The Day of Thunder

It isn't only Kai on patrol.

Moving more slowly but almost undetectably, Akutou is also out in the woods, searching.

His senses are attuned to this place, now, and he sees deeply between the trees...

~~~~~
Stealth 52, https://sakkaku.org/r/12377
Hunting 38, https://sakkaku.org/r/12378

Truly, Birb is a genius!

Chuchu is pretty cute; that might help.

Can't believe that worked , Akutou thinks, and, hearing the sounds of conflict resuming, he knows that speed matters more than remaining hidden now. So he bolts for the back door, carrying Yamagato. And, Fortunes willing, he gets him outside, where his children await in presumed safety. ~~~~~ Steal...

Time for sleeping for me.
Ghosting in my PF for the next two rounds.
Try not to die, unless you can die funny.
Then, please link me to the post.

We would have to kill you.

This would sadden us.

Largely because I have not yet gotten your pickle recipe yet.

Wonder if'n I c'n pull this off , Akutou thinks, since folks're distracted. And so Akutou creeps forward, hoping that his careful motions and the clearly intent focus of Aoyama and whatever is in her will allow him to pass without notice to reach Yamagato. Certainly, he is able to reach the man. Ju...

What's the point of having cake you can't eat?

Welcome to Shibagan!

How many Raises do I need to call to shoot someone in the ass?

And I mean Forrest Gump "somethin' bit me in the buttocks" shot, here.

Akutou takes a deep breath, holds it for a moment, releases it slowly. "Ain't much, truth be told," he says. "When th' O-Iemoto offered t' take me on as a student, th' Otomo were more'n pleased t' see me go. I ain't 'xactly the type they find of much account. "I 'magine I'll call in on th' O-Iemoto,...

A chuckle.

"Yeah, I'd guess bein' at th' Day o' Thunder'd be a bit unus'al," Akutou says.

"I think that's a good thing, though. Don't know as we c'ld stand th' excitement f'r much longer'n this."

"I don't doubt you will," Akutou says.

One breath passes.

Two.

"I 'magine your folks'll be happy t' see you back."

"That sounds like somethin' a priest'd say, yeah," Akutou remarks.

"Which one're you, then, ma'am?"

"All sisters?" Akutou asks.

"I ain't got any o' them. Or any brothers. At least, none as I know about. Or as'll admit t' it. What all's that like?"

"I'm flattered," Akutou replies.

He pauses, considering.

"What's it like," he asks, "bein' a princess?"

"I've got th' rudiments o' woodcarvin'," Akutou says. "Standar' teachin' f'r us. But I'm more inclined t' drag in th' wood than t' make it pretty. S' I un'erstand 'bout that feelin'."

Akutou makes a show of wiping sweat from his brow and flinging it aside. "That's a relief, ma'am, and no mistake," he says. "But, on th' topic," he adds, "might could be good t' host some kinda reg'lar contest. Nothin' like t' be injurious'r any such thing, but mebbe somethin' like races an' throwin...

"Ego and pride, huh?" Akutou shakes his head. "An' from folks who ain't done s' much as others who keep humbler, more'n likely. I've met now two folks as went inta Hell, and neither of 'em's what you might call uppity. Makes a body wonder what gives folks airs." Another shake of his head. "'Course, ...

"I know th' O-Iemoto and his husband have their big ol' art get-togethers," Akutou says. "Lotsa folks come t' them, at least fr'm th' southern Clans. Don't know that some o' th' more northerly folks get down for it, though. "Makes a body wonder if'n there ain't somethin' else that'd pull folks in ac...