From Mura Howaido Yuukaku (Part 2)
19 August 2005
by Everett Johnson

Today went well. I faced the Shinjo, whose name I'm not even sure how to spell, twice today. His poetry is fantastic, and I really don't know why the judges awarded the win to me in that match, as his was far better than mine.

Unicorn bushi
Larger than many warriors
Most difficult name

Something is strange about friend Ridachi's efforts. He lost the courtier contest to Hiruma Taro. Granted, the question was one that a bushi might have known the answer to better than a courtier would, but I'm sure that he knew. He also wasn't one of the group that searched during the hunting contest to produce a cup. I suspect that he isn't exerting as much effort as he could, despite the prize for the courtier winner being a war fan, which I know he uses.

Masked courtier face
Inscrutible Shosuro
Unknowable aims

I am going to retire now, and begin meditation for tomorrows duels. As is my custom, I intend to fast until the duels are finished. I will complete this letter tomorrow.

Night falls on village
Wind rustles blossoms in trees
Thoughts turn to far love

I must admit that I have failed to win the festival's competitions. I did well in my first duel against the Shinjo, but then Isawa Takako-san somehow managed to wear me out. I was able to beat Kitsuki Shaiyan afterward, but it was a close thing. His training with the Tamori was obvious, and I had to use all my ability to defeat him. This led to an interesting contest, as he and Isawa Takako-san had to demonstrate a duel of the elements to decide the winner in the shugenja competition.

Dragon Shugenja
Gempukku not far behind
Shows great skill and heart

My final opponent in the duel was Seppun Nikana-san. We entered the duels tied in score, and he had shown tremendous skill and training, as one would expect from one of the Imperial families. My earlier efforts against two shugenja had apparently drained me more than I realized, and I was moments too late on my strike. When I felt his blade hit home, I knew I had failed.

Great Seppun warrior
Honorable samurai
Worthy champion

A number of the participants, myself included, have been tasked by our various daimyo to serve Doji Shiju-sama in a task. It is, as usual, a task any family retainer could complete. The fact that he is using the retainers of other clans shows me just how little he values this task. I truly hope one day to be assigned a duty worthy of a true samurai. When I finish this task, I hope to be able to visit again before I am assigned my next duty. Until then, you are always in my thoughts.

Uplifted spirits
Even in times of despair
Focused, determined