[Day 2, Early Afternoon- Dojo] I Thought Chefs Were Good With Knives? (Open)

[Bayushi Choudai]

And rusty as he was, Choudai didn't fall for that one. He sidestepped and feinted at Takei's right arm before redirecting for an attempted body blow- no great surprise from a bushi of the Bayushi school.

[Doji Takei]

The upward diagonal block that Takei has followed with comes again, deflecting the blow.

It also provides cover for Takei's right leg to slide forward, angling to hook one of Choudai's ankles.

[Bayushi Choudai]

Successfully.

And Choudai was neither particularly large nor particularly strong, meaning that keeping his footing was... iffy.

[Doji Takei]

As Choudai staggers, Takei pokes him in the belly with the tip of his bokken, scoring the first touch.

Then he backs off, returning to his starting position in a neutral stance.

[Bayushi Choudai]

Choudai shook his head, bowed to the Crane, and hit his stance again.

Sloppy.

[Doji Takei]

Takei waits, breathing easily, eyes alert.

[Bayushi Choudai]

Choudai advanced swiftly, the tip of his bokken held low, then bringing it up in a sort of rising slash.

[Doji Takei]

Takei attempts to roll out of the way, and his ukemi is graceful--but not quite quick enough, as Choudai feels the tip of his bokken catch the Crane on the left ankle.

A grunt of acknowledgment and a nod, and Takei resumes his stance. "Might be getting too old for this" comes a mumbled comment.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Now, now, you handled the first touch magnificently, Doji-sama..."

Choudai relaxed into his stance again.

"And the second, while it would have been serious, would hardly have proven a killing blow by itself."

[Doji Takei]

"True," Takei agrees. "But it would also allow swift killing or capture; you caught the tendon.

"Once more, then!"

And he advances swiftly.

[Bayushi Choudai]

Choudai advanced to meet him, his bokken held up to guard his upper body. He was curious to see what the Doji would attempt this time, but not so curious that he didn't make an opening offer of his own- a quick thrusting strike aimed at forcing the Crane to keep his distance before he could hit his momentum.

[Doji Takei]

Takei bats the thrust down and away from himself, then, with the distance closed, elbows Choudai in the solar plexus. The bokken follows a moment later, making a quick tap.

"Too many people forget the body in a swordfight."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"I can certainly add it to my list."

Choudai allowed amusement and self-disgust mingle in his voice.

"Sensei would set me to some incredibly brutal physical training for my mistakes here today. In his absence, I'll have to improvise."

[Doji Takei]

"There is wisdom in that approach, yes," Takei says, nodding. "But there's also a limit to what that wisdom can reveal."

He stops, thinking about something for a moment.

"Thank you for the exercise, Bayushi-san. I shall look forward to your performance in the tournament."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Thank you for the lessons, Doji-sama. I shall endeavor to be worthy of the interest."

[Doji Takei]

Takei laughs, makes his bows, and makes his /exit.