[x] Sirrocco.
Gaming Skill (Shogi): 2k2=14
Tea is all fine and good to drink, but you feel a desire to do something more than just drink and talk. But what is there to do aside from that? You've no real desire to go interact with any of the other patrons, and it would be rude to just ignore Shirou after giving the monk command of the day.
And then, as you glance about the room, you are struck with an idea.
You pull a Shogi board from an empty table to your own, careful not to send the tiles atop it flying. With a smile on your face, you gently set it down and look up at Shirou. The monk gives you a look, and then glances down at the board.
"Shall we play a game, then?" he asks, his own enthusiasm growing to match your own.
"I think that sounds like a fine idea," you respond.
"Very well," Shirou says, picking up a piece and placing it upon the board. "Then I will begin."
Your game goes on for a good length of time, each of you placing your tiles carefully. You have only a rudimentary grasp of Shogi, having observed your parents play it on occasion. As such, you're not completely without knowledge of the game. You at least know all the rules, at any rate.
It is obvious Shirou does have some experience, however. He always seems to have a counter for your moves, manages to block you off and set you into traps you can see no way out of. You struggle on, of course, but it is perfectly apparent that this is not a game you can expect to win.
Finally, things come to a head.
"Ote," Shirou says, calling that your king is in check. He doesn't need to, even as a courtesy, but it's polite all the same.
"More than that," you say, flipping the tile over. "I've nowhere I can move. It's tsumi."
"So it seems," Shirou says before taking up all the tiles and putting them back in their starting position. "A good game. I had to work for that victory."
"I wasn't aware you had such skill in Shogi, Shirou-san," you respond as the monk finishes with the board. "I must admit I was a bit surprised."
"In many ways these games are a metaphor for armies at war," he says, looking back up at you. "And battles, along with seeking strength, are the calling of those who follow in the footsteps of Osano-wo." He gives you a grin that splits his face in two. "Though I must admit, I focus more on the physical than mental aspects of such things."
"Even still," the old Isawa says, leaning over your table. You have to repress a start. You hadn't noticed him moving close. "It was a fine game between you two. I very much enjoyed watching it."
He gives you both a bow before making his way back behind his counter, looking over the various containers of tea. You glance at the old man's back, still a little startled. The Phoenix could move with remarkable stealth when he wanted to, apparently. At least, you're pretty sure that is the case. Unless you were just too focused on the game…
No, that couldn't be.
[] Play another game.
[] Leave the shop and timeskip to departure the next morning.
[] Write in.
