[D3 LM] Ol Reliable (open)

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"I am glad so many with an open mind have come to this competition. I think many who practice art learn to see beauty in different things."

There was a slight pause "Well from certain schools of art at least."

[Bayushi Choudai]

That got a snort.

"Are we referring to a certain series of paintings, or something else?"

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

Yoshiaki replied with a chuckle of his own "Well there certainly have been some interesting entries to the competition. But I was more referring to the rigidity the Crane and especially Kakita seem to apply to art. And life."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Well. Togashi-san. Come now."

Choudai's amusement was obvious.

"You will a similar rigidity in different arenas from every Clan in Rokugan, but only the Crane dare strive for true perfection- because they are told from birth that it's their role. And to strive for perfection, they first need to define it."

A fresh, vicious feint.

"So needless to say, deviating from the incredibly difficult course they set for themselves by admitting that perfection is often subjective is a challenge few care to entertain."

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

Sitting there in lotus the Togashi closed his eyes and raised his hands palms toward Choudai in a gesture of concession. His lips were quicker up in a smile though "We all walk our own paths, it may not be the one I think is best but if it works for them who am I to say they are wrong."

His hands folded on his legs as his silver eyes looked to the bushi as he practiced.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Right and wrong have nothing to do with it. Not really, whatever we tell ourselves."

His next stroke was a rising, disemboweling strike.

"Something you learn in war- judgment is trivial. Knowing why someone does what they do is mostly useful in anticipating their likely actions. You won't change them. All you can do is be ready."