I learned that if you try hard enough, you could turn anything into a party.
We went to the dojo early, but apparently not earlier than half the village who had set up plenty of festivities around the area. Blankets were spread out under umbrellas as families sat in the grass enjoying snacks they purchased from vendors while children played mini games in tents nearby. A portable takoyaki stand caught the attention of my nose as the scent of the doughy balls filled the air. Before I had realized it, Zoro had gone and come back with some sort of alcoholic beverage.
"Do these people really not have anything better to do," he grumbled, taking a sip of his drink.
"Yeah they must get pretty bored if this was all organized overnight," I agreed.
I had to shake about 20 people's hands as they wished me luck while we went to find Zoro's sensei and the master of the dojo.
"I am Crystal," I bowed when we finally caught up to him. "Thank you for allowing us to use this space."
"Ah Crystal. Welcome, I have been looking forward to the day you'd come here. I am Koshiro Sensei. I've heard a lot about you."
"He asks about you everyday," Zoro added from behind his glass.
"Well you know Zoro, he hardly volunteers any information," Koshiro Sensei teased. "Oh look, here comes Cassandra," he said with noticeably less enthusiasm.
She bowed to the dojo's master and turned to look at me with hostile green eyes. "I'm surprised you showed up," was all she said.
Then she turned to Zoro and her expression lit up. "Are you excited for the big event? Denise did a great job of getting the whole village riled up."
"Oh really," he replied and emptied his glass.
"Yeah she sent out invites to everyone last night so they'd be sure to see them in the morning." Undeterred by Zoro's lack of enthusiasm and generally disinterested personaility, she continued to chatter away about how so-and-so sent her flowers and her father just bought her a new sword.
She obviously didn't have anything to say to me and everything I need to say would be delivered through the bokken in the fighting ring. Instead I just stared at her as she babbled, trying to figure out her motive.
"So after I win, how about we go out to the bar to celebrate," she said with a check-mate sort of grin on her face.
Oh. So she was vying for his attention. I could totally understand that since he was always so distant and rarely ever opened up. And I suppose I did the same, when it came to training. His praise was so rare and rewarding that hoping for his recognition got me through some if the toughest challenges.
But she was only after the thrill of the hunt and I would never let her win.
"Hey Zoro, why don't I get you another drink," I offered with a bit of extra sweetness to my voice. Zoro would say to let it all out on the field but that's not the game girls played.
"Sure," he grinned, handing me his empty cup. His smile meant one point for me.
I took a few steps before looking back over my shoulder. I made sure to catch a look at Cassandra's frustrated expression. "Actually, let's go together because I'm not sure exactly what you want."
"Okay sure," he said, looking very relieved to get out of there. His agreement: another point for me.
He got his drink and I got a water and we went to sit in a quieter area beneath a shady tree.
"You remember how this works?" he asked.
"Best out of five rounds. Koshiro Sensei will call a clean hit since we are using bokken rather than real swords. I am my own worst enemy."
"Sounds like you've got this under control. You ready to go out there?"
"I don't think I really have a choice..." I sighed.
A/N: Hello! If you like this story, I've written a few more featuring Crystal so you can check those out as well. Thanks for reading 3