The Undefeated of the East [Shishiyuki/Yuuki]

FUUSHA-NO-YUUKI

Kasei's order still rang clear even days later. Like the other dojos, the Senkaku Shin Ken had been asked to participate by the head of the Koizumi directly. Kasei had told her that he'd need a day or so to consider. Within minutes of her leaving, he gave the order. He had made up his mind before she came there. Rumors had already spread, and this was now just the perfect time to spring into action. Yuuki had no choice in the matter—not really. Even if they said no, Kasei would have still told Shishiyuki that they had said yes. Any failure to appear would have been upon Yuuki's shoulders—supported by whatever eyewitnesses he could conjure. He was old, but he was still sharp.

And that drove Yuuki crazy.

How were they supposed to dethrone and surpass someone who only got only marginally weaker physically all while retaining his mental faculties? Not fair. All it did was make Yuuki loathe the codger more. Though Yuuki didn't know it, the fire inside was all part of Kasei's plan. This was a last-ditch effort to heat the water under Yuuki so they could become the terrifying hurricane Kasei envisioned.

In response, Yuuki had sought an audience with someone they had only briefly met before months ago. It was a tense meeting, and Yuuki had remained nervous through the whole thing. They never had figured out why they had been summoned that day. Either way, it was evident that the Senkaku Shin Ken had not been paying the same amount of respect as the other dojos—the attendant that went to see if Shishiyuki would even be able to see Yuuki clearly was surprised to hear the dojo's name.

Upon that same attendant returning, Yuuki was escorted to a veranda that likely overlooked a garden. Yuuki couldn't allow themselves to be distracted. Their gaze was downcast, never wanting to attempt to make eye contact with someone they shouldn't. For once, they were actually thankful for their slighter stature. Upon reaching the open-air room where Shishiyuki was, Yuuki dropped to their knees and recited the speech Kasei had made them memorize without actually setting eyes upon the Koizumi head.

"Lady Shishiyuki, I, Fūsha-no-Yūki, am grateful you have made time to meet with me, who is not yet the proper heir to the title of 'Fūsha.' I am to deliver a proclamation from my master, Fūsha-no-Kasei. He says the Senkaku Shin Ken will gladly aid you in your plan to cull the unworthy nobility, but that he apologizes and sends his regret that he will not be participating himself. In his age, he does not know how many conflicts he could withstand and does not wish to bring dishonor upon the family. Thus, he appointed me as the dojo's representative in this matter. I humbly ask that you accept his proposition and allow me to participate."

Yuuki's tone was stilted and it took great effort not to trip over their own words. A bead of sweat slowly traced down their face and along their nose. Perhaps they were overreacting. Perhaps they were underreacting. Either way, Yuuki was going to be nervous.

THE WINDS OF THE KING