Disgust
24 November 1998
by Jason Postma

What spawn of hell had ever brought forth the Scorpion family? Wherever he turned, wherever he sought rest there was the Scorpion, ready to sting him in the foot again. Any village had its Scorpion, plotting and scheming. Every battle had the dishonorable vermin right in the middle, ready to cheat. Jinjiro was loosing his patience for their antics.

Kohara had no place in this skirmish. He had advanced far and above what any other samurai present had. He gained his place with the death (perhaps murder) of the one he had replaced–dishonorably. Jinjiro could understand the man's need for a second duel, but he did not come out with the demand - no, he had to have that putrid heimin Sugai assist him. He had to wound Jinjiro before he could duel him–to turn the odds in his favor. Jinjiro had thought of pointing this fact out to Kohara, and telling him just what he thought of such a tactic, but had decided it unwise while he remained wounded. Why must he share the world with those who call themselves samurai but have no honor? Those that had no understanding of what a samurai was?

Jinjiro would return to Kakita castle and the greatest fencing school in the land soon for the training he felt ready for. When he returned he would fear no duel–no test of honor.

When he returned the Scorpion had best beware.