[PP - F22] A Fresh Blade in the Shirajishi-ryū Dojo (Katana Quest)

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

For a while now, Ariel had asked her students to spread posters around the main settlements of each floor as most of her preparations to open the martial arts school had been finished. If she wouldn't actively participate in clearing floors (outside of the floor boss fights), she would at least continue with her dream to open her own school. The first step to achieving that was to start one here, in Aincrad.

To reach Ariel's martial arts school, the first task was to leave behind the confines of «Coral», the main settlement on the 22nd floor. A sign bearing a crowned lion's head pointed towards the necessary exit, followed by other signs along the way. Any new recruit needed to head towards the Forest of Memories, taking in the breath-taking views of the «Lake of Reflection». On the walk, they could spot the «Home of the Weary Smith», a reminder to take in the overall soothing atmosphere of this floor. Whether on horseback for haste or walking to savour the journey, the path was well-worn and inviting.

Choosing the scenic route, the recruit took their time walking. Upon reaching the forest, they followed the newly made path, keeping their eyes on the ground and watching for white markings on the trees. A few minutes later, they found themselves in front of a modest yet somewhat modern red torii gate marking the entrance to «Shirajishi Valley», the lioness' domain.
Alternatively, they could have rented a boat at the lake, following the river upstream as it serpentined into the forest. This was by far the fastest route, leading to a small dock on the right bank near the entrance torii.

Entering the valley, the landscape opened up as a flat surface surrounded almost entirely by hills and mountains. To the right (south-west), a pink and white field of sakura (cherry blossoms) greeted them. Hanami (flower watching) was a favorite pastime of the residents, and highly recommended.

In the middle of the domain lay a semi-open dojo at the crossroads, with one path leading north towards another exit to the «Cathedral of the Forgotten», where a powerful guild had its headquarters. To the west, sharp eyes would notice the 'thousand' red torii gates, shadowing an equally great number of stairs ascending the mountain to a small, well-maintained «Inari Shrine».

Closer to the exit, next to the riverbank to the east, stood the main estate hosting the «Shirajishi-ryū». This beautiful wooden building, with over twenty rooms spread over two storeys, was mostly occupied, hosting eight player residents. Its owner desired to accommodate future students wishing to join her school.

Some noises could be heard coming from the front yard where a blonde, white clad swordswoman was training against a wooden dummy. The kanji on the back would spell ' 師範 ' (Shihan) but for a trained eye, her movements with the blade were more revealing than words.

Edited July 22 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Miyukii 0]

It didn't take long until Miyukii got settled into the game. After meeting a few players as well as getting well familiar with The Town of Beginnings, she notice posters all over the town showing a dojo. From the scenery that was shown on the poster, it reminded Miyukii a lot of home. The fact that even in this game they can make an entire floor just like the real world made her admire the thought that the creator put into this game.

With no hesitation though she knew where she had to go. After all she wanted to be a swordswoman that represent her homeland. Japan was known for many things such as ninja's and samurai and her family heritage was a long list of samurai. She thought it was only proper to become one and found out there's a special class that allows you to wield a katana. So she decide to head out to the 22nd floor to find this dojo and hopefully get accepted into it while learning from one of the best swordswoman in the game.

Landing in the 22nd floor Miyukii spotted a lot of similarity of Japan. Especially around the Kyoto, Mt Fuji areas. The thought that this could almost pull of the real world was quite amazing and she became more eager to find this dojo.

After many hours of walking though she would walk through plenty of different scenery and each and everyone was breath taking. With finally hitting the entrance of «Shirajishi-ryū», she notice a blonde hair swordswoman was traininig against a wooden dummy. With no hesitation, Miyukii walked up to her and tried to get her attention.

"Excuse me. Is this «Shirajishi-ryū»? I'm looking for the owner of this estate. I found a poster on the 1st floor and I'm interested in learning how to wield the katana."

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Tugging at the collar of her kimono-like uniform in hopes of a slight breeze to cool her down before resuming her training, beads of sweat trickled down the nape of her neck, accentuated by her simple yet effective ponytail. The sweat was the only sign that she had been working hard to sharpen her skills for some time. Otherwise, her stance and grip were firm, and her breathing remained controlled, betraying no signs of exhaustion.

As she heard someone approaching and engaging in conversation, Ariel, with her mirror-like silver eyes reflecting a sharp curiosity, raised an eyebrow but didn’t allow herself to turn and lose focus. She finished her final swings, letting out a sigh of relief as she turned to face the newcomer. Attempting to sheath her wooden sword on the non-existent sheath at her hip, she chuckled and instead drove the training weapon into the ground beside the dummy. Running her hand through her golden locks, she regarded the girl with a scrutinizing gaze.

At first glance, the newcomer bore features not unlike the blonde’s own. She spoke well, was concise, and walked with an unwavering stride. Ariel couldn’t help but smile as she addressed her:
"You're a long way from the 1st floor. You are in the right place. Welcome to our humble abode!"

With impeccable timing, a small white-furred lioness appeared, carrying a towel in her mouth. Ariel bent down to about knee height, took the towel with one hand, and patted the lioness’s mane with the other.
"Thanks!" Ariel said, gently wiping her face and neck. The white-furred mascot let out a long yawn and curled up on a nearby porch.

Turning her attention back to the girl, Ariel sat next to her familiar and gestured for the girl to come closer.
"I am Ariel, founder of the «Shirajishi-ryū». And this sleepyhead is Kimba, our little mascot queen, in case the name* didn’t give it away." She paused and took a long, deliberate look at the girl, as if searching for something with her keen gaze.

 

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 *tl note: Shirajishi-ryū - jp. "White Lion Style"

Edited July 22 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Miyukii 0]

It was a surprised to see the owner of this compound out training. Usually they're hold up somewhere teaching other's or even just enjoying what little time they have before someone like her come in and ask to be trained. But for the most part she was indeed a beautiful blonde hair girl. And her companion was absolutely adorable.

While gestured to come closer after Ariel sat down to Kimba, Miyukii kept standing in front of her hoping it wasn't a bother of her to be standing there.

"So... Umm I would like to join your dojo and learn how to wield a katana."

Miyukii said then bowed to the blonde hair girl.

Clearing Miyukii notice this girl is from Japan as everything here shows resemblance of a real compound in the area of Japan. It was only a matter of how much longer is she required to keep up the formality before Ariel allows her to be herself. It wasn't unusual for people on here to be from the same country and act normal. But Ariel is considered a senpai to other's and hopfully soon enough Miyukii so formality was very important to her to show the respect.

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Ariel observed the girl in front of her, noting the respectful bow. She appreciated the formality and the clear desire for learning that Miyukii displayed. Ariel stood up, her posture still relaxed yet commanding, and began to walk slowly around the newcomer, her eyes sharp and assessing.

"So, you want to join our dojo and follow the way of the katana." Ariel said, her voice calm but with a friendly undertone. She paused in front of Miyukii, who remained standing and respectful. Ariel appreciated the aspiring discipline but also felt the need to lighten the atmosphere a bit. She took a deep breath, the aroma of sakura petals in the air mingling with the earthy scent of the wooden training dummy beside her.

Kimba, the white-furred lioness, stirred slightly, her ears perking up as she watched Ariel move. The lioness yawned again, showing a brief glimpse of sharp teeth before settling back down, her eyes half-closed but still attentive.

Ariel continued her silent inspection, circling Miyukii once more before stopping directly in front of her. "You've got the discipline and respect part down, which is great!" Ariel said, her tone more casual. "But I'm not a big fan of the traditional ways. We like to keep things a bit more relaxed here. Stiff formalities can get pretty stuffy and unnecessary—I'd rather my students focus on learning how to survive and think critically, adapting even to the most unexpected situations."

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the cherry blossoms, sending a few petals drifting down around them. Ariel’s silver eyes locked onto Miyukii's, searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt. Finding none, she nodded subtly, satisfied.

"You seem like a good fit for our school..." Ariel said warmly. "But first, you need tell me your name. It's important for me to know who I’m working with."

[Miyukii 0]

Miyukii stood there and watch Ariel inspect here. It was little awkward at first. Felt like some guy in her school trying to check her out without her knowing. But after she hears the blonde hair girl speak it made her little more at ease.

The moment when Ariel stops right in front of her though she listen to what she had to say. The fact she manage to say that she was discipline and respectful was a proud moment in her time here.

"My family was part of a long line of samurai back in the real world and my father kind of kept that towards all his children to be more discipline and respectful towards others. Especially when talking to someone in higher standards."

Miyukii continued to listen to Ariel talk and was more excited that she an be more relaxed. It eases her from having to think about being around her father since she knew he wouldn't approve of her playing video games to begin with. But after Ariel accepted her into the school the only thing was to introduce herself.

"My name is.. Miyukii. Please to meet you."

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

"Nice to meet you, Miyukii!" Ariel replied warmly. "It sounds like we share a similar lineage. It’s always interesting to see how these values carry through different families."

Kimba, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, rose gracefully and padded over to Ariel’s side, her eyes shining with curiosity and anticipation. The lioness's presence added a layer of warmth and welcome to the setting, her calm tone contrasting with the playful energy she was about to unleash. Ariel glanced down at Kimba and then back at Miyukii, revealing an almost childish glint in her eyes as if she and her familiar were sharing the emotion.
"Alright!" she began with a grin, "Before we dive into nitty-gritty, I’ve got a little trial for you to show me your skills. Think of it as a fun warm-up. It’s kind of like that chicken-catching drill boxers use, but here, you'll be playing tag with Kimba. She’s nimble and clever, so you’ll need to be quick on your feet and try to outsmart her."

She paused, letting the challenge sink in, hoping she wouldn't think of it as an assessment although that was exactly what it was. "If you can keep up and potentially catching her. It's not just about speed, but also about reading the situation and adapting, much like in real combat."

Ariel stepped back and took a seat on the nearby porch, giving Miyukii a bit more space, her eyes watching intently. "Let's see what you’ve got."

Kimba, sensing the game was on, crouched down playfully and bowed her head at her opponent. Thing she learned after observing the spars and duels, as well as formal gatherings like the boss fight planning that took place in the dojo a while back. Ariel observed with keen interest, eager to see how Miyukii would handle this test. The subtle challenge was not just a physical one but a test of Miyukii's ability to adapt and engage with her environment—qualities essential for mastering the way of the katana. 
 

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Spoiler

Catch the Lion -Minigame Rules

Dice Mechanics
Miyukii’s Rolls: Roll: natural BD + ACC bonus (if any).

Kimba’s Rolls:
Base Value: 10
Roll: natural BD.

Adjustment:
If Kimba’s roll > Miyukii’s roll: Add half (rounded up) of Kimba’s roll to her Base Value.
If Kimba’s roll < Miyukii’s roll: Subtract half (rounded up) of Kimba’s roll from her base value.

Fatigue System: If either Kimba’s or Miyukii’s accumulated natural rolls reach 30 first, the other gets a +2 ACC bonus for the rest of the game.

Winning Conditions During the Game:
Miyukii Wins: Tags Kimba by rolling higher than Kimba’s adjusted base value in any round. After 5 Rounds:
Miyukii Wins: If her accumulated natural BD rolls exceeds 44.
Kimba Wins: If Miyukii does not exceed 44 or fails to tag Kimba.

 

Edited July 26 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Miyukii 0]

Miyukii smiled after hearing that even Ariel's family was same lineage as hers. But with that though, the familiar and Ariel smiled in sequence. Almost like a childish grin as Ariel proposed a trial. The trial seems easy enough. Chase Kimba in a fun game of tag. The thing is Kimba is a creature that represents a feline which is very quick and agile. So for her to do this she would have to think ahead in trying to figure out where they'll be at.

"Seems simple enough. How far out are we allowed to go or is it just right here?"

Her question might seem dumb but she wanted to verify just in case. But with that she waited to see what Kimba did before she actually started to chase them.

"You can start going Kimba I'll be right behind."

Miyukii smiled as she waited before proceeding to attempt to catch Kimba.

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

The newcomer's question about the boundaries was a good one, showing she was thinking ahead and trying to gauge the challenge.
"You can use the entire courtyard here." Ariel replied, her voice warm and encouraging. "It's big enough for you to really stretch your legs. Go wild, Kimba knows the boundaries well and won't stray too far."

Kimba, hearing her name, sprang to her feet and jumped. Then jumped a couple of time with a playful energy, Her eyes gleamed with anticipation. She took a few tentative steps forward, her body language inviting Miyukii to give chase. The lioness's movements were fluid and graceful, each step a testament to her agility and awareness. Ariel couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as she watched Kimba prepare for the game. The lioness had been with her for a long time, and the blonde knew just how cunning she could be. After all, back when she had the hiding skill, the two did plenty of stakeouts when they were investigating or scouting the floor bosses. And somehow her companion remained undetected as did the blonde, but that was thanks to that particular skill while the lioness seemed to be in her natural habitat.

As Kimba took off at a gentle pace, inviting Miyukii to engage, Ariel thought back to her own training days. There was something almost nostalgic about this moment, watching a new student face the first of many challenges. Her gaze shifted between Miyukii and Kimba, keenly observing the dynamic between them. It was more than just a game; it was an insight into how Miyukii approached challenges and adapted to unexpected situations. Ariel had always believed that true martial arts training went beyond physical skills—it was about cultivating a sharp mind and a keen awareness of one's surroundings.

Kimba, now fully engaged in the game, zigzagged across the courtyard with playful bounds. She occasionally looked back at Miyukii, as if to gauge her pursuer's reactions and encourage her to keep up. There was a playful glint in her eyes, and Ariel knew that Kimba was enjoying this as much as she was testing the new student. Ariel's smile widened as she watched, a blend of amusement and approval. She was eager to see how Miyukii would respond to the challenge—whether she would simply chase after Kimba or try to anticipate her movements. The outcome of this game would tell Ariel a lot about Miyukii's potential as a student of Shirajishi-ryū.

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ID#223702 nat. BD: 8 
Base: 10 +/- 4
Fatigue: 8

Edited July 29 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion