From the introduction: Isawa Akiko speaks first: “The Phoenix are pleased to join the Crane in welcoming you to Toshi no Omoidoso, the City of Remembrance, for the first Coral Tournament. This tournaments is being sponsored by our Clan and the Crane specifically to celebrate peace and cooperation within the Empire. I am Isawa Akiko, Mistress of the Void. The Elemental Council could conceive of no greater way to demonstrate our dedication to the ideal of peace than to have one of our own serve as judge over the Taryu-jiai tournaments. This honor has fallen upon my simple person. I look forward to the glorious demonstrations of control and mastery that await. But, it is rude of me not to have introduced my companion. This is Daidoji Ogai, Master of the Kakita Dueling Academy.”