First Step on the Path (Open)

[Katsu]

"How long have you practiced for?"

His hand almost slides to the handle of his blade, as if by instinct.

[Kin Hachirobei]

A hand would drop to his own sword.

"I've been training with my father since I was a little boy... you?"

[Katsu]

"Since I was ten."

He nods.

"It's been... something of an obsession for me."

[Kin Hachirobei]

"Mmm, I know what you mean. I feel the same way."

Kin thought back to those years with his father.

"Training was what kept my father and I strong in body, mind, and soul."

[Katsu]

"Have you ever... sparred with someone before?"

Katsu asks, a bit of a smile on his face.

[Kin Hachirobei]

Kin would begin to smile as well.

"I have, and how about yourself? When was the last time you had a good spar?"

His right foot slowly sliding back.

[Katsu]

"I've sparred every swordsman I've met, thus far. The last one I faced was our king."

He says, beginning to pull his blade out of its sheath on his back.

"I hope to keep up that tradition."

[Kin Hachirobei]

"Then I will gladly continue your tradition."

Kin would back up a little bit and unsheathe his sword.

"When you're ready."

[Katsu]

"I appreciate it."

He nods, drawing his sword completely and holding it in front of himself, both hands on the handle.

"As you say."

Giving Kin a moment to prepare himself, Katsu steps forward, swiping horizontally for the left side of his stomach!

However, should it appear that Kin isn't going to block or evade fast enough, he'll shift the angle of the blade so he strikes with the side of it. After all, this is just a spar, not a serious battle.

[Kin Hachirobei]

He's fast!!! Kin wouldn't be able to register the first attack and get swatted by the blade. This guy...

"You weren't kidding, you are pretty decent with a sword. Again!"

Kin would say jumping back a little and readying himself again. He knew the key this time would be to attempt to anticipate an attack before the man made one. So, the moment Kin saw any movements he would attempt to dive low and swipe at Katsu's feet. Kin was sure to flip his blade around so only the back of the sword would make contact. Bruising, but not damaging.

[Katsu]

Katsu gives a smile at the compliment, and chuckles softly.

"Thank you."

Once Kin was ready, Katsu would perform the same move again. This time, however, Kin was anticipating it, and while Katsu was in the middle of his swing, he'd be unable to move out of the way of the counterattack!

There's a meaty thump, and Katsu hisses in pain through his teeth. Rather than leave it at that, however, he reverses the direction of his sword, swinging it down and diagonally in an attempt to strike Kin either in the shoulder or back.

[Kin Hachirobei]

Kin would push himself forward attempting to take out Katsu's legs and bring him to the ground, but he would not be fast or strong enough to do so without getting hit by Katsu's sword again. Kin would grit his teeth with pain and continue pushing forward!

[Katsu]

Katsu is shoved backwards, his legs being taken out from under him!

However, rather than let it happen without a fight, Katsu kicks his legs upwards, aiming to monkey-flip Kin up and over him.

[Kin Hachirobei]

Kin was kicked into the air, while airborne he would attempt to rotate in the air and tag Katsu in the shoulder with the side of his blade! Successful or not Kin would hit the ground and roll back into a standing position facing Katsu. He was not confident he would win this match...

[Katsu]

Katsu twists, causing the blade to strike a glancing hit against his shoulder before he pops back up to his feet.

He spins in place, turning to face Kin with his blade at the read once more.

"You're very good. I'm impressed."