Alejandro
*With the air blowing in the dojo, Hanako sit in the seiza position. This is very formal of her and may be received as being a bit too much for a simple training. However she thinks that it is a sign of respect for the lesson she is about to have.*

"I don't know rhow you can teach me the basic but i'll watch from here and take mental notes for after. Maybe next week I'll have the courage to sit up and take a bokken but for now watching will suffice."

"Does sparring is similar to an actual duel? I've been fortunate enought not to have to assist this life or death situation." - She addressed all the bushi inside the training area.
||
Yadira
He felt the cold air blow through the Dojo. It felt nice and less stuffy. He gives a nod. "Hmm I think sparring is similar to a actual duel but you don't need to worry about dying i guess. So I guess overall it isn't super similar but it sort of us." He smiled as he held the wooden bokken. Hopefully the bandages wouldn't hinder his performance or the small injury he got.
Sandra
**"There are many different forms of sparring, as well as fighting, though I would say there is only one true form of dueling."** *Aritomo replies as he goes through a few simple sword forms, ensuring Hanako can follow along if she wishes*, **"And as long as I serve as your guardian, it will be unnecessary for you to learn, however, I will still teach it you wish to learn, Hanako-san."** *He adds, finishing his practiced strike with an upward flourish, looking to the young shugenja.

*He then turns to face Adohiro*, **"Duels are not always fought to the death, only for the gravest of slights, the sort of thing that one would be willing to die over... And great consideration should be made before such a challenge is issued, especially if fighting to the first strike, or even first blood, would serve the same purpose."** *In truth, Aritomo abhorred duels to the death, for once the opponent was defeated, there was no need strike down a potential ally.*
Alejandro
*Aritomo's movements were watched with heavy focus by Hanako. She tried to imbued herself on what she could tell was simple for Aritomo and surely was the same for Adohiro but for her it was an entire different world. Steel and prayers didn't have much in common, but inside the cities of Lies, one must be ready she thought. Every move was slowed in order for her to grasp what it was used for. One to defend, one to feint, one to attack. It was obvious to Adohiro and Aritomo that she focused more on the defensive moves.*

"Do you know any katas or form that focused primarily on defense perhaps? You will be my guard but i won't attack anyone, it is against my nature and my believes. I'm sorry to be such a dead weight for you two, it's how I have been raised. Violence only attract violence. Inflincting pain is not something I think i can ever do" - *She bowed as her words rushed through the air.*

"Since we are to spend more time together, perhaps after your teaching, i may myself transmit some spiritual knowledge to you? And you too Adohiro-san. We can go together at the nearest temple, cleanse ourselves and I'll teach you how to connect with the kamis."
Sandra
*Aritomo looks back to Hanako and nods*, **"I wouldn't mind that, and yes, I can teach you a few defensive forms, specifically designed for use outside of armor."** He thinks for a moment*, **"In some cases, you're right about violence, however, sometimes, such as when dealing with the brutes of the Crab or Lion, they respect strength, and most often measure it by martial skill. There is also simply times when a peaceful solution, while preferable, isn't always an option, most notably when on the defensive, all we can do then is send a message in the hopes of minimizing bloodshed on a larger scale."** *He explains.

He then gets a thought*, **"Tell me, Hanako-san, how do you learn best? By watching, listening, or doing?"**
Alejandro
*A few seconds were needed for a simple reply. Through Hanako's eyes one could see the cranking cog of a thinking mechanism. She never asked herself this question, yet the answer was deep inside her memory : speaking with the kami requires all of the methods Aritomo described.*

"I grasp whatever is available before me, whether with my eyes by reading or watching, my ears through listening or my hands with practicing. And this is due to my younger years inside Shinden Asahina. You see, there, my sensei gave me scrolls and scrolls and scrolls of a langage that at that time, i couldn't speak nor comprehend. It's with her help that reading it and performing it came to me. I am more attuned to a precise watching then to launch myself inside what seems to me as a somewhat dangerous activity where heads are bonked. But you if you see fit that i practice in a more physical way, I'll respect your knowledge on the matter and perform."
Sandra
*Aritomo nods,* **"There is no need to rush into anything, as long as you are able to learn via watching and listening. There are, however, some lessons, that can only be learned by attempting... But I will teach only at a pace comfortable for you, since I understand this is outside of your usual area study."** *He says, going through another kata, this one focused more on using the blade as a tool to deflect, only making quick, calculated strikes*, **"All forms of combat require at least a small amount of offense, the best form for defense is this one, which incorporates quick strikes to test your opponent's defense, while focusing on your own. The idea is to use as little energy as possible and wear your opponent out, until in their fatigued state, they grow reckless, and open themselves up to attack."**
Yadira
Adohiro heard there was many different forms of sparring and fighting. He still was a fan of sparring and whatnot. He saw Aritoma turn to him as he gives a small smile sharing his explanation of it. He gives a nod. "Okay." He gives a small nodes. When he's what's Asahina ask if they knew defensive moves. "Not really." He stated giving a small shrug. He soon heard her invite him to learn spiritual knowledge. "Sure I don't learning spiritual training."
Alejandro
*With this all cleared, Hanako stood and watch has the katas were performed. Each movement was precise and it reminded her of the Air kami, but in another way that she was used to. The two swordsman kept on showing her the basic of parrying and deflecting. One feinted an attack, the other answered according. She saw this almost like a dance, where two partners try to enter a flow state and without talking can communicate to one another.*

*Like Water, they flowed from defensive stances to an attack posture. The scent of the city rushed through the dojo and the flow of time disappeared. Lady Sun continued her course in the sky and with her what was before an early after noon became darker and the night began to settle.*

"It has been a truely remarquable performance and training mina-san - Hanako Bowed towards her training partners - With all of this you might be exhausted. Why don't we all go refresh ourselve and go enjoy a meal in the city together?"
Sandra
*Aritomo is putting the bokken away, and looks to Hanako*, **"I am bound to go wherever you do, but since you offered, that does sound like a lovely idea."** Once the weapons are put away, he goes over to his charge*, **"Just say the word when you're ready, I'll simply need to get a couple of things from my room on our way out."** *He adds. He then looks to Adohiro*,**"Will you be joining us, Daidoji-san?"** *He asks, awaiting a response. The what hair was free blew in the breeze that went through the dojo, carrying with it the scents of the city, making his mouth water a little, he had lost track of time as he trained with the others, and was now quite hungry*
Yadira
After a few sparring lessons and all, towards the end he began to get quite hungry. Ahh he was hungry, this was no fun. After the performance of each skill was presented, he soon heard Hanako's compliments as he gives a nod. "A meal sounds delightful." He gives a big smile. "I think that's a lovely idea." He said smiling. When he heard Aritoma ask if he was going to come he gives a nod. "You don't need to ask me twice." He joked. "I live for food and battle." He teased. He would set his bokken down. "Where shall we eat?" He asked giving a small smile.
Alejandro
" I'm longing for something typical from here, why not just an inn? We can then connect with the lower people and ask them what specialty Ryoko Owari Toshi has? "
Sandra
*Aritomo nods*, **"That sounds good to me, what do you think, Daidoji-san?"** *He asks the other member of their little group.*
Yadira
He gives a nod. "I think it's a great idea." He said with a big smile. He then would start to lead the group to have some food and a nice bath.
Laura
Masanari walked alongside Adohiro to the dojo. It has been a long time since he had done any active practice against an opponent but this city seemed to demand it of him.

He fetched a wooden bokken and bowed. He walked to the far side of the Dojo, took a deep breath then turned and bowed once again to Adohiro. 

"Our first duel Adohiro-kun," He smiled, "I would not have expected it to come so soon, in a city so far away from home, yet let us see how the little troublemaker has grown." 

||
Yadira
Adohiro happily followed him as he would wonder if he was skillful and tactful in combat. He'd grab a wooden bokken l. Once he was at the other side he'd also now. 

He gives a small smile as he gives a nod. "Let's see how the old troublemaker has grown too." He said. It had been several years since they've seen each other.
Laura
Masanari smiled. "First to three? I think first to one would be over before you properly woke up." 
||
Yadira
He gives a nod smiling smiling. "Sure sounds good." He said with a small smile. "Let's do and so it." He said.
Laura
Masanari took a deep breath and allowed his eyes to close. As the air filled his lungs he let his body fall lose; only opening his eyes when he felt his body fall lose. 

He began to count, waiting for Adohiro to join. When the pair hit zero he lifted his hand and waited for Adohiro to approach. 

||
Yadira
He wild quack hom get confused as once he counted, he'd launch a direct attack at his left flank. He'd attempt to strike him from that attack!
Laura
Masanari knew Adohiro too well, he predicted the quick attack and remained still until Adohiro was close, then as the attack to left came he slipped backwards and let the young crane's weapon whip past. 

"Always so brash Adohiro" He said drawing his weapon and bringing down towards Adohiro's upper arm instead of aiming for the head or shoulder
Yadira
Adohiro sadly would not be successful in the attack. He'd feel the weapon hit his arm as he heard his brash comment. Once he hit his upper arm, he'd attempt to trip him up with his other leg!
Laura
Masanari lifted his leg and slid backwards putting distance between himself and his opponent. "I cannot teach you much Adohiro-kun, but one thing I may teach you is that you strike to quickly, If I were a better swordsman I could have taken your head... There are no second chances with death."
Yadira
Adohiro noticed he slid away, unfair. The young crane heard him he struck too quickly and he could lose a head. "I'm still working on that. I got an earful last time." He said. He'd attempt step forward and to slash the sword, but maintained a safe distance!
Laura
Masanari slid back just enough to let Adohiro's sword fly past, "Well its a good job we are in the dojo, and these are wooden if youre still learning." He held his attack, waiting for the young boy to recover and strike again
Yadira
Adohiro gasped when he missed and he'd attempt to jump and attempted to tackle him head on to the floor with his surprise attack that definitely could shock Masanari with the strange unheard of attack.
Laura
Adohiro's arms wrapped around Masanari's waist and pushed him back a few steps. Though his legs formed a wide base and Adohiro was unable to get the older crane to the floor. "This is new" He said looking down at the grappling Adohiro
Yadira
He would attempt to try to bring him down but he was much bigger and heavier. He heard him state this was new. He would then try to trip him with his leg at least!
Laura
As Adohiro tried to trip him, Masanari attempted to throw his feet backwards, sending them both to the floor and allowing him to use his slight advantage in weight to land on top, yet Masanari was not trained in Jujitsu and instead landed in a heap with Adohiro still clutching on
Yadira
Adohiro gasped when he soon felt himself he thrown. He felt himself be thrown to the floor, feeling the much heavier crane on his body. He winced and he'd attempt to start kicking his legs at him hoping it'd make him get up. While doing that, he attempted to turn the man over so he could have the upper hand..
Laura
Masanari needed to get back onto his feet, he kicked his body attempting to throw Adohiro off and slide out of his grip
Yadira
His grip wasn't too tight causing him to be thrown off. However, he would try to launch another attack on him, attempting to jump on him in an attempt to pin him! It was almost a wrestling match to be honest!
Laura
Masanari rolled and attempted to slice with his bokken as he did
Yadira
He would manage to dodge by moving his body and he would attempt to swing his Bokken on his head!
Laura
Masanari was too invested on standing and took the blow straight to his head, the impact shook him slightly, it was lucky that Adohiro had not put his full force into the blow otherwise his head could have split. Stumbling back Masanari for to his feet
Yadira
He would gasp when he was successful. Thank goodness he wasn't using all of his strength, but it definitely might leave a nasty bruise. "Oh I'm so sorry." He said as he quickly made sure he was okay!
Laura
Masanari smiles as he steady himself, he tapped his bokken on the ground, come on then young Adohiro-kun let's wrap this up. Masanari slide to one side and sliced at Adohiro's body as he did so
Yadira
He would bask when he soon saw him slice him. He didn't manage to avoid the attack. "Oh darn!" He said.
Laura
Masanari smiled an slide back into attack once again, this time fainting to one side and attacking the other
Yadira
He smiled softly as he would try to sidestep. Once he did so he attempted to swing his bokken!
Laura
Masanari lift his arms to lower the bokken and block
Yadira
He'd also hit at the same time as he would then attempt to tackle him!
Laura
Masanari went to speak at the two hit eachother then Adohiro tackled him once again. Unprepared Masanari went flying
Yadira
He would watch him fly, ouch. He'd wait for the thud as he backed away. He wondered if the fight was now over?
Laura
Masanari looked up... "Do you count that tackle as a hit Adohiro-kun?"
Yadira
He gives a nod. "Of course I do it's still a knock!"
Laura
Masanari smiled, lowered his bokken... "Then it seems you have bested me"
Yadira
"Wait really?" He asked gasping. He was super surprised now as he gives a small smile. "So I won then?Or was it a tie? I wasn't keeping track." He said
Laura
"You win Adohiro, this time"
Yadira
He smiled softly. "Yay!" He cheered to his old friend. "Thanks."
Sandra
*Aritomo slowly worked his way through a kata before Hanako*, **"When practicing with the blade, you must approach each strike as one would the stroke of a brush, thoughtful and precise, but also so smoothly that it appears instinctive..."** *He guides the bokken in his hands through a slow, methodical dance, striking and partying his imaginary opponent, explaining each aspect*, **"When facing multiple opponents, it is better to strike quick than true, so you can defend against all threats."** *They had spent most of the day in the dojo, training with various blades, finding the one that worked best for the young shugenja, he promised to teach her to assist in defending herself, and that's what he planned to do.*
Alejandro
*With a day of training inside this place, Hanako's legs and hands were weaker and weaker with the hour. Not attuned to this type of exercise, her movement were clumsy and each attack would be done at a great cost a sort of backlash at each time the bokken was struck down on the opponent*

"**It is with great difficulty that i failed to see the similarities between the brush and the sword Aritomo-san. I cannot and don't want to imagine the sensation of a blood covered brush. -** Hanako took a deep breath and executed the strike showed by her teacher, without any trace of grace or precision, she then took the defensive stance that Aritomo began with this morning and waited for further instruction, her eyes betraying her fatigue- **- Aritomo-san... I must ask you, have you taken a life before?**"
Sandra
*Aritomo is silent for a long moment, as he approaches his charge, slowly pacing around her, observing her form. He reaches out with the bokken, gently shifting her own over to cover more of her body*, **"I have..."** *He states, softly*, **"...It... It's not a thing to do lightly... When you do... Yo are forever changed..."** *He continues,* **"...I show you this so you can readily protect yourself if you're ever in peril... But I pray each day that the day to use my teachings never comes."** *He sits cross-legged on a mat, inviting her to sit across from him*, **"Let us rest for awhile..."**
Alejandro
*Carefully tacking a step back, Hanako sheathed the wodden sword in the respect he was due, treating the sparring weapon as a steel one. Such was her fear of those instruments of war. She then took place at the appointed seat given by Aritomo-san*

"** Do you miss your Dojo Aritomo-san? Being forced to protect and teach me must not what you dreamed of in your way towards Ryoko Owari Toshi **- she chuckled at this idea -** Any news from home or acquaintance you have made inside the city walls?** "

*Hanako listened carefully the crane member, hoping to make him more comfortable after such a day of training.* 
"**Be sure i won't let anything happend to you, i may not be able to be a menace, but i can certainly be a threat ** - Hanako's eyebrows frowned on her face as she mimic the strike her teacher showed her, but with her thin stature and non-existent muscle mass, this was more of a joke than an actual threat - ** We are both desperately in need of people to talk to it seems. And even more so of people to visit. It's been some time but during the crane's invitation of the Dragon and Unicorn clan, i had made some contact with both caln, tho i doubt anyone would remember me... It's been so long.**"
Sandra
*Aritomo frowns at the mention of the Dragon, but focuses on her training for the moment*, **"I do not wish to hone you into a menace, only someone thugs would give pause to the idea of attacking if you're ever alone, I don't plan to have you partaking in any duels, that requires a different from of training..."** *He thinks on other techniques he can teach her that wouldn't necessarily require a large, strong stature*, **"...If you wish to learn that art, I can show you, but it would be purely for academic purposes."**
Alejandro
"**I would be honored to see the Iaijutsu art performed by a Kakita. Even more in practice then in real situation, for i'm sure no one can stand in your way when you decide something to be done**" 

She took some step back to make way for the bushi to perform his art.
Sandra
*Aritomo nods*, **"I can show..."** *He sheathed his bokken much as his katana would be sheathed for a duel.* **"The art of Iajutsu is centered around performing a single, perfect strike, combatants normally eschew the use of armor, but there are rare exceptions, the conditions of a duel vary depending on the context and the clan who controls the land the duel takes place, but will usually be fought either to first strike, first blood, or for gravest of offenses, to the death..."** *His serious tone somehow gets more serious,* **"A duel to the death is an extremely serious affair, and such a challenge is not to be made lightly, and only for the gravest of slights, when honor demands it..."** *He warns*, **"...When I made the comparison to calligraphy earlier, it was more about the precision and purpose of the stroke, you cannot take back a brushstroke, not a strike with the blade, your strike must be swift, yet true..."** *His hand goes to his bokken*, **"...What I will demonstrate is the speed at which a perfect strike must be, but you must trust me to not harm you... As long as you stay still, the blade will not even touch you."**
Alejandro
"**Are you sure this is the right course of ac-**" The swift and precise strike of the kakita slashed the air in front of Hanako and without leaving a beat of heart returned to his scabbard position.

Hanako trembled for a second then touched her face as to see if the strike hit her. Not a scratch, the only thing that she felt was the abrasive air that the elegant kata blow towards her. 

"**A marvelous technique for sure, experience is showed here... I my to believe you already used this technique in a .... Actual duel Aritomo-san?**"
Sandra
*He sheathed the bokken, taking the time to bow to his "Opponent", **"I have, in numerous duels, fought for a variety of reasons... Control of the blade is essential for any who would call themselves a duelist, knowing when the pull their strike and when to follow through... When to strike to hurt and when to strike to kill, it's an ability that can't be learned, but honed over years of experience..."** *He stands back up*, **"As I said before, I will fight any duels you might be challenged to, I swore to defend your life and honor with my blade, after all."**
Alejandro
"**In the special case that a shugenja makes a mistake to provoke the Crane clan in my presence, you will not have to lay your life for me. Us shugenja have a similar way of handling insult called Taryu-Jiai. My master warned me about it but fortunately i haven't had the case of using the skills necessary towards the defeat of another shugenja.**"

Hanako looked perplex, as if about to ask a ambarassing question. Then with all her courage she asked : 
"**Kakita Aritomo-sama, your duels... I couldn't but noticed your ...**- Hanako paused for a bit, searching her words -** Have you faced any Mirumoto using the Niten technique?**"
Sandra
*Arotimo looks away, showing his patched side, one of the greatest signs of trust the one-eyed duelist could show*. **"I have... And yes, it was in a duel with a Mirumoto that I lost my mind eye... Though there is more to the story than a single duel..."** *He sits on the floor across from her, inviting his young charge to sit and listen to his tale.*
Alejandro
" **Oh... Do not feel forced to rewind unpleasant memory ** - Hanako sat and showed a listening posture and attitude -**But be sure that it's with a pair of friendly ears that the story you are about to tell will be heared** "
Sandra
**"It is... More a tale of recklessness and foolish pride..."** *He he states*, **"...It all began with the Topaz Championship... I had already shown myself a a prolific duelist, and many of our clan, and others that watched, had favored me to win the final duel, which was against Mirumoto Hirohisa... Both of us were equally skilled, but he proved the better swordsman that day, and he was the victor..."** *He pauses, there was more to the story, but he gave Hanako time to process before continuing.*
Alejandro
" ** It seems that his victory cost you way more than just the prize of being the Topaz champion. I understand your... Reluctance and inimities with the dragon clan. Well i can only try to imagine and not actually experience your life.** "
Sandra
**"That duel was only the beginning of the story, after my defeat at his hands, I spent the next five years challenging all comers, seeking to home my skills to such a degree that when next we fought, he wouldn't stand a chance. Finally, when I felt ready, I stormed up to the e gates of his family's home, demanding he face me, at first, he tried to refuse, but I wouldn't let up, until he finally relented. We met outside, taking stances as a heavy rain started to fall, both of us had learned much in those years between our meetings, and we still proved equally matched, the only difference being, where his mind and heart were clear, mine was blinded by a rage that had been burning since that day. As our duel drug on, he attempted to convince me to call it a draw, and leave, but I was there seeking blood, and wasn't leaving without it, as I moved to strike again, I hit a muddy patch and lost my footing, and was unable to block Hiruhisa'a strike, and this was the result..."** *He lifts the eyepatch to show the scar across his eye.*