[D2, MM] Seeking the right space (expecting)

[Kakita Masao]

Looking for an appropriate place for morning kata practice due to the busyness of the castle at this time, and having passed the Kuni's "inspection" on his way through town, Masao is wandering out beyond most of the farms, trying not to disconcert peasants that a dai-tsuchi-toting Crane bushi is on the roam. He looks for an adequate space to stretch his muscles and practice weapon drills, definitely out-of-sight of where peasants may be working.

He pauses, eyes closed for a moment. What's the matter? Not going looking for your little wolf friend again? You seemed to enjoy that time. -- Really? Must you, right now?

[Hiruma Sen]

Having finished her inspection from the Kuni, Sen headed out of her home just in time to see someone walk towards the off path that she put that snare on. Flashbacks to Meiko getting caught up in a snare flashed through her mind before she moved. Dashing towards the path, Sen needed to prevent another incidents

“Wait! Don’t go any further!”

[Kakita Masao]

Snapped from the noise in his head and onto alert, Masao tenses and scans the area with his eyes, but his feet don't shift. Seeing the rushing Crab -- samurai? Yes, there's a daisho -- focuses his attention, and he takes a wary breath to try to calm the moment.

"Why am I going no farther, Crab-san?" he calls out, his voice hinting at annoyance but the Crab's words clearly having been trusted. One hand squeezes the grip of the dai tsuchi, but the heavy hammer doesn't shift from its casual position on his shoulder.

[Hiruma Sen]

“There’s a snare... About 10 feet ahead of you. This path is off limits until the wild dog or fox that’s been stealin’ chickens from the farms has been caught.” Sen bowed, trying to be polite.

[Kakita Masao]

The Crane looks at Sen, somewhat incredulous. "Ah. I see. Well," he exhales, letting his feet shift slightly and his posture relax a bit. He clears his throat gently. "I am, ah, most fortunate ... that you were here to defend this path." He manages a smile that seems equal parts confusion and politeness, but his voice transitions smoothly away from all of that.

"This one is Kakita Masao, nikutai of the Iron Warriors and son of the governor of Samui Kaze Toshi, Kakita Haruka. And you are?" After the tone comes out a bit imperious, he coughs lightly. "Ahem. I mean, ah, who has honored me with their protection today?"

[Hiruma Sen]

The Hiruma rubbed at the back of her neck as she took in the situation. This guy sounded kind of important, and was a Crane. She mentally thanked Meiko for putting her on alert because that would have been a real problem if she caught this Crane.

“Ummm... Hiruma Sen. Just a simple scout n’ hunter.” Sen bowed again, trying to be polite despite her discomfort with the situation. “Sorry that I had to come warn you, Kakita-sama.”

[Kakita Masao]

Masao looks at her questioningly. "I appreciate the apology, Hiruma-san, but I assure you there's no need." He swings his dai tsuchi gently to the ground, kicking up a puff of dust as it hits the ground. "I am perhaps being a poor guest of your honorable clan. Could you answer a question for me, so that I might be less of a disruption to your important work?"

[Hiruma Sen]

Sen took a moment to regard the Crane’s stature, stance, and disposition before cautiously nodding. “Go ahead and shoot, Kakita-sama.”

[Kakita Masao]

"Where is a respectful guest to practice his kata each day? The castle grounds are always bustling. Yesterday I wandered out farther," he points to indicate approximately where, "and I met a Ronin. Today, I tried to stay closer in, but still without alarming these good heimin," he waved toward the farms, "and I came within a few paces of some animal trap. Again, thank the Fortunes that you rescued me, but I hope you can see why I'm not looking forward to finding out what tomorrow holds." Masao's eyes shine kindly, but his words and the tension in his body are serious.

[Hiruma Sen]

“If you want, in front of my house is probably quiet enough. Just try and keep from knockin’ the wood pile over. I don’t think you would, but it’s worth mentionin’ because I occasionally do it.” Sen motioned back down towards the part of the path that they both came from.

[Kakita Masao]

Masao is surprised, but pleasantly so. "Your...? Oh. Well that is very kind, Hiruma-san. I would hate to impose like that, though..." The Crane trails off, and looks longingly at his dai tsuchi. "But, I suppose that if you would show me to your woodpile... I am greatly in need of a practice session, after all."

[Hiruma Sen]

Sen gave the Crane a nod and motioned for him to follow her back down the path. “Won’t bother me none. I was just gonna do some chores and maybe slip some practice in myself.”

It didn’t take long for the duo to make it to Sen’s place. The small family home was just before the path and off to the side a little. While definitely the home of a samurai, it was exceedingly humble. It was just large enough for a small family with an outbuilding to the side with a stack of wood neatly stacked beside it. The outbuilding was likely a shed of some kind, as it wasn’t very large at all.

[Kakita Masao]

The Crane nods appreciatively as they arrive and he surveys the space. "Hiruma-san is most kind to accommodate me. Further evidence of the Crab as gracious hosts," he smiles. "You are sure that I'm not inconveniencing you, though? It wouldn't speak well of the Crane as guests if I am imposing."

Seeing no objection -- not that she would have brought him here to object now -- he moves to place his dai tsuchi near the woodpile. Masao, cautious as ever, stops part way through the motion and places the heavy weapon just far enough from the pile that, even toppled accidentally, it can't strike the wood.

He stops again as he orients himself in the space. "I'm sorry, and where did you need to be? I am happy for an audience, if you wish, I just want to make sure my kata doesn't interfere with where you want to be."

[Hiruma Sen]

“Ah, I can give you a bit of an audience. I just gotta prep some ropes for my dad is all.” Sen quickly retrieved said rope, setting up a spot to sit and watch the Kakita do his kata.

Sen watched Masao curiously, her eyes on his weapon of choice. “Dai-tsuchi, huh? You must be one of them Iron Warriors, yeah?”

[Kakita Masao]

"Hai, Hiruma-san, and proudly so. It's a much more useful weapon for stopping ..." he chooses a more polite term, given the audience. "Determined enemies ... than the yari. Though a great many of my kin love their yari."

Masao is tempted to begin with the dai tsuchi, in honor of the audience, but he knows kenjutsu practice is the most important priority for the day.

He steps to the center of the clear space, noting how much clearance he had in each direction, then closes his eyes for a centering breath. In a heart-stopping second, his katana leaps from its saya through a sundazzling arc to a full reach extension off toward Sen's left. The blade was still feet away, nothing alarming to her--save perhaps the speed of the strike.

Over several minutes, Masao weaves together a series of thrusts and defenses that, with a grace seeming enhanced by the air kami themselves, displays both the toughness and the grace of the Daidoji style. He ends this kata with his blade balanced across his left index finger, a slight teetering of the blade attributable to the gentle wind.

As he returns katana to saya, he glances to Sen expectantly. "Any thoughts?" he invites.