<div class="floatright">(https://i.imgur.com/xG9ZTrL.jpg)</div><strong>Tsukiko Sato (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=274532.msg13526622#msg13526622)</strong><br/><strong>Location:</strong>Hachisu clan castle<br/><strong>Tagged:</strong>Kiyoshi Tanekawa<br/><hr/><br/><em>Clack, clack, clack...</em><br/><br/>The sounds echoed around the Hachisu castle dojo when a hard bokken hit another. This was the most intense Tsukiko had been sparring with Mori in a very long time. The officers observing were looking at it with a mix of awe and safe dread. The foreign circumstances of the day were the roots of her newfound emotional drive. She liked to call it resolve, and struggled to deny it was also fear. A military woman as she was, she knew that the clan would not stand on top with military prowess nor relying too heavily in the show of prosperity. Whatever the outcome, alone they would be on the losing side. Her drive to train became even stronger when she heard the news. Already did Kogatana and her Aka ka assault their mutual neighbours in the Oshiro lands. Although "already" was a subjective term. A part of Tsuki wondered how it had not happened sooner. An early action of unprovoked violence... She expected nothing less of those damned barbarians. They needed more land and more resources soon, so the expansion had to continue while there was still land to relatively peacefully occupy. The time without a distinct general had to end as well.<br/><br/>A shot of pain in her upper arm released her from her distracting thoughts. Tsukiko gasped and lept back, dropping the katana-shaped wood and held the spot where Mori just landed a hard hit. Had the blade been of steel, she'd have been one arm short now. A burst of shame followed right after. These sorts of fumbles must not happen, not in training and especially not in the field. Focus had to be maintained.<br/><br/>"Are you well, Sato-Tai-I?" Mori asked. Tsuki lifted a pained expression, but nodded.<br/><br/>"I but need repose." Tsuki replied, "Continue with Date for a while."<br/><br/>Mori nodded as one of the observers pushed up and took a stance, ready to fight. Tsuki sat on her knees nearby, rubbing her arm. She hoped that Tanekawa-sama had heard her request for audience, or at the very least heeded the urges to seek partnership with other clans.