"Well then." Kenzo gave a nod. "Let's see if we can make it happen."

"In the meantime..." He gave her a smirk. "I'm not quite done with my practice. Would you care to help me refine my technique? Adding the second weapon, and firing it quickly, is a challenge I could use some skilled assistance with."

"What troubles are you experiencing?" She asked.

Kenzo drew both of his pistols, pointing them downrange. "The range on a pistol is already fairly short, compared to other sorts of weapons. But still, my accuracy drops off noticeably once I get beyond a few feet if I try to fire both at once."

He pulled the pistols back, aiming them upwards, although he had yet to reload them. "I think perhaps it is a limit of the human eye. It doesn't seem possible to aim from two different points at once." He shrugged. "So I was attempting to find a different method. Discharging them one at a time seemed to help."

She nodded, "A pistol rarely fires in the same way twice in a row. The position of the powder, the inner scarring of the barrel, the position and angle in which the weapon sits in your hand... all of these things change significantly from shot to shot. The less you concentrate the more random the shot becomes. It's a matter of assessing probability and aiming at a small enough target so as to reduce the amount of variance. As the Merenaese say, 'Aim small, miss small. If you aim for the smallest area you'll only miss by a small margin."

"That does speak to the importance of aim. Hmmm. Perhaps there is only so much that can be taken from it for the benefit of speed." Sighing, he replaced the pistols in his obi.

He glanced back at Berena. "Assessing probability. How wonderfully modern. I understand that those trained in the bow are taught to depend on their instinct. Not so with this sort of weapon. Hmmm."

She nodded, "It is a different type of weapon. Random to those you don't understand its limitations... but powerful to those who understand its potential."

"Hmmm." Kenzo's lips twitched. "Are we still talking about firearms? Or are we back to talking about science more generally again?"

She chuckled, "I was talking about the pistols... but I guess it could have broader meaning."

She smiled and nodded once, "Well I think it might be best if I get going. Let's talk again some time if you have the time Mirumoto-san. I'll be heading home soon, but I wish you the best."

Kenzo blinked, shaking his head. "Of course, Muhaki-san." Kenzo said, smiling. "I hope you'll forgive me. The study of science is a compelling one to consider, although perhaps not when conversing with someone."

He bowed. "Until we meet again?"

She shook her head gracefully, "There is no need for apology. We can discuss it more when I have a bit more time. It was a pleasure talking to you Mirumoto-san."

She then bowed graciously and began to leave, "Until we meet again."

Kenzo bowed once more as the strange woman took her leave. He watched her as she went, his eyes curious, interested. "Hmmm." He said aloud.

Well, he'd done his practice, anyway. Time to move along. Kenzo turned, heading in a different direction. Perhaps their paths would cross again.

/scene?!?!

/scene