Doji Hatosenshi
Kougataribe
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Posts: 145| Likes: 42
“We tell the tale of heroes to remind ourselves that we also can be great.”
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Post by Doji Hatosenshi on Jan 3, 2014 21:54:36 GMT
The darkest corners of The Gardens of Heaven were well-lit. The faint scent of opium drifted through the air, coming from a back room of the sake house.
"When the Crane conduct illicit dealings, they do so in broad daylight." No matter, Seppun Takudo was not on duty, and would not be bothered with such things. He absentmindedly shifted his daisho in his obi as he leaned forward to drink his tea. It had been a hard day, and he had only made half as much in bribes as he had anticipated. Marking the Mantis tariffs as paid, was not as profitable as he had hoped.
"Greetings, honorable Seppun-san". A Crane samurai sat across from him. "I am Daidoji Mitakuro, Crane Magistrate."
Takudo sighed and gently loosed his katana. "Greetings Crane-san. Have you partaken of Inari's Blessing?"
Mitakuro bowed his head at the greeting, and softly replied, "The Governor was wondering if you would like to return the Mantis bribes, so the tariffs might be paid?"
Takudo stiffened, his eyes locking onto the Crane's. "Are you implying that I did not do my duty's proper attention?"
"Of course not, Seppun-san. I was simply attempting to ensure the correct fees were paid, since some of them have been diverted."
Takudo nodded gently, and with one swift motion, his katana slipped from the sheath. A whisper filled the air as steel flashed. A brief clatter as teacups shook, and then the blood from Takudo's slashed throat spilled across the table and cups.
Daidoji Mitakuro stood, sighed at the mess, and sheathed his katana. His men had already apprehended the Mantis merchants for their failure to pay appropriately. However, Takudo was not an intelligent enough man to operate on his own. Some other individual was pulling the strings of this crime syndicate, and Mitakuro intended to get to the bottom of it. However, he needed assistance, for he had reached the end of his investigation. The trail lead no further, and Mitakuro intended to resolve this. Perhaps the Governor could provide samurai to assist...
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 3, 2014 22:14:25 GMT
Yatsuji sat on the other side of the sake house with a tiny cup in his large hands. On either side of him was an elegantly dressed woman who would have been proud to call herself a geisha but had talents that lie elsewhere. Yatsuji was not rich but he did make enough to splurge every now and again. He watched closely as the Crane had come in and words had passed between him and Takudo. Sadly, the Crane reputation for a quick sword was not a lie and Takudo was now dead. There were no two ways about that.
Well enough, Takudo was-er, had been a moron. How hard could it be to foul up bribes in a port town like this? He was out of the way now, but this did leave alos tlink in the chain of money that led from the Mantis ships to the Otomo's patron. This would need to be sorted out properly. And what better way to sort it than from within the offending organization?
***
Later that evening a knock came on the door of the Lord's mansion. A man in an ill fitting straw cloak was trying unsuccessfully to hide from the light summer storm. A guard, safe under the cover of the eaves opened a peep hole and responded gruffly," Who goes there?"
The figure also came under what slight protection there was from the drops and shook off his cloak to revealed the Otomo mon stitched onto the lapels of his coat. He held up a package of papers and a chop to the hole," My name is Otomo Yatsuji. I'm here on business from my lord. I understand that you've had a magistrate go missing."
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Doji Hatosenshi
Kougataribe
Global Moderator
Posts: 145| Likes: 42
“We tell the tale of heroes to remind ourselves that we also can be great.”
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Post by Doji Hatosenshi on Jan 5, 2014 18:48:45 GMT
The servant bowed to Yatsuji and gestured him into the courtyard. "Yes, Otomo-sama. The Governor is meeting with the local head of the magistrates, Daidoji Mitakuro, regarding this investigation."
The servant lead Yatsuji through the house into one of the library rooms. Seated around a table, several men waited. Yatusji recognized Daidoji Mitakuro from The Gardens of Heaven, and the man dressed in Crane colors at the head of the table would obviously be the Governor. The other two men were unknown to Yatusji.
"Honorable Governor-sama, Otomo Yatsuji-sama of the Imperial Families has requested to aid you in this investigation." The servant bowed, and shuffled backwards out of the door.
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 5, 2014 21:20:55 GMT
Yatsuji remove dhis swords to show his peaceful intention and then knelt and bowed to the governor.
"My honorable Lord Governor. I am Otomo Yatsuji, I hope that I have not disturbed you," he introduced himself in his characteristic deep voice.
After being properly accepted, Yatsuji scooted up to the table and made himself comfortable. A servant entered and placed a cup of tea by his place before leaving the five men alone in the lavishly appointed room. Outside the rain continue to fall but it was barely noticeable this far in the house and with the warmth of lamps keeping everyone comfortable. As he sipped a small dose of tea, Yatsuji noticed the beautiful paintings that made up the sliding screens and walls. Clearly this was a Crane's room. Not as fancy as his own patron's hall, of course, but a show of money and artistic influence, nonetheless.
Yatsuji bowed again in apology for what he was about to say. It was so easy to make governors and magistrates feel like they were in control. Act as humble as possible, even if it was an obvious show, and they slurped up the praise and obeisance like a man who has had no water to drink in a week. It was probable that Yatsuji could have been a fairly skilled courtier (certainly his mother had shown her desire for that several times) but his preternatural strength had given him a different calling in life. Such was the way of the world.
Continuing his show of politeness, he spoke up, "My apologies, Lord Governor, for speaking out of turn. I have come with the understanding that one of your magistrates has gone missing. I think that it would be wise if we set to finding him straight away." And then after a short pause, "If that is your wish, of course."
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Doji Hatosenshi
Kougataribe
Global Moderator
Posts: 145| Likes: 42
“We tell the tale of heroes to remind ourselves that we also can be great.”
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Post by Doji Hatosenshi on Jan 5, 2014 22:04:03 GMT
"Missing is a polite word. It would appear the fool got himself murdered over accepting bribes. Daidoji-san has made it clear the trail ends there, but extends further." The fat governor shook his head with feigned sadness as he continued. "We've been forced to detain several Mantis merchants and confiscate their ships until the situation is sorted out."
One of the other samurai in the room leaned forward. "Of course, the Daidoji Trading Council has seen fit to inventory the merchandise to ensure it will be returned once the matter is settled." The sharp eyes of Doji Hatosenshi met Otomo Yatsuji's gaze and held it. "I personally feel that Otomo-san's assistance would be most valuable in ensuring the honor of the Crane is kept intact and all the merchandise is accounted for. Who could doubt the word of an Imperial?"
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 5, 2014 23:34:38 GMT
Yatsuji rubbed his chin for a moment in consideration. Surely he could be useful in 'making sure' that all merchandise was accounted for but that wasn't really the best use of his skills.
"forgive me..." Yatsuji glanced at the man's colors and mon, "Doji-san, I don't believe we've met. I am Otomo Yatsuji of Kyuden Seppun, perhaps you've heard of me. I duelled with Mirumoto Kazuo...much to the chagrin of his right arm. Did you know they've taken to calling him lefty?"
Yatsuji moved his arms into a folded position inside his kimono to look yet larger than he already was and decided to keep locked in a glare with the older man.
Perhaps they would have gone on that way for a while but Mitakuro took the opportunity to cough lightly and sooth his throat with some tea. His attention broken, Yatusji turned back to the matter at hand, keeping an eye on Hatosenshi.
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Doji Hatosenshi
Kougataribe
Global Moderator
Posts: 145| Likes: 42
“We tell the tale of heroes to remind ourselves that we also can be great.”
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Post by Doji Hatosenshi on Jan 6, 2014 21:57:36 GMT
"Otomo-san. Your reputation as a duelist precedes you. I had not heard of your triumph over the Mirumoto."
Doji Hatosenshi bowed slightly as he continued. "To defeat a Niten style is such a triumph, one must be shocked if the news has not traveled to Crane lands. After all, the defeat of a Dragon in a duel is an oddity here." Hatosenshi gently sipped his tea as his eyes met with Mitakuro's.
The Daidoji Magistrate let out a brief sigh. "The Mantis criminals will be dealt with appropriately. Otomo-san, your assistance in hunting down the head of this criminal network is appreciate. Perhaps the goods and manifests will give us some direction to pursue?" The magistrate stood from his kneeling position, and shifted the sword in his obi. "Shall we?"
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 7, 2014 2:15:42 GMT
Yatsuji bristled at what he comprehended was a joke at his expense that he did not entirely get. In other circles he may have spit or simply taken a fist to the doji's face, but this wasn't really the best place for it. He retreated a little further into his kimono with his brow darkening just a touch.
Responding to the magistrate, Yatsuji's arms reasserted themselves in his kimono's sleeves and he began to rise, trying to find a way to work a bow to the governor in to the action and succeeding only awkwardly. He stood up to his full height after retrieving his swords from his right side and began to replace them in his own obi. He turned as if to leave the room and then looked back at the table.
"And surely Doji-san will be joining us my Lord Governor, will he not?"
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Doji Hatosenshi
Kougataribe
Global Moderator
Posts: 145| Likes: 42
“We tell the tale of heroes to remind ourselves that we also can be great.”
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Post by Doji Hatosenshi on Jan 7, 2014 18:52:18 GMT
Daidoji Mitakuro nodded at Doji Hatosenshi. "Yes, Doji-sensei will be joining us."
Hatosenshi stood and reached for his walking stick, putting his weight off of his wounded leg. With a polite bow, he added. "Of course. The honor of the company of such an esteemed individual would never be such a thing I could pass on. I am a collector of stories, Otomo-san. I prefer the stories of the heroes and villains of the Empire. Perhaps you could impart some of yours to me?"
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 7, 2014 20:50:52 GMT
"Doji-sensei?" Yatsuji thought to himself, "I shall need to be careful around this one."
Yatsuji backed out the door, so as to not disrespect the governor and gave a final bow on his way out with the other two. In the hallway he put his arms back in his kimono to keep warm. He looked down at the man and his cane.
"I shall be happy to tell you some tales tonight, Doji...sensei. Tomorrow morning we can start our investigation rested and refreshed, if that's allowable, Mitakuro-san?"
*** Yatsuji's story:
"I like to keep mostly to the capital at Kyuden Seppun, you know. Some people don't like it, saying it's too close to old Otosan Uchi, but it is the place the empress has chosen so who am I to complain? Anyway, that's where my house is and where my wife stays. One time i was wandering the streets of the city with some friends. It was early in the evening so all the districts were still open, if you know what I mean, and our group was walking around looking for somewhere to eat and be entertained. We usually go out later in the week to blow off some steam, you know?
“Anyway, there we are, in the more social parts of town looking for a good time when this guy bumps into me. We were in a crowded part of town and I would have let it go because I’m such a nice guy, but then the guy stumbles and turns around and says that I bumped into him. He staggered a little bit then looked up at me and said, “I accept!” but he said it all sloshy like ‘cause he was drunk, you know? He took a stance, or at least someone told me he took a stance ‘cause he was just standing there all casual like. I guess that’s what the Mirumoto school is supposed to look like when you’re drunk like this guy was.
“So I told him to go sleep it off and that we could duel some other time and he starts making this big racket about how I’m a coward. Well, I would have let the guy go on but I was with my buddies, you know? I don’t want to make it look like my lord employs bad samurai. So I went to punch the guy n the jaw but he (I guess he’s like a drunken master or something) dodges and makes me almost trip. Well, I decided that this wasn’t going to go anywhere until we got our swords out so I called for a magistrate as loud as I could. Some guy comes hurrying up and I told him what happened and the magistrate just laughed like he knew something I didn’t.
“He and his guys took me and Dragon man down to what they said was the dueling grounds. They said we could fight in the morning but we had to sleep first. They put us up in some kind of crappy in that I think was pretty close to the magistrate’s station. It looked like a prison cell, anyway, you know?
“Anyway, in the morning they kicked us out of the inn and said to play nice with each other. One of them even volunteered to watch the duel for us. So me and Dragon guy square off ready to kick each other’s butts. I said my name and he told me he was Kazuo and his uncle was some big shot up in the Dragon Mountains, like that matters in the imperial city. Everyone in the Imperial City has a big shot uncle or something, you know? I told him I didn’t care and that seemed to piss him off enough. We took our stances and I could see it in his eyes. You know what I’m talking about right? You’re a sword guy. There’s that look people get. So that you already know they can’t win. I mean, even if he was able to hit me, which he never could have, I was still gonna give him a walloping when I hit back.
“Look, I’m not a storyteller like you, so you can say whatever you want for the next part. What’s important is when we were done I was clean and he needed a doctor for his arm. But just so you know, blood everywhere. I don’t know what this guy does for a real living but he’s a bleeder for sure. Pfeh! Pansy.”
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Moshi Yoru
Mantis Clan
Posts: 42| Likes: 18
Some smiles show mirth. Others just show teeth.
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Post by Moshi Yoru on Jan 7, 2014 22:47:18 GMT
ELSEWHERE IN THE CITY
Moshi Yoru stood on the deck of his personal ship, the Fortune's Storm, as it glided into the Crane harbor. The Storm was a sleek trading vessel, designed to get cargo to its destination safely and quickly. The Mantis banner flying proudly from the main mast, accompanied by the slightly smaller colors of the Moshi family, had already attracted attention on shore - a small group of magistrates led by a samurai wearing the traditional teal of the Crane clan stood at the ready as his ship slipped into the empty berth.
Wearing a green kimono accented with orange and black, Yoru calmly gave orders to his crew to drop anchor and prepare to debark, seeing but not responding to the armed escort that been sent out to greet the Mantis arrival. The Storm had no visible weapons (at the moment), and Yoru was here on a diplomatic mission. He expected to be hassled by the local thugs, but found it unlikely that the Crane would initiate actual violence towards him or his crew.
That being said, he felt reassured by the weight of his hook swords on his back. He disliked combat, but there was no such thing as too many contingency plans. Even Cranes could be stupidly hotheaded from time to time.
He waited until a his personal guard had assembled - two bushi and two minor shugenja - before ordering the gangplank lowered. He had already been briefed on the facts: one dead diplomat, Mantis ships and cargoes seized by Crane, and their crews held in custody. The gangplank had barely touched shore when the magistrates formed up behind it as if they intended to board the Fortune's Storm. Yoru paid them no mind, he simply continued forward with his retinue. A moment later they reached the end of the gangplank, but the magistrates refused to move.
"All Mantis ships and crews are to be impounded, pending investigation of their cargoes and port of origin," one of them barked.
Yoru didn't look at him. "Heimin, you will not speak to me again unless I address you first." He spotted the Crane samurai commanding the motley unit and bowed politely. "Crane-san, I am Moshi Yoru, of the Mantis clan. I am here on diplomatic authority, to officially discuss the recent trade issues between our clans and the death of the Unicorn mediator. I am also here to see to the best interests of my clan and clan mates, and to promote a peaceful solution to these recent troubles." He pulled a sealed scroll out of his sleeve containing his official paperwork and handed it to the man. "Tell me, san, is there a Unicorn vessel or holding in this city?"
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Post by Ide Kinto on Jan 8, 2014 0:50:45 GMT
Somewhere, outside the city, in front of the gate, stood three horsemen. Despite the hardship of crossing Rokugan the more quickly they could, they didn't appeared weary, a not-so-impressive feat since the three travelers wore the colors of the Unicorn.
*Well, well, well, we've finally reached our destination..* thoughts Kinto while drawing a sip from his sake bottle. *Which is fortunate, since I've almost ended my provisions of beverage.* "Kiki, I guess that you're not going to know the way to the estate of the governor, aren't you ?" Asking to his horse wasn't really the best solution at hand, but it was already better than asking his bold Moto yojimbos, they hadn't spoke a word since they've left the Unicorn Lands. It was the recommendation of his wife to don't go alone, an advice that Kinto was more than happy to follow, but why did he agreed to let her choose them... He was quite certain that she had a little tetsubo-talk with them before the travel. Kiki neighed a little. "Good boy!"
After entering the city, Kinto directly proceed to the first guard he saw, a Daidoji if he could trust his heraldic's lessons. "Daidoji-sama, I'm greatly pleased to have finally reached this pleasant destination! I'm Ide Kinto, the newly appointed mediator of the Unicorn." He handed all the necessary documents while speaking. "Could you please advise us to the best inn in town? It's been a long travel and our horses are a little tired."
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 8, 2014 1:00:39 GMT
The morning was brisk and there was a crisp salty wind coming into the port. It was a nice healthy setting to invigorate the soul and keep everyone on their toes. That ade it annoying for Yatsuji, as there would always be magistrates about. It was in his best interest to "find" this magistrate as quickly as possible. The bigger problem was how to make sure Mitakuro came out on the bottom of the whole situation. Or at least, that he would be embarrassed to reveal anything else about the whole ring. It wa slikely that there would be some quid pro quo required here. Favors. The whole system for these nobles was built on favors. Now to capitalize on that. But how?
Yatsuji leaned against a barrel on the docks and watched the Fortune's Storm make its way into port. He saw the magistrates, led by a pompous Crane samurai, get ready to detain the Mantis. He watched the Mantis gear up for a fight. This was all very interesting to just sit and watch, but it seemed like a fight that would ultimately incriminate the Mantis was counterproductive to Mishika's purposes. The Otomo drew himself up to his full height and sauntered on over to the ship where tensions were rising quickly.
***
The Crane, one Kakita Hogato by name, grabbed up Yoru's scroll and broke open the seal open before unrolling the thing and looking the thing up and down. His eyes were sharp and greedy for anything out of order that might give pretense to arrest the captain. Sadly, everything appeared to be in order. Stamped chops from a Mantis lord and the other harbormaster. Full list of cargo in clean strong calligraphy allowing for very little to be misinterpreted.
Frustrated, Hogato half rolled up the scroll and shoved it at one of his subordinates. "Well, we'll at least need to inspect your cargo before we can let you into the port. We want to make sure that nothing illicit," and here Hogato watched the reactions of the Mantis very carefully, "is stowed aboard. If you will all very kindly return to your cabins we'll have someone right up to check on things."
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Moshi Yoru
Mantis Clan
Posts: 42| Likes: 18
Some smiles show mirth. Others just show teeth.
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Post by Moshi Yoru on Jan 8, 2014 1:48:45 GMT
In light of the Crane's obvious frustration with the situation, a small smile formed on Yoru's face. "By all means, Crane-san. You will find little more in our hold than the food and supplies we required to make this trip, but if you wish to have our hold investigated, then of course I insist that you be the one to do the investigation personally, so there can be no doubt in your mind as to the contents of my ship." He bowed graciously again before stepping to the side and motioning for the Crane to board the ship, and as he did so a lock of his meticulously kept hair fell forward, drawing attention to the setting sun reflecting in his eyes, turning them almost orange. "You may find the hold to be somewhat bare though as we intended to resupply here in port, spending our koku here as a token of goodwill. I'm certain the insult of being presumed to be a smuggler will have no bearing on our decision to do so." He straightened up, and with a motion of his hand his personal guard parted. As orders were given to open the hold and allow the Crane to inspect the ship, Yoru noticed the tall Otomo making his way over.
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Post by Ide Kinto on Jan 8, 2014 2:00:04 GMT
After verifying that the papers were not fraud, the Daidoji told them about the Fair Frog, an inn who was in the port district. The price were high, but so too the quality of the sake. That was enough for Kinto who rushed to the establishment with his two yojimbos.
Once on the docks, Kinto remembered a little too late that he didn't actually asked the precise way for the inn. Cursing himself, he could only note that in this chilly morning, the quay was empty. Hearing about a commotion in a ship with the colors of the Mantis, he quickly saw the Crane magistrate on board. Maybe this friendly official could help it to find the way. Arriving near the vessel, he dismounts and seeing that they are some discords in the ship, he slaps the behind of his horse to make it neighed and gain quickly some attention.
"Oh, I'm sorry if Kiki disturbed you. He hasn't learned already all the subtlety of etiquette. " Kinto bows quite a bit. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Ide Kinto, the newly appointed mediator of the Unicorn."
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