From the introduction: The Topaz Championship is a three-day competition that tests young men and women in all the skills that a samurai is expected to know. It is a rigorous, exhausting whirlwind of activity that can overwhelm even the most stalwart soul. Points are awarded to those who receive the highest marks in each contest, and the competitor who achieves the most points is declared the Topaz Champion. While the Topaz Champion receives no set reward or accolade, the prestige associated with the position ensures that the competition is fierce, and Topaz Champions are typically offered a number of different assignments, each coveted by young samurai.