Scene 1: A Typical School Day
Sanjiro's day began as it always did, rising well before Lady Sun began her ascent in the heavens when almost everyone else in the household was still asleep. Moving with practiced swiftness and precision, he quickly bathed and dressed. Breakfast would have to wait, as Junzo-sensei always insisted that his stomach was empty before their morning. Something about not wanting to have to clean up the contents of his pupil's stomach again.
In his defense he had only thrown up the once, and when dealing with the Void these sorts of things were to be expected. After all, he had only just wrung his first bell, and thus he was finally being allowed to wander more freely in the Void in an attempt to gain understanding about the interconnectedness of all things. And to say that the experience was disconcerting was something of an understatement,
Meeting up with his master at the entrance of the compound, the two made their way to the quiet corner of the Chisei District where they practiced every day. The relative quiet and isolation were absolutely necessary, hence the early hour of their meeting. It was after all for the safety of everyone else, as the damage that an inexperienced Ishi who lost control of their powers could cause was immense. Of course, isolation was hardly the only precaution that had been taken, numerous wards had been erected in the area, and blocks placed on Sanjiro's abilities until he had proven sufficient control and discipline. Not that the young man was aware of any of this.
The lesson passed like it often did, with a large chunk of time spent in quiet meditation followed by a period where Sanjiro tried and failed to influence the Void, making subtle
alterations in reality. If Sanjiro's failure bothered him, it didn't show on his face as he and his sensei discussed the results of the day's lesson. His question at the end of the lesson inquiring about if the Elemental Water in his own body was the same as that in a tree or the clouds overhead earned him a rare smile and nod of approval before being dismissed by the elder Ishi who, as he was wont to do, said nothing.
His first of many lessons for the day finally complete, Sanjiro quickly began his trek home, only pausing to stop at the temple of Fukurokujin to pray, just as he did every morning. The young shugenja was well known at the temple, and more than a few of the priests had a soft spot for the young man. After all, the number of people his age who saw fit to pray to Fukurokujin for guidance were scant at best.
His prayers and conversations with the temple's caretakers finished, Sanjiro scampered home just in time to find the household bustling with activity. Unfortunately, today's lesson had run long (a fairly typical occurrence), and he had missed the morning meal. As such, he had to settle for a lukewarm bowl of soup that a thoughtful servant had set aside for him. Not that he minded in the slightest. After all his friend Hiruto often joked that Sanjiro seemed to live off of only air. It would certainly go a long way to explaining his physique, that's for sure.
Hurridly slurping down his breakfast, Sanjiro quickly slipped out of the gate of the small compound where he hurried to catch up with Hiruto at their normal meeting place where they would walk in together. Chatting amiably as the pair made the trek to school, he followed Hiruto's example, quickly exclaiming "Good morning Momonaga-sensei!" as they approached the woman standing at the end of their path.
A smile flitting about at the edge of his mouth as Hiruto glanced back at their teacher, Sanjiro gave his friend a gentle nudge, his eyes sparkling with barely contained mirth as he replied. "Looking for something there my friend? And I'm not sure, I didn't pack it as this morning's lesson ran rather long. But if I had to guess, rice, tofu, and maybe some dried fruits and nuts. Why, are you hungry? You know I'm always happy to share."