The strange man shrugged and turned to look over the expansive lake.

The other swordsman noticed the sword in his hand.

"You carry a sword," the armored swordsman spat in an offended
voice.  "How is it a peasant like you could come to carry a blade?"
"It's mine," was the nonchalant reply.  "It's been in my family for
quite some time."
   "Do you even know how to use such a weapon?"
   "I guess I do," the stranger said with a small smile.  "I'm still

alive, ne."

Too much talking, while you have Jubei's reactions and manerisms
correct, the other samurai would just attemp to strike him down.  Now
its true that there are Ronin (non-samurai) that carry a sword, if they
don't have a reputation and are known for their honor or glory, most
samurai will strike them down on the spot... again most do not carry a
Katana.

    Maybe for real life, but this was based on an anime movie. Ninja Scroll
was better about it than many movies or shows, but it still feautured plenty
of pre-fight talking / taunting / drama. Talking before a fight is what
anime characters _do_ - it's genetic.

"The man in the simple clothes walked over to the edge of the boat

and yawned.  He handed over his sword to the nearest oarsman who
simply blinked in confusion.  Before the samurai on shore would >react,

the man in brown took an oar and gave the boat a strong push >off,
sending the boat back out into the deeper waters.  The oarsmen >laughed
and paddled onwards as the women quietly smiled amongst >themselves.

While I found this funny, it was a little incorrect.  I can see the
fight where Jubei udderly defeats his opponent, destoying both is armor
and swords, but not killing him.  To loose in a duel and not die, was
disgraceful.  I can see this as seamingly proper punishment that Jubei
would dish out.

    From the movie, I got the impression that Jubei was neither overly
concerned with honor nor all that interested in defeating or humilating his
opponent. He was forced into this encounter, and I can easily see him taking
the easy, least violent way out.

Over all it was a very good read.  I enjoyed it and I thought you
caputured Jubei's calmness and clarity perfectly.

    Agreed! Too bad it's probably the first and last Ninja Scroll fanfic
I'll ever see on the list, unless you feel like writing more <hint hint>.

-Patrick McClanahan