I look forward to taking you up on the offer however. Perhaps this evening before dinner?"

Instead, he turned to address both of them.

"I do feel the need to celebrate such a splendid fight however. Perhaps the two of you would indulge me in taking some tea while I show you my plans for the new garden I shall be building here in the embassy?"

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Gary
The Lioness had been spared the indignity of decling the Akechi-sensei's offer due to her leg being quite displeased with her. However, she was youthful and headstrong, and that probably wouldn't have stopped her. So, she was in fact being spared the folly of more training on her unhappy leg. 

"Both offers are quite generous," She said bowing at them both again in gratitude, "But I think Taisa-sensei is quite right to take a moment to reflect on what was learned in our fight." She smiled a playful little smile, adding, "A moment to reflect on our bruises, as it were." 

"I can not say I have a conventional eye for gardening, but I do have a mind and appetite for tea," She added accepting the offer.

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