A Samurai Walks into a Gym... (OTA)

[sealed_gauntlet]

Samanosuke had rather enjoyed the revisiting his youth; spending time with Elizabeth, laughing over 40-foot, Edo-period scrolls of epic fart battles--yes, there were actual, historical works of art depicting such satire--and generally trying to distract one another from the fact that they were trapped in prepubescent bodies. It was not the worst thing he had ever lived through, after all. But all the same, he was glad to be back to his old self, and making up for lost time with some extra drills with bamboo shinai in the open gym. It wasn't that he felt out of shape--he was in remarkable health for a man on the far side of his forties--but he preferred to keep in practice, and be prepared for any emergency.

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[theycallmetodd]

Another one who was very glad to being back to his usual self was the ship's resident Wraith, even more so since he most certainly hadn't enjoyed Q's latest stunt.

He was there in the gym as well, relieved to have his strength and skill back. It was quite honestly comforting. He was currently taking a breather, seated on a bench by the wall, wooden staff leaned against his shoulder, watching the others in the gym. He didn't have the same stamina as he'd once had; that was the downside to having been returned to his rather considerable age. Still, better experienced age, compared to what he'd just been through.

Currently a man close by, practicing with something the Wraith didn't recognize but could assume was a practice sword, had caught his attention. He seemed skilled, and it made the Wraith consider if it was time he extended a challenge for a sparring match.

[sealed_gauntlet]

The Wraith's appearance had been startling to Samanosuke, when the samurai had first noticed him, thinking the being might be some kind of genma, or oni. Of course, Samanosuke knew his own appearance--at least when he transformed into full ogre form--could be equally startling. All things considered, his human form was probably alien enough. The being would probably make a formidable opponent, but he didn't seem to pose an immediate threat, so Samanosuke had continued his practice.

After a while, he came to a stopping point, and saw that the other was still watching him. Cautiously, he took a drink of water to refresh himself, and then asked, "Are you interested in the way of the sword?"

[theycallmetodd]

"Nothing so philosophical," came the reply, two-toned voice low and somewhat raspy. "Fighting is fighting. Violence usually with the purpose of either disabling or killing ones opponent. I see no reason to be overly poetical about it. However..." He rose to stand to his full, rather considerable height, though still keeping his staff leaning against his shoulder. "I am interested in finding an opponent." A sudden grin, flashing sharp, pointy teeth. "Merely waving a stick around alone only get one so far, wouldn't you agree?"

[sealed_gauntlet]

"Indeed," the Onimusha agreed, intrigued by this stranger. Judging by his build, and the sharpness of his gaze, he would almost certainly be able to give Samanosuke a decent challenge.

He bowed, and stepped back into a ready stance. "Shall we begin?"

[theycallmetodd]

In silent agreement, the Wraith stepped away from the bench where he had been sitting and out onto the open mat. Shifting his grip on the staff he slipped into stance as well, not having to think about finding his balance; it all coming as naturally as breathing. They may say that he had the heart of a scientist, but he was still a Blade, a warrior and commander, and all of his long life had been spent in one form of warfare or another.

Ever patient, he remained still for now, watching for any imbalance or opening in his opponent, waiting for him to make the first move.

[itmeanstruth]

Once he was cleared to leave quarantine, the first thing Minoru did was ask where people went to work out. There were a few different places, but the gym was the first one he could find (and so far, the only one that made sense). What was a 'holodeck' anyway?

His eyes lit up as he saw someone about his age practicing with a shinai. After appearing in this futuristic world, a little kenjutsu went a long way in making things feel like home.

"Hey there!" Minoru called out. "Up for a spar?"

One of the best ways to make new friends was a friendly sparring match. People tended to reveal a lot about themselves when they fought.

[sealed_gauntlet]

Samanosuke paused to consider the proposal for a moment, sizing up his would-be opponent. Then he nodded. "Very well," he said, gesturing toward the rack of practice weapons that lined one of the walls with a slight bow. "Be my guest."

[itmeanstruth]

Minoru's smile might be deceiving, but that was all part of what made him who he was. He was a fit, trim 160 pounds or so. He stood about 5'10", not including the hair that stuck out in every direction. His tunic looked very easy to move around in, and he was already barefoot. The way he bowed in return suggested trained formalities.

But then Minoru did something a bit unexpected.

"Never been much of a swordsman." He admitted, glancing over at the wall. "But I don't mind if you use yours. It'll still be fun!"

Yes, he really did just suggest an open-handed fight against an armed opponent. And he thought it would be fun.

[sealed_gauntlet]

"As you wish," the samurai replied, his brows lifting with curiosity. They were a fairly even match, in height and build, but with one of them unarmed, things were bound to get interesting. His next words were an equal measure of courtesy and challenge. "Shall I give you a moment to warm up first?"

[itmeanstruth]

Minoru's posture was very relaxed, if not a little bouncy. He stretched for a brief moment, side to side, and then grinned. "Okay, ready!"

He had no illusions about a samurai's skill with their blade. He expected Samanosuke to be fast, precise and deadly even in practice, and that reminded him of the giant serpents he trained under. In addition to being a trained shinobi, Minoru was also a Snake Sage. When sparring with venomous snakes, getting hit meant envenomation. So he learned to dodge quickly and effectively.

He stood lightly on the balls of his feet, hands loose at his center, just in case. His eyes were at his opponent's center, waiting for even the slightest move of his core to indicate where his first strike would go. But everything else was completely relaxed. Tense muscles, after all, slow reaction time.

This was going to be a lot like training back at Ryuuchi Cave.