Note: I've modeled Eimi's father after the Japanese actor Sonny Chiba (Kill Bill version).
-Karuta-
Southtown, nighttime. Several prominent members of Southtown's martial arts hierachy were all gathered at the gardens where Miya had fought Reika several days earlier. The good guys were on one side while Geese was on the other side, flanked by Billy, Ripper and Hopper. Ryu, Chun Li, Ken, the Bogard brothers, their respective women, and the Kyokugenryu gang were present to watch this dramatic battle.
Meanwhile, a third party had made their presence known. Geese turned to his right and saw that a well-dressed Japanese man around his age has joined him. He was about his height, and muscular, with black hair neatly combed back and a trimmed moustache. The man was also flanked by his son, who had delivered the challenge to Miya days earlier, and two more men. From the look of things, all three (except the son) were Yakuza.
Geese regained his composure. The person that was standing next to him was Eimi's father, Roka Sakumura, the boss of bosses of Kyoto. Where Geese had build his criminal empire through murder and corruption, Roka had to fight his rival to become Kyoto's big boss. Unlike Geese, who was into every aspect of organized crime, Roka never dealt in drugs, and raised his children in the same manner. He dealt swift justice to whoever opposed him (which happened rarely) and those wise enough to get on his good side were left alone. Simply put, Roka had used his position as Kyoto's Yakuza boss in order to keep the peace.
Roka was also a superb martial artist. Like Geese, he was also trained in the styles of Kobojitsu and Akijutsu. He fought in several fight clubs and tournaments just to keep in shape. Like Geese, he his his age very well and was given the nickname 'Genma.'
"Sakamura," Geese greeted curtly.
"Geese," Roka replied in the same manner.
"So what brings you to my city?" Geese asked.
Roka pointed to his daughter, who was standing nearby with her sensei. "My daughter. I came to support her in her little match against Miya."
"So you know about her then."
Roka nodded. He had offered her a job in Kyoto, but Miya refused. "Yes. Her skills with the sword are extaordinary."
On the other side, Mary nudged Chun Li. "Who the Japanese guy with Geese?"
"Roka Sakamura, aka the Genma," Chun Li replied. "He's the Yakuza boss in Kyoto. You can say that he's the polar opposite of Geese Howard."
"Why they call him the Genma?" Mary asked.
"He's unrivaled in the Kyoto martial arts scene. From what I heard he could go toe-to-toe with Geese and win."
Meanwhile the two criminal bosses were still talking.
"Just so we understand each other," Roka continued, his eyes leveled on Geese, "because I know how you work, Geese: there is to be no outside interference during this duel. If someone interferes, then I will see it as someone on your end, and violence will ensue."
"And if I say no?" Geese retorted, his men obviously ready to rumble should their boss gives them the word.
Roka smiled evilly. "Then I will seize Southtown and expand...once I get you out of the way, that is. You maybe the 'King of Southtown,' but even a king is no match for the Genma."
Geese knew that Roka wasn't bluffing. He had seen him fight and since they both trained under the same teacher in Kobujitsu, he also knew the counter moves as well. His lips grim, Gesse spat out through his teeth, "Agreed."
Out in the garden, which was the stage for the battle, Ryu and Reika were at Miya's side. The younger Hoshi was dressed in a new hakama: a white top with dark red split pants. Wristguards adorned both her lower arms. Her Murumasa sword was tucked in her belt. Miya's expression was neutral, but her body language showed that she couldn't hold her anticipation any longer. Paper lanterns adorned the area, as well as torches.
"You ready?" Ryu asked.
"I'm ready," Miya replied.
"I got faith in you, Miya," Reika said. "Good luck."
Ryu and Reika stepped back as Miya and Eimi stepped forward. Eimi was dressed in a red ninja costume (if you've seen the Ninja Scroll anime movie, it's Kagero's ninja costume, only hers is black with red trim). In one hand was her own sword, gripped by the scabbard. Eimi's own sword lacked a guard, which made it more lighter to carry.
"Today's the day, Miya," Eimi said.
"It is," Miya replied.
Eimi turned away from Miya and took several steps forward. "Before we begin, there's something I need to get off my chest concerning you."
"Oh?"
"I've never seen someone with such clear eyes, nor a clear conscience," Eimi said. She sighed. "There. I've said it. Are you ready, Miya?"
Miya was on the balls of her feet. "I was born ready."
Eimi smiled. "Good. That's all I need to hear."
In a flash, the sword was out its sheath and Eimi was somesaulting towards Miya, whose sword was already out as well and the match was on, fast and furious, the blades on the two womens' swords clashing and delivering sparks as they engaged in a ferocious sword battle (Think the Anakin/Obi Wan Mustafar duel, minus the Force attacks).
Miya saw that Eimi was incredibly fast with her sword, possibly up to her speed. She also saw three main styles that she used, mostly kenjitsu, a variant of Iaido and ninjitsu. That fact made Miya's blood set ablaze with fighting a worthy challenger as she fought her opponent.
Eimi scored the first attack with a snap thrust kick to Miya's stomach, forcing Miya back several feet. Miya shook it off and resumed her assault, her blade spinning towards Eimi, who was forced back by Miya's attacks. The battle started to move from the garden...and into the audience, mainly where Geese and Roka were standing.
The two bosses and their men quickly hopped out of the way, lest they would become part of the battle in a very bad way. And the last thing both Roka and Geese needed to be was part of the collateral damage from the battle as Miya and Eimi fought across the shrines, the gathered occupants getting out of the way (Ryu, Ken and their respective wives included) of the two female kendoists.
Miya and Eimi locked their swords, Miya having the strength advantage, began to force Eimi down on one knee. In a desperation move, Eimi grabbed Miya's hakama top and threw her on her back, Miya losing her grip on her Murumasa. However, as Eimi advanced on Miya, preparing to end the match, but Miya was back on her feet and in one quick move, disarmed Eimi and repaid the favor by throwing her on the ground.
Eimi managed to get back on her feet and rushed Miya. She leapt into the air and planted both feet into Miya's chest in the form of a drop kick. She then retrieved her sword and advanced on Miya. The former Shadowlaw doll saw her coming and jumped back to her feet. Dodging Eimi's sword attacks, Miya caught Eimi in a power foot sweep, sending Eimi to the floor hard, and giving Miya enough time to retrieve her sword.
The battle resumed. This time, both women were more careful in their attacks, not giving their opponent a chance to gain the upper hand as the battle went back to the gardens. As the battle resumed, several people were watching the battle with great interest.
Takuma Sakazaki folded his arms and studied Miya's movments. "Hmm...she shows remarkable skill," he noted. He then addressed Yuri and King without turning to either woman. "It seems that the both of you have underestimated her."
Yuri shot a nasty look at her father. "What do you mean 'underestimated her?'"
"She just got lucky, that's all," King butted in.
The Kyokugenryu master shook his head. "There is no such thing as luck when it comes to martial arts, as she had said when you fought her, Yuri. She is indeed a force to be reckoned with." Takuma looked at the ongoing battle and sighed. "Pity. She would have made an excellent student in Kyokugenryu...especially on the Shoran level of study," he said, mentioning the highest degree of study in Kyokugenryu.
Meanwhile, the battle was starting to get intense. The former Shadowlaw doll and the daughter of Roka fought hard, metal crashing upon metal, sending sparks flying, the TING-TING-TING sounding like rapid fire. Even Geese himself couldn't see the swords, since they were moving way too fast. Then as before, they locked swords once again. Not wanting to be on the receiving end as before, Eimi pulled one hand back, which was at the moment balled into a fist. Miya was also thinking along the same lines and cocked her fist back.
Both fists connected, knocking both girls back several steps. Miya found herself resting up against a tree. Eimi charged at Miya, who quickly leapt back. Using the tree trunk, she propelled herself off of it and landed on the rooftop. Eimi followed suit as the audience piled into the gardens to watch the battle.
Eimi grunted as Miya's leg bounced off her torso. The battle resumed. Then Miya's head snapped back after Eimi's foot connected with her face. Miya somersaulted onto several wires, holding several paper lanterns, balancing on the wires like a tightrope. Much to everyone's surprise, Eimi gave chase, balancing on the wires with expertise as the battle continued. The two swordswomen fought...not to mention keeping their balance.
Then Eimi flipped back into the gardens, with Miya following her. The gathered fighters quickly gave them some room as the battle continued. Both women were bruised and banged up, not to mention that their energy reserves were low.
Eimi held her sword in her stance. "You...you ARE good," she said. "Even better than I had expected."
"And so are you," Miya replied, gripping the sword tightly in both hands.
Eimi paused for a moment. "Well...shall we end this?"
Miya slowly nodded. "To the winner...goes the spoils." She then raised her sword above her head.
Miya, however went another route. Miya raised her sword in a meditation stance (think Ben Kenobi before Vader killed him), and closed her eyes, her face at peace. Her mind went back to the events earlier that day, when Reika had 'taught' her the Blood Dance. Once Reika departed, Miya pratived the move and adjusted it to meet her own standards. She even gave it a new name, since one, Blood Dance was something that Reika used, and two, it was a mouthful in Japanese.
When Miya opened her eyes, she saw Eimi charging at her. She was less than a foot away.
"Ashura...TEMPEST!"
Miya then lunged forward, her sword moving with near-blinding speed. Eimi saw it coming and was forced to block the deadly blows. They were coming from everywhere at once. Miya's sword moved in an even-faster blur as Eimi started to lose her grip. Then her worst fears were realised when her sword was sent flying from her grasp. The weapon flipped several times before landing in front of Roka and Geese.
Miya swung her weapon, only to stop a mere inch from Eimi's throat. The spectators were shocked, save for Reika, Ryu and Ken. This match was over, with Miya as the winner.
Miya was trying to catch her breath, as was Eimi. "Do you yield, Eimi?" the ex-Shadowlaw kendoist asked.
Eimi slowly nodded. "I yield."
Miya lowered her sword and sheathed it. "You really are good, Eimi. You brought me to the brink."
"But you won," Eimi said. She then raised her hand to Miya in a form of friendship. Miya gave her challenger a grin and accepted the hand of her newest rival...and friend. The two swordswomen walked back to the gathered audience, who were piling out, with the exception of Geese and his men.
Most of them congratulated the younger sister of Ryu Hoshi for a good match. Reika had the proud look of a master. Even the Kyokugenryu gang had to come to respect Miya's swordfighting skills...to a certain degree.
Miya watched as Roka approached her daughter, the latter's expression forming into a frown. "Papa," Eimi began, but Roka cut her off.
"You don't have to say anything, Eimi," Roka explained. "You have gave it your all. I could have never been more proud of you with the way you carried yourself. You are indeed worthy of our family name." he placed one hand on her shoulder and smiled. "I am proud to call you my daughter."
Eimi embraced her father, the Kyoko Yakuza boss returning the hug. He then broke the embrace and turned to Miya. "And to you, young Miya, congratulation on winning the match."
Miya bowed slightly. "Thank you, Mr. Sakumura."
With a grin, Roka added, "I'll be wathcing your career with great interest."
As Roka passed Geese, the Southtown crime boss noticed the smile on his face. "What are you so happy about, Sakamura?" Geese demanded. "Your daughter lost the match!"
Roka turned to face his rival. "My daughter may have lost the match, Howard, but she carried herself with honor and dignity. That is something that you failed to realise." An evil grin crept across his face. "And that is why you will always remain second-best."
Roka wasn't surprised when Geese started to attack him following that remark. As the gathered fighters watched the impromptu fight, they saw that eventhough Geese was a top-notch fighter, he was definitely outclassed. Roka hadn't attacked yet, but he blocked and parried Geese's attacks with general ease.
Then his next move shocked everyone there.
As Geese threw out a straight punch to Roka's breastplate, Roka raised his arms in a familiar move that Ryu and the Southtown-based fighters immediately recognized.
Geese saw it too, but it was already too late. Roka grabbed Geese, flipped him over and slammed him on the wooden floor hard, Geese himself a victim of his own counter move.
Billy, Ripper and Hopper stepped in, preparing to attack, but Roka's men were already there, preparing to defend their boss if needed. Seeing as how they were outmanned, Billy and the other two men took Geese and made a hasty retreat.
Terry let out a low whistle. "He used Geese's Atemi Nage against him."
"Ouch," Ryo agreed.
Meanwhile, Reika was congratulating her former apprentice. "That was some move you did," she remarked.
Miya grinned. "You inspired me for it," she replied.
The former teacher had a look of surprise on her face. "Oh?"
"The Blood Dance," Miya explained. "I remodified it. I was going to call it Deadly Tempest, but that was too obvious."
"Enough of that," Ken butted in. "This calls for a celebration!"
The following morning, after spending all night inside the Pao Pao Cafe, it was time for Ryu, Ken, their respective wives, and Miya to head back home. Miya had already shipped her sword back to Japan, the address being Ryu's home.
Ken had already left for San Franciso with Eliza. Eimi had came along to say goodbye to Miya.
"It's been fun," Miya said.
Eimi nodded, smiling. "It has. You won the first round, Miya. I'm due for a rematch sometime down the road."
"I look forward to it."
The two kendoists shook hands, then shared an embrace. "See you around, Eimi," Miya said as she picked up her bags and followed Ryu and Chun Li down the terminal.
"Bye."
They soon disappeared into the ramp and onto their plane. Soon they will be back in Japan.
As Miya settled into her seat, a small smile crept on her face. She had made a new rival in swordfighting...as well as a friend.