It's been like this for five years [the role play section as a whole, I should say]. There is always a lull in activity around September and October. It usually begins to stir again around Thanksgiving, sinks towards Christmas, and rises again by New Year's day.
We'll get our battle at some point, I'm sure. Perhaps I'll find myself in a position to challenge for Rank 1. I did tell Mitsukai I wouldn't depart the forums until we've concluded our business; that being the case, I doubt I'll manage to escape before year's end.