“The Ronin took the field and locked eyes with the monks across from them. The opponent did not blink. Rather, they returned a fiery stare.

In Nippon, monks were holy men who avoided violence at all times. These monks were clearly no holy men. Sure, they wore the robes and their heads were shaved, but that is where the similarities ended. These men seemed to worship dragons and monkeys. Further, it looked as if their mascott also took the field.

No matter. An enchanted statue could be no match for the mighty Oni.

The opening kick sent the ball deep to the monks who organized and made a solid push to set up an offensive thrust to the southern side of the field.

Fortunately, the wizard on the sideline was well placed. While his fire ball only knocked down one man, that man was the ball carrier. A scramble for the ball left one Ronin dead, and a monk with a broken neck. However, more importantly, it also put Toyotomi in the endzone.

The entire game would be played in the sweltering heat and as much as anything else, it would dictate much of the game. Only 8 Ronin returned to the field vs 9 monks. The monks were skilled and easily equalized to end the half.

To start the second half, the heat once again took a toll but this time it was the Celestial Delegate that suffered. 11 vs 9. Still, the discipline of the monastery training was clear. They held their ground and took possession of the ball. Ironically, it was their leader and legend After the Lotus Flowers Have Opened that cost them the game. He failed to dodge away and hurt himself in the process.

Moist Like Butter took a brutal beating and Toyotomi once again picked up the ball. He would score to put the Ronin on top. While the monks valiantly lined up for some last minute heroics, it was not enough and the Ronin went on to victory.

When the match closed both teams left the field walking stoically into the mist that had gathered around the stadium. Kondor crossed the pitch and bowed to Coach Calthor. Kondor knew he had been out coached this day. Only a fireball and an unlikely failed dodge kept the Ronin from defeat.”