(Network Post) Greetings

[rulebook]

Good afternoon, fellow students. I am Ryuta Tanemoto. I'm a 2nd year and an active member in the kendo club as well as the school band.

I wish to inform you that although this is the beginning of the school year, you should be made aware of all the rules before too long. I am sure all of you received your copies of the student handbook, so be sure to catch up on all the details. Negligence is unacceptable, as it is your duty to know and understand each and every rule.

If you have any questions on the matter, I will be available Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some other times throughout the week. Unless of course there is a test coming up, in which case you all should be studying.

Sincerely,
Ryuta Tanemoto

Comments

[burningbow]

Hiya, Tanemoto-san. You're a fan of kendo? How interesting. But if you wave swords around, someone usually gets hurt.

That's okay, though. You sound like a serious guy. Some people here are lazy and need a good thwacking. Be sure to introduce yourselves to each other, will you?

[rulebook]

Imaizumi, correct? Rest assured, I am well aware of such matters. However, I don't believe that physical reinforcement is necessary.

[burningbow]

Yes. It would've been nice to try Kendo but unfortunately I cannot find the time. I feel, were I in your position, that handing me the stick of power would be a disaster. The sword and bow are nothing alike.

So, are you going to hit people with your sword, Tanemoto? I can't believe you're interested in something like that.

[rulebook]

Imaizumi, I feel that you have the wrong impression of me. I enjoy kendo for the fact that it is a good way to releave stress. I hold no malice when I swing my blade.

But I do agree that archery and kendo are far from similar. Kendo is quite the taxing sport. Unlike archery, you fight against a living person over a target. I honestly don't see much of a point behind challenging a stationary object.

[burningbow]

How about indulging me in a debate for a moment, Tanemoto?

You told me you follow Kendo because you need some way to relax, right? Well then, do you understand why I train Kyudo? If you focus on drawing and firing your bow, then anger, bitterness and hatred are cleared from your mind. That peace is something I expect you to understand.

I prefer training my mind with my body. But hey, whether training the body or mind... both require discipline, right?

[rulebook]

Ah, so you practice Kyudo to train both body and mind? While I can see how it may require both a tempered mind and body, I do not see much of a challenge behind it.

Kendo is more than just two men beating each other with swords, as I believe you see it. You must anticipate your opponents movements, come up with an appropriate counterattack, and strike without hesitation the moment an opportunity arises.

As you can see, Kendo is as much a battle of wits as it is strength.

[burningbow]

Ooh. I see.

But either way, you don't want to admit that you enjoy striking any partner that you train with. Therefore, you still enjoy hitting people with your sword, right? What if you put away your weapon and use non-violence? Would it be the same?

[rulebook]

Sad to say, I'm not as sadistic as you believe me to be, Imaizumi. I simply use Kendo as a means of relaxation. I take no joy from beating a person.

While there have been times that I have used my skills outside of practice, I have ever only done so to defend myself. Surely you would not put me at fault for protecting myself?

[burningbow]

You think I would? How sad. Your desperate efforts are something that would have my full support.

... Unless you don't even want that, of course.

[rulebook]

Hmm. I will take your offer into consideration. I will say that I found this debate... rather interesting.

[burningbow]

Likewise. Thank you for your time.