Kitsune had never believed the rumour of the number of sword schools in the west. He had assumed it another myth told by adventurers who hadn't actually done much. Now he was here though, he must have passed at least five or six just a day in, and he quickly learned not to put his sword on show. The people here seemed very fond of duelling, and the first man he'd come across had instantly demanded a duel if he wanted to cross the bridge he was guarding. He shot him. Kitsune was never the best swordsman, and it was a waste of ammunition to continue in such a way.
Most people, however, seemed quite cheerful and pleasant, which was always a good sign. A little girl even offered him a bright red flower when the road had taken him through a small village. That was sweet. He wore it in his hair as he made his way gaily down towards the sword school at the temple of Kirin, his first stop. Hopefully, some fancy swordsman would be willing to help him. He wasn't sure quite how he'd convince them, nor how he would even get in, but he would work that out when he got there.
While the landscape was not particularly impressive, mostly rice paddy's and small farms, the temple itself wasn't too shabby, as of course, one should always expect of a temple. He saw many people queued outside of the (very elaborate) doors, waiting to offer incense and prayers to the Kirin of the West. Each to his own, he supposed.
It took him a while to make it to the school, the complex was huge, with so many turns and corridors that Kitsune wondered if anyone even used it, or if it was just a trap for would be thieves. There weren't even any signs. Eventually, he managed to convince one of the temple guards to tell him where the school was, (No, he was not going the cause a disturbance. Yes, he just wanted to do the selection. Sucker.) Finally, after walking all the way back out again and round to the western corner, he found the small gate they used to allow potential students into the courtyard. "Sorry kid, too late, it's started." There were two swordsmen on the gate, likely new students at the school, they would be prideful. Easy.
"Come on, I was just a little late!"
"Well too bad! Better luck next year."
"I bet you couldn't even beat me, you just got lucky."
The guards eyes bulged, he'd been allowed into the most prestigious sword school in the world, he could beat anyone who came through these doors. "Oh yeah? Prove it!" He yelled, placing a hand on his sword hilt. The other was trying to calm him down, but to no avail.
"If I win, will you let me through?"
"With pleasure, but it won't happen."
"Very well." Said Kitsune. He drew his sword, and one of his revolvers, offering both to the guard. "Sword or gun?"
"Sword." The guard spat contemptuously.
"Your choice." Said Kitsune, sheathing his blade. "Then I have the gun." The man's face fell. 
"B...but...you..." He stammered.
"Go" Said Kitsune, and pulled the trigger. A large boom followed soon after, and the guard collapsed, holding his shoulder. Kitsune knelt down to whisper to him, "You're lucky it was first blood."
Then he threw open the doors, and stepped into the courtyard. "So...can I speak with someone important? Please?