Kyuden Shika

Hiroto listened to the Kaito.

"I will try to keep your words in mind, Kaito-san, but it will not be easy. But I will try." he agreed.

Hiroto shrugs.

"As you say, Kaito-san." he says. "If you do not wish to talk about your situation, I understand. But...I'll admit I'm not sure what you do want to talk about. You've spoken of a great many platitudes and offered a great deal of warmth....but I'm not sure to what ends."

"In my line of work people talk. By those tales I could say to you, that I am not to be opening my arms to you. Many say the Mantis are bunch of rascal pirates not to be trusted; as you don't trust those from the Crane and the Scorpion." She tilted her head and smiled. "That the Lion would punch me...

Hiroto shakes his head. "Ie, so far my purpose in life seems to be to serve as a warning to others. 'Don't trust the Crane,' 'Don't trust the Scorpion.' 'Take the abuse of your so called betters with a smile.'" he recounted. He chuckled a bit. "Were you in need of cautionary tales, Kaito-san? All I ...

Hiroto laughed at that.

"In my room, at this miai, or in this life?" he joked. "One hopes the answers are different from one another."

It was...a pretty standard inn room. While it was clearly lived in, there were no personal touches to indicate hobbies or preference.

Hiroto closed the door, and sat down, motioning for the Kaito to do likewise.

"So....where to begin?"

Hiroto opened thee door and gave the Kaito a bow.

"Good evening, Kaito-san. Please come in." he offered civilly.

Hiroto nodded.

"I shall look forward to it then" he said putting his bow away and preparing his exit. "Carry the Fortunes, Kaito-san."

With a inal burst of speed, the Mantis went for his fifth throw, but it was vertainly his weakest attempt thus far.

11

1 opporutnity to show off for the big finish.

There were just some fates that were unavoidable. The Mantis had come for the Centipede, and a thousand fans cried out in pain. Shizuka's match is against Hiroto of the Golden Mirror! Hiroto's choice of order: Void, Earth, Water, Air, Fire Hiroto bowed to the Moshi. They hadn't met, but it was a sun...