voice

A misread...?

Time's running thin. We end this now.

Blades are blind. Watch your step.

Seize the opening. One strike to settle this.

My gratitude.

Too exquisite a vintage to drink alone. It calls for a worthy company.

Those who walk the path of the sword are but fate's forsaken. The fortunate lose only wealth; the wretched, their lives... I was once ensnared so deep it cost me my sight. You must not follow.

Many I meet are curious about my life by the sword. But I have severed those ties myself. All that remains here is a retainer of House Saionji.

I wasn't born blind. Cornered in a deadly trap with no retreat, I was saved by the former master of House Saionji. Henceforth, I cast aside my past. I have kept only one companion: this heavy sword he bestowed upon me, Edgeless. Years have gone by. I seek nothing else now, only to honor his trust by helping the young master come into her own.

For as long as I can remember, I have known no homeland, drifting through the world without purpose. They say, "Ask not whence one comes," yet when one's ties to home are cut, a man becomes a rootless weed. All these years I have waited... for a dialect, a folk melody, anything to tell me where my journey began, and where it should end.

Every time I visit Mahjong Soul Shrine, you extend such thoughtful care. Yet when the roles are reversed, I always end up relying on your aid at the dojo. It occurs to me that I have never properly hosted you... a poor return. The master has recently forced several days of leave upon me. Beyond playing mahjong here and practicing with my sword, I have little to occupy myself. Should you find time, come seek me out.

The joy of the festival is proof of peaceful times. Yet to me, the clamor of gongs, fireworks, and cheers is far too harsh, so whenever the holidays fill the streets with noise, I rarely go out. Walking with you tonight, though, I find myself reminded that there's a certain comfort in returning to the bustle of the world once in a while. From the sound of the bells, we must be near Mahjong Soul Shrine. Since we've come this far, we might as well go in and offer a prayer – for peace in our days and quiet, lasting joy.

Hmm. Your breath is measured and fluid – as the sole disciple of the current master of Nishiba-ryu, you've clearly dedicated yourself to the blade. There's still room to refine your edge, but your understanding cuts deeper than that of my students. Should time allow, join me during my next lesson. They would benefit from observing your form.

The world is clamorous, hence the cacophony. I once feared that blindness would leave me lost in the noise. Yet, through discipline, I've found the opposite to be true. Now, I hear everything clearly – every presence, every event, every hushed word... A curious technique, indeed. Pity it's not one I can share.

It took me years to find a map with such exquisite relief. I do not know where my homeland lies, yet we of the sword trust our intuition. I shall remain here until I witness the young master truly stand on her own. Perhaps, some day after that... should my fingers trace a groove that stirs a memory... that pulse shall be my compass. That is when I depart.

Yuan Feng is gifted, yet his spirit is restless. He learned a mere handful of moves at the dojo, then abandoned his training for his fortune-telling stall. If he ever brings disgrace to the Saionji name... Every time I bring it up, he evades me with clever words. I can never get through to him. If you cross paths, speak some sense into him for me.

In my chamber burns incense, day and night. It is not lit for pleasure, but to drown out all other scents. One Han City knows nothing of the smell of blood. The cloying sweetness of flowers and food clogs the senses... Steeping in such smells, even a swordsman's edge may dull.

You wish to handle my sword? If you're that eager, you may touch it as you please. But be careful. Should your grip falter, it could harm you. For now, content yourself with feeling its weight. When you've learned some forms and gained true skill, I will teach you how to wield it.

To keep my edge keen, the incense in my chamber burns ceaselessly. The city is a clutter of foul smells, yet I've found one exception that does not offend – the faint scent of cherry blossoms you bring from Mahjong Soul Shrine... I've changed to a subtler blend in the censer. Now, when you arrive, the wind will let me know.

I intended to visit the tavern for some wine... yet after losing my way, I found myself here again. People at the dojo like to say I'm "blind of eye, but clear of heart." It seems that no matter how well I hear the wind, I cannot always command my path. Still, hearing your voice amid my wandering is a blessing. Could I borrow your arm to guide me through these bustling streets? I shall treat you to the wine in return. What do you say?

Those footsteps... It's you. How have you been?

I hear your step. Good timing, share a cup with me.

I knew it was you from ten paces away. Please, make yourself at home. My humble abode is graced today. A stick of calming incense, two bowls of amber wine... Even a mere swordsman can put on a bit of refinement now and then. They say life is like wine. This brew has aged underground for years, yet it is only when shared that it truly finds its flavor.

Honored.

...Enough rest.

The name is Hokuraku, a retainer of House Saionji. I am but a swordsman here to seek company through tiles. Matters beyond tiles and blades can wait.

To think such a festival exists in One Han City... Intriguing. We who walk the way of the sword are a stubborn lot – too proud to accept favors, ever wary of hidden motives. Yet we forget that the very world we wander is tangled with favors, grudges, and human ties... You have always treated me with honor and kindness. Here, take this – an inner discipline technique to steady your spirit. Its principles may be hard to grasp at first. Should you find them obscure, we shall study them together.

Terminals in All Sets

Root

2/5/8 Triplets

Single Wait after 4 Triplets

Dealing into Win after Kan

Seven Pairs with One Duplicate

Pure Triplets

Pure Single Wait after 4 Triplets

Pure Seven Pairs with One Duplicate

Pure Seven Pairs

Pure Four Quads

All Terminals

Four Quads