Veronica
The trappings Lion Embassy's Dojo appeared a good fit given the clan it serviced. Led from the gates of the embassy, through a series of winding hallways, Rokugo Yuto was brought to it's doors by a servant of the clan.

As the doors opened Yuto would be greeted by a sizable room, enough space for 3-4 pairs of samurai to be sparring at once and not worry overly much about running into one another. Incense hung heavy in the air, burning from wall sconces that periodically punctuated the walls. One wall housed weapons, nothing of any overly fine quality, their purpose was clearly for practice, not battle. The same wall house a collection of bokken. One corner held a collection of dummies for those that wanted a target but did not have a partner. Near the entrance were a collection of mostly empty daisho racks mounted to the wall, their purpose clear as Yuto would sight the mismatched pair that belonged to Hotaru.

The woman in question was off to the side closest the racks of weapons. She had a short bokken slipped into her obi and was practically gliding through a kata with a katana-length one at what appeared to be a steady, slightly leisurely pace.

Upon hearing the door open Hotaru finished the follow-through of her strike before pausing and turning her gaze, her body following the motion in turn, towards the door.

The servant who had opened it would bow to her as Yuto entered. "Rokugo-sama is here for you Matsu-sama" She intoned. 

Hotaru would regard the woman for a moment, "Hanami-san was it?" She queried. She was still trying to put names to all the faces here.

"Yes Matsu-sama." The woman confirmed.

"Thank you then, Hanami-san. You are dismissed." And with that Hotaru turned her attention away from the help who made their swift exit, closing the door behind them, and addressed Yuto.

"Yuto-san, I am glad that we could arrange this." The samurai-ko noted, bowing slightly deeper to the man than she might have an equal, he was of higher status than her afterall.
Walter
Being welcomed into the Lion embassy was a great honor as the humble samurai held his head high and kept composure sharp. Being escorted through the embassy and reaching their dojo, he'd have an appreciation for how well it was being kept. Although his eyes lingered he followed behind the servant just a few paces, that was until they reached the dojo. 

"Excuse me." Speaking as he stepped into the room, where he then bowed to Hotaru, the one who invited him here. He let Hanami and Hotaru finish speaking before he turned to the servant, giving them a polite nod and wave as they let themselves out. "Thank you Hanami-san." He said meekly. Turning back to Hotaru he gave another bow, he was a very polite man. 

"I'm glad we could arrange this too, Matsu-san, I've looked forward to heeding your wisdom with the sword, and perhaps sharing my own." 

The Rokugo wore a white kimono that bore the red scorpion mon on the back, matching it with his black hakama and red silk obi. It was a relatively simple attire unlike his overly formal wardrobe usually worn. Today he didn't wear his mask to cast a veil over his features, instead it was tied to the back of his head, above the long dark hair that fell to the scorpions shoulders and below. What kept the mask from falling was a red headband worn over the forehead with the signature blue Bayushi symbol. The lack of a Haori and overall layers of clothing allowed the man's muscular stature to be noticed more. 

"I didn't forget my promise of course, though convincing your Ashigaru to take my Uchigatana instead of my No Dachi was quite the discussion." 

Chuckling as He held the large katana in one hand whilst his wakizashi sat on the right side of his hip, tucked in the dark hakama. His Uchigatana was being 'sharpened' as they insisted on at least taking one or the other. How he pulled that off was a miracle, though his trick wouldn't work unless it was done with the real deal. Placing his Wakizashi aside, he'd have stepped forward, offering Hotaru his No Daichi. 

"Alright! Let's begin, figured I'd teach you the theatrical before we begin sparring." 

||
Veronica
"Ah, I apologize for the guard. I did speak with them but Akodo-sama is indeed a more intimidating figure than I when it comes to their standing orders." Hotaru noted with an apolagetic nod.

Her gaze sooned turned to the offered Nodachi though. Yuto would likely note that Her lips turned up slightly in the corners as her hands gripped the saya of the offered blade, supporting the weight of the thing as it entered her grasp. Her gaze was on the blade, testing it's weight and pulling the blade slightly from the saya to assess the things edge. There was.. A near reverence in how she handled the thing, she clearly held a great respect for a samurai's weapon.

She would look up to Yuto, clinking the blade back into the saya and passing it back to him so that he might demonstrate as she replied. "I would be most agreeable to this course of action Yuto-san." Hotaru gave a nod, taking some steps back from him so that he had space. As she did so she commented. "My eldest brother wielded a nodachi. I have a few younger that prefer the longer blades too. Never would I call any of them proficient in iajutsu though, let alone with their large blades. I have quite anticipated this, it is not often i find myself so wholly curious about a technique." Her words rang honest, and the excitement and eagerness she had was, while subdued to a proper samurai level, almost palpable in her tone, her eyes bright and watching him.
Walter
The scorpion had a very faint smile, mostly having a neutral expression that didn't exude any emotion. He tried to keep a positive front for the Lion, wanting to demonstrate and of course impress with what he'd been working on. Taking back the Odachi he'd step back, getting a safe distance as he didn't want any accidents. Though he trusted in his own discipline and strength to maneuver the blade with great control, despite its size. 

"So the thing is, this technique is probably more suited to you than I. One must confess that my size and wingspan gives great advantage in performing Iaijutsu with the greater weapon. As you'll see now." 

He got into stance, moving both arms forward as one hand placed onto the handle just underneath the tsuba. One foot was front and pointed at the opposition as the back foot was directed to his left. Twisting his front shoulder forward, he'd have pulled the large saya backward, whilst maneuvering his sword hand to strike forward. Just before the tip cleared the saya he'd have pulled it up, adding the extra momentum that flicked the blade outward, which would have enough force to cut whatever was in its path. Of course due to standing at a safe distance it'd be nowhere near Hotaru. Managing to successfully draw a Nodachi was hard, but his size made it no different than a standard katana. 

"My size and wingspan allowed me to perform a standard draw no different from a proper blade. Of course I want to clarify this technique isn't meant for dueling, but to quickly get your weapon out in case of an ambush or when your servant can't draw the saya for you." 

He'd have stood up straight, sheathing the Nodachi as the scorpion would offer it once more to the lion. 

"I'd like you to try now, Matsu-San."

||
Veronica
Hotaru watched his movements carefully, her gaze mostly watching the movement of his body, taking in the ripple of muscle under cloth. It was the body that moved the blade afterall.

After he finished the demonstration she would nod at his words, closing the distance to take the offered nodachi. "Thank you." She noted as she took it. "The length of the nodachi has never agreed with me. The help required to draw has always been whats put me off. That and its unweildy nature." She left her commentary at that though, stepping back to bring the necessary distance between them again. It impressed though did not surprise the shorter Matsu that Yuto could draw the blade like a katana. His height certainly gave him the armspan to do so. Such a thing would not be as easy for her though, she knew.

Hotaru took her time to position herself, readjusting herself slightly a few times until she settled, seemingly satisfied into the stance.

Hotaru did not draw with the speed or even the practiced fluidity that he had. She was smaller, her armspan shorter and the distance she had to pull the saya back greater than his own. The samurai-ko moved with a purposeful measure though, her gaze fixed to a space ahead of her however, her attention was clearly internal, focused on her muscle and movements instead of the room surrounding her and Yuto's watching form. She did not watch the blade as she drew it, she had no need, when the blade would be free she would feel it. She would feel the tension, the weight as it wanted to pull the saya down forward. 

This inward focus was the reasoning for her speed. Slow, methodical, measured, assessing. She clearly had trouble with the tip of the blade. Her draw made awkward as her armspan was streatched. She arched as he had though, rolling her shoulders out so the blades nearly touched as she pulled the saya back the last few inches, freeing the nodachi's tip. There was an almost inperceptable wince as she did so, like she was pained. She hid it well though. 

Hotaru held the odachi out for a moment. It had been a while since she had weilded one. 

Through the open sleeve of her kimono, Yuto might spot the muscles of her forearm bulge as she held up the blade, her gaze shifting to run along the edge of the metal as she nodded slightly to herself with a 'hm'. As she streatched out again to resheath the blade she looked to Yuto.

The blade sheathed with a final *Thwick* And Hotaru closed the distance between them, handing Yuto his blade back. "As unweildy as the last time a drew one. I do not favor them for a reason." She noted.
Walter
Watching the lioness draw and perform Iaijutsu with the Odachi, there was something to commend. Though one could tell it required extra effort and much strength to do it. His eyes lingered to the woman's show of skin, admiring the strength and definition of the sword arm. While her size made it harder, the success in her efforts was worth congratulating. Thus he spoke up: 

"That was a great performance Matsu-san! I doubt anyone else your size would have been able to adjust and clear the blade from the saya." 

Taking the sword back, he'd be able to demonstrate the draw being worked on. Though he had to acknowledge the ridiculousness of an Odachi, they were most preferred on horseback but Yuto was never one for such. While he was more proficient with the smaller Uchigatana, there was something about the No Dachi that lured him in. Perhaps because of its ability to create space, it did take advantage of his large attributes better than other weapons. Though he had yet to pick up something more practical like the Yari or Naginata. 

"I think they're neat, though certainly meant for bigger people such as myself. Though you never know Matsu-san, you may find yourself needing the bigger blade more than the small one. I've yet to test if a spear is really better or not, so I can't say."

He began to step back, getting a safe distance once more, a smile now surfacing as his eyes didn't waver from the lions. The scorpion was rather excited to show off the technique, maybe even a shift in his mood could be noticed, feeling slightly more enthusiastic and energized. 

Reaffirming his previous draw stance, one detail would be noticed, rather than facing the blade of the hefty sword upward for a regular draw, it faced down. Typically this was rare and only done for reverse draws, but for this particular sword it would be mandatory. Rather than pulling the saya back, Yuto had threw the handle forward, performing a throw draw as he'd grasp the back of the sword, the spine of the blade.

If the blade wwe positioned upward he'd have grabbed the sharp edge like an idiot. Thus showing the necessity to reverse draw it, after taking hold of the back side of the sword he'd then have drawn back the Saya. Due to positioning his hand and shortening the length of how much one would have had to draw, clearing the blade from the sheath was easier. 

Pulling his sword arm back the scorpion's shoulders twisted, raising it in front of him above head for a quick moment he let go of the sword, recatching it so he held the sheath once more. Of course due to the angle and twist one wouldn't have easily noticed this. After successfully performing the technique the tip of the sword faced opposition. He held this position as he then spoke: 

"You could attack after clearing the saya, or move to guard, it really depends on you." 

After explaining he'd align the blade's tip with its saya once more, letting the heavy blade fall in rather than slipping the cover back up. The loud thwick would ring as he approached the woman once more. 

"It isn't the fastest but of course you wouldn't use it for a duel, though if you need to get it out quickly and protect yourself it'll do the trick. What do you think?"
Veronica
"Spears are useful. They have length but still maintain agility." Hotaru noted at his comment on the weapon so common amongst ashigaru. She spoke like she had a decent amount of experience with them. Hotaru seemed familiar enough with most weapons the Scorpion spoke of.

The Matsu's warm-brown eyes were not on his face as was polite for conversation though, her analytical gaze instead watching his movements as Yuto positioned himself. The technique was interesting and she could certainly see the dangers and the merits. 

At his question, she comments, "You hold the blade. It makes the draw easier but if you are not swift enough to complete it then a block would leave you weaponless, fumbling or forced to grip around the blade for leaverage. I am undecided on it's practicality but it is interesting nonetheless. May I try?" Hotaru inquired.
Walter
The practicality of the technique was sure to be questioned, which he expected. One knew no amateur would be able to perform such a technique, luckily Yuto never got the feeling she was an amateur. Lions seemed to rise on every occasion, thus he offered the Odachi to her once more. 

"It's no secret that an amateur would fail in using this technique, but you never once gave me the impression of being one." 

A genuine compliment as he let go of the saya and stood back, ready to watch and observe the lioness. Yuto was hoping she'd succeed in the draw, it was different from your stereotypical Iaijutsu. The Rokugo crossed his arms whilst watching. 

"A humble tip before you draw. Since this technique is not meant to be used for dueling, holding onto the Saya after the blade is clear won't be mandatory." 

Even though the scorpion held the saya afterward he gave these instructions. An Odachi was a two handed weapon after all, and in a real battle you'd discard the saya quickly as possible. This is what led him to crafting this skill, in the event of not having a servant draw the saya, or being ambushed. A proper samurai would still be able to access their weapon. 

||
Veronica
"Then you have good eyes Yuto-san. The only weapons I consider myself an amateur in are the ones that do not interest me and *Many* Interest me." Hotaru noted as she took up the blade once more though, this time, she held the saya within her right hand.

The Matsu did a few test flicks of the blade to get an idea for how much force would be necessary to clear the blade high enough from the saya for her to grasp. She then did a few more, getting a more controlled idea for the positioning of her fingers when she was to grasp. Throughout it was her left hand practicing going to grasp the blade and Hotaru's intent to use her off hand for the draw would be rather evident. 

Content she had a feel for the technique, Hotaru lowered the saya to a ready position and planeted her feet. With a smooth motion, throwing her body weight forward with the flick of her saya while keeping her feet planted to keep the momentum, Hotaru flicked the long blade out. Her left hand flew up to catch the blade but with a slight crinkle of her eyes Hotaru swiftly manauvered the blade to slide back into the sheath. She had had the momentum but had been timid with her grip, clearly moving with caution to not catch herself. 

Resetting herself, Hotaru would wordlessly try again, her focus on her left hand this time instead of trying to follow the blade. She would manauver the blade so it met where she desired to catch it and, this time, she did. Her fingers gripping the blade well as she made to lift the heafty blade from the saya.

She removed it a great deal of the way, though, with a noted thinning of her lip and a slight pinch of her eyes and a minimal pause where she appeared to be adjusting her left shoulder, Hotaru made the decision to flick the saya off the rest of the way, letting it clatter to the floor as she moved reletively swiftly to take the blade properly in hand, though she notably shifted to grasp the tsuba so the weight was predominatly held through her right shoulder. After doing so, the thinning of her lip and eye pinching smoothed to her normal neutral. 

 Yuto, having a decent eye, would note this and could perhaps speculate on either an old injury or Hotaru just being weaker on her left side.
Walter
Smiling at her comment, the Rokugo would watch the Matsu in awe. Truly he hoped the technique would work for them, observing her as she figured it out for herself. A testament to her skill, patiently acquiring the right finesse to perform the technique. It was very intriguing to see her attempt it with the offhand, though he never had any doubt. Yuto did notice the hesitation and slight struggle on Hotarus face, having not seen it when she drew the first time. Perhaps there was a reason for it, but he'd not linger on the irrelevant. What mattered is she was successful in her attempt. 

 

Clapping his hands to give praise, the scorpion smiled brightly towards the woman. 

"Impressive Matsu-san! It took me a night to come up with that technique and a few hours to successfully do it, you're truly a talented duelist. No one will be able to get the jump on you before the sword comes out now!" 

His positive words were cheerful and genuine, truly fascinated by the Lioness' hard work. Yuto moved to pick up the saya that was flung, holding the opening towards the woman so she could place the blade back inside. Afterward he'd set the weapon aside so it wasn't in their way, now inquiring. 

"I suppose we can spar now, forgive me if I wasted time demonstrating the ridiculous technique. I just enjoy sharing with others."

||
Veronica
"You have certainly not wasted my time Yuto-san" Hotaru slid the blade into the offered saya with ease, giving a slight nod to signify her thanks. 

"You flatter me though. It will certainly take some repitition before I would be comfortable enough to rely upon the technique. There is much risk to the fingers of the drawing hand with the motion if one is not careful and I can attest that cutting oneself is far from conducive in a fight." She steps back and gestures to the wall of empty racks where her own blades are set, so that he might find a place there to rest down the blade.

"Despite the risk though, I find the technique novel. It will be an interesting display for my siblings at the very least, when next we all congregate. With your blessing I would instruct a few of them on how to perform the technique, I know a few hold a preference for some of the larger blades. They would find it useful or at the very least, entertaining." Hotaru noted. Between her words it was clear that the woman would refrain from teaching others the technique if Yuto did not approve of her doing so.

"But, let us move on to the fun part of today" Hotaru switched the topic, a grin forming on her face as she withdrew the katana-length bokken from where she had stashed it next to the wakazashi-length one in her obi. 

With a gesture to one wall she stated, "Help yourself to the bokken. If there is a weapon you would rather wield let me know, im sure we have substitutes for most things in the store." Indeed. Mounted along the wall in a rack were wooden variants of the katana, wakazashi and a few longer blades and polearms.

"You will have to forgive me if I am at all rusty today, Yuto-san, it has been some months since I last clashed with one outside the clan." Hotaru grinned. 

The statement was probably true. It *Had* Been a while since Hotaru had crossed blades with another clan. Winter had been mostly dull with only a few notable times she'd had to draw her steel. The comment on being rusty though.. Hotaru would admit to herself that the statement was a blatant lie, though her exuberance hopefully covered any indication of deceit. Hotaru was looking forward to a fight but... She was aware that holding back would likely be a smart decision. Better for to appear rusty, she would be easier to underestimate then in later conflicts.

Excitement was clear on Hotaru's face as she moved into a space where there was room for the two of them to face off. Even if she was going to be pulling herself back, she was still going to enjoy this.
Walter
Having racked the larger weapon, he eyed the wall of bokken, there was a large variety of weapon replicas. While today could have been an opportunity to learn something new, the man refrained from such. After all they were here to spar and see each other's might with the Katana. 

"I wouldn't mind, after all the technique isn't some secret finesse to dueling. Simply a way to access your large blade in unexpected situations. My skill with the Katana is superior, but I like how the Odachi feels in my hand." 

He said politely, approaching the wall of bokken he admired the collection. While certain things like a Yari or Naginata were tempting, having never personally learned those yet, he grabbed a Katana bokken. He held it in one hand, coiling his fingers around to get a grip. With a few twirls he adjusted to the weight just fine, the scorpion then moved back to the floor where they'd face off. Finding some amusement in Hotaru's comment on being rusty. 

"A slumbering Lion is still a Lion. Ready when you are Matsu-san." 

One thing she'd notice of the scorpion's stance is that it was rather unorthodox, as he held the bokken in just his right hand rather than both. Yutos right side was shifted forward, creating a narrow figure for her to hit, whilst providing longer reach. He had the strength and skill in order to maneuver the blade just fine with one hand, by no means was he underestimating the Lion. Having a slight grin, his eyes now focused on the woman. Glowing in excitement. 

|| idk how serious we're taking this but just in case Kenjutsu 6: Katana Emphasis, Athletics 5, and Defense 4: Unarmored Emphasis
Veronica
As the word word 'ready' left Yuto's lips, Hotaru moved, cutting off the rest of his sentence with a bold and quick step across the distance between them, her bokken coming to bear in what promised to be a powerful side-sweep. 

Where perhaps other's might keep a cool face during a fight there was an outward grin on the Matsu's face. It held perhaps too much teeth, and it's exuberance reached the Matsu bushi's eyes with a gleam that belayed her excitement for the charge. 

Hotaru was coming in hot with the intent to put the man on a swift defense and control the pace of the fight.

Even Hotaru's thoughts were grinning. It was not often she let herself over to the gleeful adrenaline high of a fight to just *Fight*. In truth, she tended towards a much more measured, cautious fighting style that tended to rely on reaction and sudden advancement than the more direct, overwhelming, reckless advance she was currently partaking in. That did not mean, however, that Hotaru did not enjoy occasionally letting loose and just charging and swinging. 

On a level, sparring like this was liberating. She didnt have to think, she could just rely on instinct. But it was not a sparring method she undertook with live iron because.. More often than not, she got hit. It was fun though, and was typically how she approached sparring with bushi from outside the clan. If word got out she was another raving Matsu beserker, than when iron was drawn for real, the enemy rarely expected the measured predator they would receive.

None of these thoughts or considerations were of much concern at the moment though, not when she was bearing down on her opponent.
Walter
His eyes widened the moment he sensed the Lion pounce, in the middle of his speech huh? Someone was unable to control their excitement, but that made it all the more interesting. As she came forward with a side sweep, Yuto stepped closer, still holding the bokken in one hand as he swung it forward. The scorpion made very good use of momentum and weight, clashing with her bokken as the loud smack rang through the room. While he himself was smiling, the face of contentment wasn't as obvious as the lions. 

It was then he began taking steps back, as he let Hotaru's onslaught pursue him. His defense was tight and simple, leaving out unnecessary movements. Yuto specialized in utilizing weight and momentum, with his athletic ability it made certain impractical tactics, such as wielding a katana in one hand feasible. The Rokugo really just wanted to see her technique and physical ability, expecting nothing but greatness from the Lioness. Though the scorpion knew she had more to show him. 

Things would pick up as Yuto would kick his feet off the ground, putting great distance between him and the opponent. Extending his sword arm out, he'd create a radius of his reach. His movements would become thrusts and stabs as the scorpion would try to keep the lion at bay, how would she react? Despite the fire radiating from her body, was the Lion's mind calm and sound like water? They'd find out soon enough. 

Each quick thrust forward was like a jab, breathing during each strike. Primarily aiming for slots such as her shoulders, chest and arms. Precise and quick, making sure not to overextend himself to ensure one could pull back with enough time to react. Though one would easily decipher the scorpion was testing, having not gone truly on the offensive. 

||
Veronica
As Yuto enforced a distance Hotaru was left circling at the edge of his reach. The distance the man's height gave his arm span was truly evident as his blade lengthened and extended his reach. It was an interesting predicament. One Hotaru had rarely, if ever, faced against a katana, such a set-up being more conducive to polearms. But polearms she had faced and Hotaru decided she would have to treat the circumstance similarly.

The fast-paced fire of Hotaru's rhythm lulled as she kept her distance. Her grin was no longer so wide, but it still remained as a close-lipped smirk as she took her time slowly pacing around the Scorpion. Her katana was held defensively, to ward off any sudden leap he might make. Every few steps or so she would change her rhythm, test his circle. A few steps forward and then a quick dance back, to test his reactivity. Harsh feints to see if he instinctively drew his blade back toward his body to defend his core. The occasional clatter of bokken against bokken, to test the strength of his grip, as extended as it was. It was clear the woman was no stranger to combat.

Hotaru lurked around him, circling like one might imagine a Lion would a hyena that had stolen it's dinner. It was a visceral feeling, to be watched by Hotaru. Her eyes gleamed and darted about his form, clearly seeking any evidence of weakness or an opening. It was an uncomfortable feeling of being watched, judged, preyed upon, that might perhaps settle uneasily in Yuto's breast. This calculated dance certainly seemed far more deadly than the reckless charge the woman had opened with and the woman seemed just as comfortable moving at this pace as she did her charge. || weakness? Lounging lioness. Intimidation:2|| 

Hotaru circled and tested Yuto for a rough minute before she made a careful change in direction, shifting from an anticlockwise to a clockwise circle, her right facing him. In her head, she'd found the opening and could see it playing out. A cocky remark about 'two being able to play at this game', the drop of her left hand to her wakazashi-sized bokken in her obi, the lunge with her right arm forward, sweeping in a backstroke that promised to knock the man's bokken to his left, taking advantage of the weaker one-handed grip. It would open the way for her to dart in between, draw the wakizashi, and plunge it into his the side of his chest, into a lung. She wouldn't have to worry about his blade coming back around because he would be dead. *If this were a real fight*. But it was not and Hotaru had to restrain her instincts to do so.

*I should have left the wakazashi bokken on the wall*, she mused.

Hotaru reigned the instinct in though and decided on a modified version of the plan. Widening her smirk and taking on a playful tone Hotaru began to speak, "You're height is an asset Yuto-kun." Hotaru shifted her direction back. She would be swinging mostly with her left, which was never going to be as strong as her right, but it would be easier to push his arm outwards than across his body for what she had planned. "But two can play one-handed"

With that she lunged, starting the powerful swing with both hands and then dropping her right, letting the momentum carry her left arm crashing her bokken into his. Hopefully having knocked his arm out of the way, Hotaru would continue her quick footwork forwards. Her right arm was raised in a half-bastardised juijitsu block, ready to combat his left hand should it be a problem, but the blow to his body was coming from her foot as she angled it up and around to slam into his side. || juijutsu 2||

||
Walter
The two danced around the room as Yuto observed Hotaru, anticipating how she would overcome such an advantage. She moved well, clearly having experience dealing with polearms. So far he merely teased with his blade, studying his opponent was key, his defense and tactics allowed him the luxury. One was key in not falling for the feints, there was only a set distance you could put yourself out there to not overextend. If that extension was reached it was better to commit to the strikes. 

Though her change in expression gave him a bit of unease, this feeling was used to excite him. Hotaru was clearly planning something, whatever it was he'd take the full brunt of it. They were here to test one's skill and learn from each other, but the scorpion was always testing himself. 

Yuto... Kun? Whether she truly said it or he imagined it, the words were perceived as enticing. He blinked a few times, feeling a shift in weight as he was distracted by... That. A slight blush came over his face, causing him to completely overlook her next comment. 

It wasn't until the sound of their bokken clashing that the Rokugo was brought back to reality, his eyes widened with surprise. Her initial swing using both hands transitioning to one was impressive, most Samurai would have flung their swords across the room. She showed true discipline. He needed to counter somehow.. 

Seeing as she smacked his hand away, he'd have turned his body. With his back now facing the incoming blow, though there was a shift in her stance. Was she about to throw a kick at him? Well this took a turn! Once the kick struck his side, the scorpion wrapped his free hand around her leg. As he did, he spun, turning himself around as he brought the lioness with him. Bending his knee down to put her to the floor. She'd have lost balance, but his bokken held hand wrapped behind her back. Cushioning the fall as the Rokugo was now on top of the Matsu after the gentle letdown. 

"Your fiery movements are an asset as well, Remind me to never meet you in a field of battle, Taru-chan." 

He teased back with a smile across his lips. Though there came a pause, where the scorpion's eyes would meet the lionesses. Finding himself entranced by her features. Before his face moved closer the man snapped himself out of it, pulling himself and the woman back up to their feet if Hotaru accepted his hand. 

"Let's continue, you'll find the Scorpions thrive the most against unpredictable opponents."

He complimented her as Yuto got ready once more. 

||
Veronica
As her back was slammed into the dojo's ground, a grunt of pain escaped her breath as the nature of her right leg being extended meant that her left shoulder took the brunt of the fall. Pain blossomed there, the nerves twinging as they were want to do, a testament to the damage she had sustained. The Matsu was intent on not letting the blasted thing ruin what was turning out to be a fun time. 

Where the grin had briefly falled, Hotaru brought her lips back up into it as a below of laughter rose from her chest. *'Taru-chan'* She hadn't heard someone call her that in a *Long* Time. She opened her eyes from her laughter to find him... Giving her a look she'd only really gotten from women she'd bedded before. Yuto pulled back before the rising blush could really tinge her cheeks though. 

Hotaru pushed down the awkwardness she felt in the moment with humor, grinning at the man as she accepted his hand up. "Reminding you Yuto-san, would be completely contrary to the point." She did not overly emphasize the -san, but she hoped its presence would be enough to tell the man she had been teasing in the moment to throw him off, which she had clearly succeeded in doing. Still though... Ugh. She'd complain to Miho about it later.

Hotaru never stopped in on place to indicate the start of their second bout. Instead, she kept a polite starting distance from him, pacing in a slow, wide circle around him. She one-handed the bokken in her right hand, rolling that shoulder out before rolling out her left, though she seemed to linger longer on her left. As she did so, she spoke, that fiery grin on her face and her eyes sharp with humor.

"There's a few quotes I favor from *Leadership*. One that comes to mind at this moment reads as follows, *' There are many ways of disrupting the opponent's balance. First, attack his spirit with your voice. Then the blade follows shortly after."*. Perhaps you should read the volume some time? Clearly you could learn from it's lessons." A friendly jab at the Scorpion-Lion debate over * Lies* And *Leadership.*

The samurai-ko was clearly enjoying herself and, as she finished speaking, she stopped her movements, pulling into a clearly more defensive stance. "I wonder if you can hit me if I'm not recklessly running at you? Hm??" The challenge was clear, Hotaru wanted him on the offensive this time.

||
Walter
After helping her up, the man laughed at her comment. If they were on a field of war together she surely would say something! Right? Well no matter, they would reassume their stances and begin to circle one another once more. Yuto readjusted his grip on the bokken, giving it a twirl to assess how he'd attack. Watching her shoulders, Hotaru showed some hesitation in her left side. He'd focus on her right, while the scorpion could take advantage of weakness, there was no fun in it. His eyes slightly widened when she spoke about Leadership, having never read it himself the scorpion took some interest. Maybe he could get a copy of the book? Granted he never bothered to read lies either, he'd get halfway through a page before snoozing. 
"A wise strategy that certainly proved true today Ru-chan. I see the lion and the scorpion both share in the art of misdirection, only your execution is louder than ours." 

He spoke the last line sarcastically, the two seemed to bring out one another's humor. Though little did the lioness know she was bringing out something else in the man. Shaking his head, he'd agree and entertain the woman's challenge. 
"I suppose we'll have to find out!"

He then rushed forward, with his right side facing forward and blade in front. The Rokugo narrowed himself to become harder to strike. With his size and strength the man could maneuver the bokken without difficulty, allowing him to be quicker and more fierce in his blows. He opened up with another thrust, before pulling back to his left side and engaging in a horizontal swing. The blows were focused on her right side, being clearly evident he didn't take advantage of her injury. Anticipating her to block or avoid these attacks, Yuto was mostly just poking fun at her. Though he'd soon get serious.. Had she successfully defended those as he assumed she would, he'd pause briefly to speak between engagements. 

"You'll find I'm capable of doing a lot of things to you!"

||
Veronica
Hotaru dodged more blows than she blocked. Her body simultaneously moved away from his bokken while her arms still moved to account for the attacking wood if she did not move in time. This did somewhat allow Yuto to move Hotaru about the room, but any conscious action to try saw the woman rooting herself and just blocking blows as they came. She would not move unless she wanted too, seemed to be what her body was telling him.

 "Oh? And what *Things* Might they be?" She asked in reply to Yuto's query, her gaze never leaving where it was watching his body for the next blow. The easy smile on her face shifting to a smirk as her voice took on a mischevious, letting herself fall into the baited question he had asked.

She made no move to lunge at him, but the movement of her eyes across him quickened, maybe she was looking to interrupt him again?
Walter
As they danced about in the room, a smile covered the scorpions face. The two were enjoying themselves and just having fun, but Yuto of course had the ulterior motive of impressing. Though part of him felt content just watching Hotaru move, despite the mans smile his eyes were that of a wolf on a hunt. 

It was then the Samurai gripped the bokken with both hands, showing he was going to start implementing some effort. Stepping forward, he lunged, boasting great athleticism. This first swing was aimed at her Bokken, Yuto wanting to display just how much he could really output into his strokes. Had her grip not been tight or handling the weapon with two hands, he'd have sent a rushing vibration through the woman with the loud smack. For most people, the bokken would've flown out of their hands. 

Though he made absolutely sure to hit her sparring weapon seeing as the scorpion had no intentions of hurting Hotaru. Like an unstoppable force he moved forward, pressuring her with more devastating power as he'd aim to make the lion fall back, pushing her into the wall. Putting his bokken forward, he pressed it against hers, entering a sword lock. Had her back finally been pushed into the wall, the Junshin would look down with a smile. What it radiated wasn't arrogance or another overconfident feeling, but a pure sense of fun. 

"Telling you would be completely contrary to the point! In most fights due to my capability, I just poke fun at my enemy. Usually I never have to try outside of overpowering them with strength. If you want me to show you, you're gonna have to work for it!" 

His tone was that of a teasing one, part of him wanted to provoke the woman's wrath and see what she was really made of. As they went on and on in their sparring, Yuto slowly began to admire Hotaru. 

||
Veronica
Hotaru's easy grin fell somewhat in concentration as Yuto went full out on her. Her lips remained quirked up though, that excited light still shining in her eyes as she met Yuto's bokken blow for blow. The power he was exhibiting was not unimpressive. Raw strength was something Hotaru could appreciate but it was also not something she was new to dealing with. Her elder brothers had both been strong and behind their blows had always burned the fires that lit the Matsu berserker's, even if their full brunt never bore down on her.

It took a handful of met blows and a few deft steps away from sweeping blades for Hotaru to pick up that she was being herded towards a corner. It was the one true disadvantage of indoor combat. Outside, waging war in crop fields, one could be moved about a battlefield theoretically forever and never end with their back to a wall. Such battlegrounds had their own hazards though that made them equally as deadly. 

Hotaru would have liked to pretend that she had a choice in where she ended up against the wall, but such lies would be a disservice to the prowess of the man before her. It was true though... That she was not giving her all as his words implied. Maybe it was arrogance and pride? Or perhaps it was simply her cunning that made her certain that a proper bought with the arguably less-experienced man would probably be a hard but undoubtful win for her. Regardless... She was unlikely to find out if such beliefs were flawed today. She valued surprise more than she did the pride in a win.

Hotaru was holding back Yuto's bokken in a solid lock though, even as her back met wall. He was strong, the thought rose, as their eyes were locked over their blades. But one needed a great deal more cunning to properly corner her. 

"Work for it?" Hotaru chuckled in response to his statement, the grin reforming on her face, though her breath certainly indicated the strain she was under given the leverage his height gave him in the bladelock. "Hardly a difficult thing when you provide me with such great opportunities Yuto-kun."

Those words were the only warning Yuto had before a foot was swiftly coming up for his chest, Hotaru utilizing the weight of herself against the wall as leverage to steady herself for the kick.
It had the risk of leaving her off balance, but he had no arm free this time to block the blow and dropping even one from his bokken risked her own winning the deadlock. Hotaru was hoping to wind and distract his focus enough to slip to one side along the wall and dance back behind him to back into the open space of the room once more.
Walter
While the kick wasn't something unexpected, due to the two being so close pressing her against the wall, he'd have no way of dodging it. Thus the large scorpion let out a notable oof as she kicked him back. He stumbled, quickly regaining his ground as the woman proceeded back into her usual stance. It seemed their dance was long from over, though a smug sigh came over him. He chuckled but found it in him to call the woman out. 

"Your tactics reflect that of war, I've no quarrel with your antics, but I'm left disappointed Hotaru-chan! It seems the opportunities I impart to you are all the Lioness can manage!" 

He spoke so cocky it was hard to believe the man was being serious, he wasn't, but these words were meant to pump the woman up. Wanting her to show her skills in Kenjutsu, feeling she simply toyed around. 

"Perhaps we'll stake something on it! But what... Hmm, I know! If you can land a proper hit on me with your Bokken, I'll tell you a personal secret of mine, hmm? It ought to be fun." 

Taking a breath, he opened up once more. The weight of his step making the floorboards beneath them creek in anticipation, Yuto moved forward. Going back to his aggressive tactics. With his stature, he favored downward strikes, seeing as the Bokken replicated the forward heavy Katanas. He'd purposefully lag between hits to provide the woman an opening, had she not taken it, he'd have pushed Hotaru back to the outskirts of the room. Making her circle the edges. 

"They say you can learn of the opponent through the clashes of your swords. You're telling me a great many things.."

||
Veronica
"Oh? Secrets huh? I'm amused you think me so easily tempted or spurred by taunts Yuto-kun, but perhaps I shall play your game." Hotaru mused, humor twinkling in her eyes as she continued to remain on the defensive.

"You are right though." Hotaru would speak between blocks and dodges, as she lets him force her back to the edges again, "That one learns much through a spar." She spins out of the way of a hit, her bokken just glancing his own to ensure it could block if she did not move fast enough. 

"For example, you hold within a great strength, one that requires focus and strain to block, but you are used to weaker opponents, that is why you opened one handed." Hotaru had met him blow for blow previously, only truely dodging away from him when she anticipated not being able to block his harder blows. Now though.. As she was nearing the edge of the room once more, she was moving more. No longer purely blocking or dodging but a combination of the two. As his bokken descended, hers would move to meet his, but the blows would be glancing, merely enough to slow his momentum as Hotaru's feet shifted to twirl or side-step away. No longer did she only move back, getting easily pushed to one side, but she moved around him in ways that forced him to turn and rapidly change direction. Hotaru forced him to chase her with his blade.

"But I wonder perhaps," Hotaru mused between breaths, "If you can keep up." She grinned, her bokken intercepting another blow, though this time, as she span to her right, away from his blow, her back turned to him in her spin, as she dropped her left hand from the bokken's handle. She used the extended reach of her right arm, to push back and slow his blow. Her left was reaching down to her waist, where the shorter bokken lay. She would draw it as she continued her spin around his left side, her bokken pulling away from his own. 

The shorter bokken was being drawn to clash into his side. There was certainly time enough for him to block if he was quick about it.

|| Hope the imagry for this makes sense. If it doesnt dm me and ill try to clarify.
Walter
He baited her in, and there was no escaping now. Amused at her decision to entertain his play of secrets, desiring the Lion to go all out. Though he'd be lying if there wasn't an ulterior motive, the lion would find herself as the Scorpions prey. She became more nimble implementing spins into her technique, bold, but confident.. Her analysis of his fighting, and why he opened with one hand was spot on. Being here in the city the Magistrate had not found a match, hoping he had.

"Typically one hand is enough for most people's two. Though I make exceptions for those I find... Special.." 

When he pushed her back to the edges of the room, something special happened. As he continued to admire the woman's more graceful movements, she did something very cunning. Maneuvering out of his blows path to draw upon her other Bokken, one more reminiscent of a Wakizashi, capable of being drawn with one hand. While he could have quickly exploded to avoid or dodge the strike, the man smiled. Bracing himself he took the hit with no hesitation or movements to counter, the Lion would have caught this. 

"Ooo! Good job! You're quite resourceful!" 

He said teasing once more, but continuing. 

"Well, I suppose since I made the wager I ought to honor it. Ready to hear the secret? You better keep it!" 

Leaning forward, he put himself at eye level with Hotaru, never breaking his gaze away. With his face coming closer, he'd have smiled, it was rather smug. 

"I want you, Ru-chan. So don't disappoint.." 

He chuckled to himself, moving away as the samurai would take stance once more. Had she been thrown off guard by his seductive comment, he'd have initiated once more by giving her a soft bonk on the head. It was really just a tap, hoping she'd show more interest and desire to really go at him. Besides, they were both teasing one another, so she couldn't fuss over such words! 

"Get ready!"
Veronica
Matsu Hotaru took pride in the decade of summers she had survived. Part of why she had lived that long was most certainly her capacity to keep her face despite taunts and losses on the battlefield. It had been a long time since a bushi's words had actually given her pause. 

This was hardly the first confession of lust she had received mid-spar, and Yuto's expression was indeed one of lust. Perhaps it was the fact he was a man, Hotaru didnt quite know. The confession shocked her though stopping her in her tracks. The samurai-ko could not hold back how her eyes widened and her cheeks tinged red. 

Hotaru didnt know how to even begin processing such a bold declaration, let alone compute how to respond!

It was the vision of a bokken coming down for her head that snapped the Lion out of her shock as instinct took over, pulling her shorter bokken up to block. ||Fire emphasis: quick reflexes||

It was like time suddenly started again for her as she brought her gaze to lock with Yuto's under the block. Her Matsu blood flared in her chest. She was not some tender rose one judged worthy and expected to own! She was a Matsu! And if this *Man* Held any desire for her, it was on him to prove himself worthy to her!

"Do you think me a prized koi? To be simply owned if I am judged worthy?" Her words were heated, her gaze sharp. Whatever his response Yuto would know his answer would be judged.

Hotaru slid her wakizashi, catching the length of his bokken against it's tsuba, wrenching the wooden katana out, away and down from her body in an arc, following up with a slash of her katana towards his stomach. 

|| im just gonna use katana and wakizashi cause its easier with both bokken in her hands XD fucking bastardised niten FTW.
Walter
The expression she made was adorable, if only he could save it on a painting. Well actually Yuto did recall him meeting an Artisan.. But anyway! One's words did exactly as he wanted, stirring up the woman's emotions so she'd give it her all. Hotaru wouldn't get away without truly coming at Yuto for blood! Not that they were using real swords anyway. 

When she blocked the first hit, he smiled. Now the lioness was back in the fight! Though the scorpion had certainly provoked a formidable wrath. Her words were filled with passion and anger. Hotarus gaze shot just like an arrow, but the scorpion was here for war! 

"Uh oh, Ru-chan is mad! I'm in for it now!" 

He teased once more, preparing himself for what was to come. As she pushed his bokken away, the man knew the true strike was coming. Fighting an opponent with two swords was a challenge, that is if you didn't know what you were doing. He leapt backward, just barely escaping the range of her bokkens tip. Feeling much more conviction behind her strikes, but the scorpion didn't forget what kind of spar this was. She had played dirty from the beginning. Hotaru couldn't be mad if the treatment was returned. 

"Prized Koi? Don't be so down on yourself! Though You're certainly a prize. That face you made was too cute to be a Koi!" 

After his tease the man went in. He jabbed the bokken forward, wanting to anticipate which she'd block first. Upon the first flinch of a muscle he'd smack the defending weapon away, as he'd make another thrust to her chest. The scorpion kept his distance with superior wingspan and the extension his bokken gave. As things heated up the Rokugos smile widened, embracing the flare of battle. 

"Hmm, okay! Let's wager something else, this time on the condition that I hit you!" 

He knew she probably would be too mad to agree, but he was on a roll now had he successfully gotten into the lion's head. Yuto certainly wasn't going to stop now, not that he ever knew when to quit. Squinting his eyes, a more aggressive smile came over him, thrilled at the opportunity. Looking like a predator soon to feast upon prey. 

**"You better grit your Teeth!"** 

A warning that his fury was soon to come. 

||
Veronica
Hotaru didn't pursue him, letting Yuto's step away from her bokken gather distance between them. As he twisted her analogy back on her, likening the proud Matsu to being "Cuter than a koi', her lips curled in a snarl of disgust.

The teasing tone mattered little to Hotaru. Yes, they had made fun during their spar but this topic was one that genuinely pushed the wrong buttons. Hotaru had warned Yuto with her tone and this was how he answered? Hotaru quickly found her anger fading into disappointment.

The man In question gave her little time to recompose though as he came to swing at her again. She blocked the initial blow with the better positioned katana this time, as it was knocked away she brought the smaller wakizashi back up, catching the blade on the tsuba thrusting upwards. She could not block his blows one handed, but she could continue to redirect them.

His audacity to strike up another 'wager' lit some of that fire in her again. Though it would not rage as hot as it had flared the first time. Hotaru was a Matsu and is surely surprised no one whenever her anger was stoked, but the flames were always easier to put out than in her siblings and, for now, the fight was starting to leave a bitter taste in Hotaru's mouth. Her dissapointment was winning out over her anger, draining the joy she had held at the start of the fight. Yuto's continued expressions followed that of a boy in lust just wanting to win the prize his gaze had set upon and that held not interest for Hotaru who wanted an equal first and a man second.

Perhaps that was why all her lovers till this date had been female? It was easy to stand on equal footing when society already ranked you together.

Hotaru's face shifted to one of cold focus. Irritation rang through only in her eyes but it was far from the raging inferno it had been mere seconds ago. She would swing back at him with her shorter bokken still raising his blade, putting her weight into the swipe as she used the momentum to carry her past and around Yuto. She cared little for the bokken hitting, the purpose was to distract his blade as she swiftly gained distance between them. 

"You disappoint me then if you truly believe as such." Her words ring out in response to his own. Hotaru resheathed the wakizashi in the moment she spoke the words, bringing both her hands to bear on her larger bokken. It was a tactical decision, Hotaru would rather have the strength of her full grip against Yuto's blows, but the sheathing of the weapon could easily be taken a number of ways, particularly in the wake of her words.
Walter
She was certainly mad now, had he gone too far? Most likely, but they were in the midst of battle and one wouldn't interrupt this for the world. Finally what he wanted was here. After she came forward lining her shorter bokken to smack away his, he stepped aside just barely avoiding the next. Conviction was behind her strikes, truly feeling the weight of their spar. Yuto wasn't a fan of using Bokken, feeling they didn't show one the gravity of their actions, for they took away the consequences.. 

"If one wants to know what I believe, they should focus on the actions of my sword rather than the distraction of my words. Matsu-san." 

It seems his words had truly inflicted a wound upon the Lion. Had her pride been hurt or her honor? One couldn't tell, at the moment Yuto was focused. She transitioned back to using one sword, did she want to focus or fall back? Two swords wasn't always better than one, but how this would play off was interesting. Yuto wasn't foreign to duel wielding, but it was situational, he felt the Lion athletic enough to keep up with and that was a testament to her own skill. 

Nodding his head, one's expression then changed. Losing his smile completely as he stepped forward. In an instant the mood shifted, as one could feel the scorpion no longer teased. Rather, he focused on the duel itself. He swung once more. This time opening up the engagement with an upward swing, coming from below. While it was certainly risky he gauged the distance properly, if one didn't dodge there were only a few ways to block. He counted on either option. 

Had she successfully blocked or dodged, the man would transition immediately into a downward strike after bringing the bokken overhead. Yuto was an explosive fighter quick to take the opportunities and openings. One thing to say was the man possessed an aggressive nature, fighting like a madman using his emotions as a source of power. Yet there was no absence in his technique. What would the Lion do now? Would she seek to draw the match out or end it swiftly? 

||
Veronica
Hotaru sought to end things. She had spent most of their time dancing back and forth playing predominatly defensivly but now, fueled on by her anger, even as it dissapated slightly, Hotaru would harness it to embolden her strikes towards Yuto as she went on a very fast, agressive offensive.

||
Walter
Her aggressive attacks certainly didn't let up, it seemed all the enjoyment from this bout had been stripped clean. With a disappointed sigh, there was a moment of self reflection. Yuto was not used to antagonizing others; only using this tactic to tease and force the Lion to fully exert themselves. It was probably best he ended things and not overstay his welcome. 

The scorpion went on the defensive, having to put some effort into keeping her bokken at bay. With the state she was in one smack was certainly gonna give him a bad day. Though the Rokugo had a plan. Continuing to step back, he'd have his back towards the wall. Anticipating the next blow to come. 

As she delivered her next ruthless attack, he'd have extended his arm outward. Grabbing at her wrist, though only before taking the blow to his side. Letting out a small grunt, he'd have squeezed down hard to rip the weapon away. Upon disarming her Yuto spoke, "Okay, Okay! I've learned my lesson, you're the Victor here Matsu-san." 

He stepped back, giving them space between one another. Entering a deep apologetic bow. Continuing with his words, "Forgive my verbal contraventions. I only sought to see you at your best, my words were only meant to satirize you. They were not all genuine. You're an astonishing duelist—and the way you move has left me enamored, Matsu-san." || Etiquette 4 Sincerity. He's truly apologizing thinking he angered you || 

Coming back up from his bow, he now caressed both the bokken in his arms as if he were hugging them. Tilting his head to the side, the Rokugo pressed his cheek into where the handle would be. Though his eyes never left the lioness. "If I have not squandered things between us, I'd like to show you my appreciation. Would you like to have dinner with me sometime?" He asked politely, with a remorseful look in his eyes. The man was sincere, too honest, almost like a dog.
Veronica
The Matsu gave a huff but nodded in a clear acceptance of the halt. She would take back the bokken and gave him her attention as he spoke his platitudes. 

"You will learn Rokugo Yuto-san, that there are very few things that so genuinly piss me off. Being relegated to the likes of a trophy wife or prize is one. I am Matsu and I am no one's prize but my own." Her gaze was as stern as her voice serious. 

"This was a friendly bout, I did not come into it unexpectant of jibes, it is the nature of such things. But when I give warning know now that it is because you tread to close to a line. I will accept your apology, under the understanding that it had better be a good dinner." Her tone lightened towards the end, the harsh edge beveling out into something more friendly.

"You fight well though. I should like to do this again some time." She intoned.