The stadium was busting. Spectators had crammed themselves into the seats, it was standing room only. The previous matches, that you may or may not have watched from your private locker room proved to be interesting. Depending on how early you arrived and with what haste you might have even been there from the beginning. This was your best chance to get a leg-up on the competition, not that they would miss your fight either. Still, it was a good feeling having some idea at the very least. Your match was likely to have a combatant just as skilled, if not better those you witnessed. The concept would be both exhilarating and terrifying! They were doing an excellent job keeping the Arena neat and clean. You would never have known that there was a fight here an hour before. The crowd was riled, they were still cheering and recounting the previous match when you emerged through the pair of steel doors and now their roar was deafening. Sex and violence are mankind's most primal and basic instincts and it would appear that the people were worked into a frenzy. Your names were being chanted and the unified cry of the onlookers would cause the Arena floor to rumble with excitement.
It could have been a lot worse. The people of Kurosawa were astonishingly accommodating. Mikasa would hotel room with a view of the harbor and a large bathtub with jets that hit all the right places. Meals were delivered to her door these last three days if she was a resident of the room promptly at 0600, 1200 and 1800 each day if she ate them or not. They were pretty good even if the fare was primarily fish and vegetables. Shiromaru's room was apparently upgraded due to a 'wealthy benefactor' that claimed his fighter could not live in such 'squalor' as he put it. Shiromaru would find himself in a suite with a Butler whom was stereotypically called 'Giles.' He had no sense of humor but he seemed superhuman in how he cleaned, cooked and cared for needs Shiromaru did not even know he had. Giles was unlikely his real name but he answered to it all the same and he would shoo away the food that was sent, insisting that he would 'prepare all of the young mater's meals' for the duration of the competition. And that he did. Mikasa would have no way of knowing the luxury his opponent has enjoyed these past few days but her room was still better than average and on the village of Kurosawa's tab apparently so why complain!
The people of Kurosawa even seemed excited, even if it was a bit over the top at times. Both of you would have been approached for an autograph several times, hopefully you obliged at least a few. They would scream and carry on that you touched their pen and that they would treasure it forever. Awk-ward... Perhaps this was what it was like to be a celebrity. The flash of cameras wherever you went and the sudden need for complete strangers to share your personal space. Rest might not have been particularly 'restful' for some, last night a cute boy would knock on Mikasa's door, claiming he was sent to 'show you a good time before the big day.' If Mikasa let her in, she would have a good time ...for the rest of the night. She might have an extra spring in your step, but she would be a bit tired. Apparently that boy knew how to perform a few unconventional uses of metal ninjutsu, apparently they should have been a restraint expert if they were a shinobi. *Cough* Well, that won't be forgotten anytime soon if she did in fact let them in. *Cough* He would also be gone by the time you awoke, your wallet would also be missing. Damn... He was still worth every penny.
Shiromaru would get no mysterious female visitor in the middle of the night. It would be him and Giles chilling, watching movies and turning in early. Mysteriously any booze or illicit substances that may or may not be found in his suite would be mysteriously missing the day before the competition. Responsible decisions were apparently being enforced for you.
Regardless of how you spent the evening before -- be it chilling with your butler or the night of your life, the big day has finally come. It was the day of the tournament and the air was abuzz! Someone was waiting for you when you opened the hotel room door. "Morn'n," a tall, somewhat scruffy ginger announced while chewing on a toothpick. "I am here to take you to the Hisashī Zenshōsen Arena." He gave off an intimidating aura despite his relaxed posture and gait as he calmly approached you. He would make no attempt to engage you in a physical manner or even give an indication that he might, but often one powerful person is capable of recognizing another and this would be one of those cases unless you were a total moron. If asked why he was to escort them he would make a dismissive motion with his hand, "because the boss says so. I am sure you can handle yer-self being that you are here..." His eyes rolled a little. Yeah, this was grunt-work, well beneath him and from his perspective unnecessary. As for who the 'boss' was, he would shrug. "The Grand Master-guy," would be the only name he would give. Perhaps that was because that was the only name he ever used.
He seemed pleasant enough but a bit serious. They would make it through the city as quickly or as slowly as you allowed, there was plenty of time before your match. In fact if anything you would want to be there early so that you could see as much as possible before you had to face one of them. He was not one for small talk but he would be polite in his statements which were mostly directions. This way. Wait a moment. This route is better. He seemed distracted, in the crowd there would be the occasional civilian that would attempt to scamper in your direction. "Would not let them touch you," he warned. That would be the only warning he gave as he made no attempt to encourage or discourage the civilians. You could handle your own shit he would verbally reason. He would reluctantly assist if asked.
Eventually you would reach the Arena and there would be a crowd starting to form at the front gate. From the outside the Arena was rather imposing, there were four statues with their backs towards you that appeared to be looking down into the arena. The walls were rather high, three hundred feet, perhaps more by your best estimation. The grey stone had something etched into it, into every single brick. If is asked about the bricks, your escort would simply shrug his shoulders. He either did not know, did not care or had no intention of sharing. You would be led to an unmarked door that was flanked by a pair of guards, each wore the regalia of a samurai. They would look over at your ginger ally and then part, allowing entry without a word. Apparently this private hall was well-guarded, another pair of samurais would eye you cautiously as you entered the hall. The hall was long and well lit with nothing to adorn the walls.
You would be led to a private locker room, your name on the door. You might recognize a few of the other names as well, fellow compatriots from your village or some famed shinobi from abroad. You would be summoned a few hours later, in the mean time you would be left to your devices -- eat, sleep, watch TV, call your wife on a headset, pray... [Yes, pick whatever amenities you want in the room] The same man would knock on your door, "it is time" he would announce solemnly as if he was taking you to your death. He would lead you to the door, it would be sealed shut. "The door will open at 5:00" he would note as he pointed at a clock, you had a few more minutes left. The sound of the ticking clock was deafening and the time would seem to pass slowly despite it being only a few minutes but the doors would eventually unlock and with a trumpet fanfare as well as confetti you would be queued to make an entrance. Half the show was about the spectacle. The other half... let's call it 'fighting.'
Notes:
- The Missing shinobi would be aware that Aburabuta Hirotomi is attempting to keep him 'in line' a bit. He seems to really have a vested interest in your success.
- A Leaf Shinobi would recognize the regalia of these samurais appears different than that of the samurais that subjugated Kohona a few years back.
- Please IC make your entrance post. Remember that you have 2 free travel event threads for this event. This will occupy one of your two. you do not need to lave your village to participate in this event, however if two is too few for you, then some actual travel is required.
- This time marks the receipt of your profile. It will be copied and given to your moderator as well as logged. Your moderator will be Michi.
- Please send your actions to Michi. Remember to link everything. You have until January 10th to do so.
