Jinjiro's First Duel
9 July 1998
by Jason Postma

Jinjiro had watched the first two matches of the Iaijutsu finals with interest. His clan had long had respect for the Unicorn, and Jinjiro's respect for his companion, Otaku Marako, grew with each point the battle maiden earned. He was unsurprised when she defeated Hida Fujizaka. A Crab is as skilled in Iaijutsu as he is in Haiku–not at all.

He was surprised when his second companion, Togashi Takehai, took his stance. The man was obviously not a duelist, whatever other powers his unusual background gave him. He was swiftly defeated.

Jinjiro felt his tension build as the moment came for his first real duel. The swords were dulled, relatively safe, but this was a real duel. This was a duel that counted. He had spent five years of his life preparing for such a moment.

His opponent, the fellow Crane Doji Kuwanan, didn't look tense at all. Kuwanan had earned Jinjiro's respect. He was the favorite of the crowd with good reason. This was a samurai that would make the Crane proud. Kuwanan noticed his scrutiny, and nodded his head. Perhaps Jinjiro had earned Kuwanan-san's respect as well.

The two stepped onto the circle that marked where the first Hantei had won supremacy over his brothers and sisters to become emperor. This was sacred ground. Kuwanan-san was a descendent of the original Doji, while Jinjiro's own lineage went to a retainer of that Doji. The thought did nothing to give Jinjiro confidence.

The two bowed and took their stances. The crowd hushed. Jinjiro could immediately tell that he was the more agile of the two. Kuwanan-san was formidable, but he was quicker.

Moments passed. Jinjiro shut out the world. The hot sun, the Emperor watching only a few paces away, all disappeared for him. His world was Kuwanan.

The drawing of the swords appeared simultaneous to the crowd. Suddenly the two had leaped at each other, each landing behind the other. Jinjiro felt the passage of Kuwanan-san's sword close by his face. Had he been hit? He looked down to see blood coating the dull edge of his sword. What had happened? Had he won? He turned in time to see his opponent slump to the ground, a pool of red forming quickly beneath him.

Kuwanan was obviously dead. The crowd remained silent, stunned.

Jinjiro checked himself, not finding any blood. He began to breathe normally again. He had won his first duel, and killed his first opponent.