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[Tai Kwan Leap]

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Tai had spent the morning sitting in Zento at the pool of meditation north of the bank and town square.

It was very peaceful to sit there and not have to worry about the futile goal of defending Britain. He sat there with his dog Thunder and they shared a breakfast of steamed rice, kimchee (although Thunder refused his portion), and sashimi.

Tai kneeled in desai stance and focused on the pool, and Thunder curled at his feet.

His meditations were interrupted by someone shouting in the square. Thunder had begun growling.

Tai walked to the square, and there stood William-san. He was placing posters in the town square offering a price for Tai's head.

Rolling his shoulders he approached the man yelling for his head.

"William-san! I can save you money. Agree to my terms for the sparring that I have posted."

William slowly turned to face the much shorter man.

"Why should I do that? I refuse to relinquish my claim to this town."

Tai looked down shaking his head slowly.

"Oi, William-san, you have no claim. I offer you a way to keep your honor. If you win, your clan will be given a vote on the Council of the Sleeping Dragon."

"You did not state what happens were you to win."

"If it is my karma to win, then you will publicly relinquish all claim to Zento and the Tokuno Islands."

"I find you to be a very small man to make such a large claim."

Tai nods and bows slightly cupping his right fist with his left hand.

"I am but a simple monk. Redeem your honor by meeting me in a dojo."

Tai kneels and places an enchanted stone at William's feet.

They both arrived at the now empty Dark Adder and then meeting again on the rooftop dojo.

"Do you accept the terms, William-san?"

"I do."

They bowed to each other and then engaged. William called to the Gods to bless his weapon, but shortly was knocked to the ground stunned.

Tai helped him up.

"I believe it is the best of three, right?"

Tai nodded, "Hai."

They squared off a second time, but there seemed to be a presence nearby.

The second match was much shorter, Tai struck twice and William-san was unconscious at this feet.

Tai again helped him up.

"You have redeemed your honor with the Council. Do what you agreed to do if you wish to maintain that honor."

Then, Tai turned and left him alone in the dojo.
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"He's been fired from the Shrimp Boat?" -- Charlaine Harris "Living Dead In Dallas."

[Raven]

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Raven Sat watching the duel carefully. It was yet another attempt to study those around her. Though she was not there to attack anyone, she made sure that her presence was known. The two samurai locked in battle was more than enough to keep her attention.

The first round was a close match. Tai emerged victorious. After William regained his sences, he asked for a second round. Tai in just a few moves defeated his oponent once again. Raven then stood and asked William, if control of Zento was no longer contested. William, Bowed to Tai and agreed to the terms given before him. With the agreement at hand, Raven saw no need to be there any further and vanished from the Samurai's view.

Indeed an honorable solution can be made by two honorable warriors.
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The bloom of the purple petal is not the symbol of death, rather a symbol of respect. Any assassin can kill without warning. But, to find one laying at your feet is a symbol of the assassin's great respect for their mark.

[William]

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William felt embarressed for he has lost a duel, which hasnt happened in years. As he came beack to Zento he looked around and saw that the people were much better off. William hoped he have a samurai empire and be a leader like his father or even better.

William was glad he went out honorably and respects Tai Kwan even more and feels bad for the bounty he put up but cant take it back. More things will open up to William and hopefully its the best way this time. He wonders what the only person who helped him is thinking now.

William went to his office now the councils office and signs that he relinquishes his claim. After he left he told the people of Zento that he is no longer shogun and wishes the best of luck to them.