The warrior is of grace and he stays to the forms with the sword,
Then in a fluid movement he places the blade back inside the sheath,
That is also a weapon in this masters hands but he is at rest now,
His body does not move until he relaxes and kneels and bows,
To the place of his ancestors where he alone is giving his respect,
Those that are watching are wondering if he is more than the test,
For he will be pushed like no others have been to test his mettle,
To make sure he is the one, who should take command of armies,
The smooth silk of his robes are not much in the way of protection,
He cares nothing for those around him for he is deep in meditation,
Finding his centre so that he may accomplish that which is needed,
Here in this moment he must be all that he was raised to become,
Before the passing of the sun in the sky he will be the new shogun,
That or he will be replaced by another who would be worthy of reward,
He stands now and makes the true bow to those who have come to observe,
The shoguns of the nine houses are here to bring him blessing or destruction,
They send forth their chosen blade masters, who have deadly intent,
The price he now must pay will be all that he is truly worth this day,
He draws the two blades he has and makes his stand before his attackers,
They also know the price that will be paid if they do less than they are able,
To be left bleeding upon the floor before the family’s shrine and temple,
They strike but he is like water