Snippet #2284999

The young kunoichi's pretty oval face stained red with rage at Akimoto's words, and she made an indignant, inarticulate response somewhere between a spitting tomcat and a hissing viper. "Challenge accepted," she grated. For all her anger, she knew that the armored-nin was wholly honorable and that she would be safe with a muketsu duel. "I will make you eat those words."

She turned to stalk away toward an empty patch of grass on the common grounds, when Zetsumie Aku showed up -- instantly recognizable because of his size and distinguishing scars. The legendary shinobi teased Akimoto, and Miyazaki would have been pleased were she not slightly terrified of Zetsumie. Despite wanting to prove herself as legendary as he one day, for now she was happy being beneath the notice of those penetrating copper eyes.

She continued on toward the grass, sure that Akimoto would follow. When she reached the area that was clear of obstructions and other villagers for several dozen paces, she turned back around. Before the duel she spent a few moments preparing herself, chiefly by removing her distinct scarlet cowl. It would serve no purpose in such a duel, except for the long tail to give her opponent something to grapple. She rummaged through her hip pouch to take a quick inventory, then unsheathed her ninjato from its jet black, lacquered wooden scabbard.

Seeing that the armored-nin had discarded his nodachi, she assumed the sorasaya stance, which would give her strikes the longest reach with her modest sword. "Ready," she declared to Sugahara Matsu, the duel's required judge. If and when Akimoto Tsugaru declared the same, the fat old scholar would announce the fight with a sharp cry.