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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 15, 2014 11:37:28 GMT
Two copies of the same letter were being delivered to the relevant recipients in the provinces of the Crane.
My Lady Rekai and Lord Sekawa,
Your servant writes to you concerning one Asahina Gonhiro. He visited me during my time of incarceration prior to the trial at Yasuki Yashiki, during which time he insulted my honour unforgiveably. You know me as a practical man, but I cannot let this stand. I seek your permission to challenge him and a champion of his choice in a duel to the death. Please forgive me for seeking to remove one or other of your servants from your command, but I believe our ancestors will look favourably on it.
Yours, Daidoji Kousei
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 28, 2014 0:09:49 GMT
Four letters sat on the table in front of him. Acceptances from both daimyos, a curt missive from Asahina Gonhiro naming his champion as one Kakita Kyruko, and a copy of a short message he had recently sent to Bayushi Satomi.
Satomi-chan,
I didn't think he would be able to find someone of skill willing to go against me with my reputation as it currently is, but he has managed it. Whether she is a childhood friend or one of them I do not know. If I do not survive this I would take it as a personal favour if you would ensure Gonhiro's name finds its way into the ear of Tsuruchi Kasumi. I act now to try and preserve the face of my clan, but should I fail I hope this final action will, in the long term, help save their honour.
Your friend, Daidoji Kousei
He swept the papers from the desk, scrunching them into a ball and then carefully using the flame of a candle to reduce them to ash. The time for words was over - now was the time for deeds.
Kousei had been granted permission by the Shogun to return to his own lands and conclude this business before joining with the rest of the Legion. He got to his feet and went to the rack in the room, carefully removing both blades and placing them in his obi. He glanced in a bowl of water - he was not normally fussy over his appearance, but today he was going to meet a Kakita in a formal duel. If he were to shortly appear before his ancestors, he did not want to shame them in any little detail.
He took up a practice stance, drew and cut. He was a practiced duelist and his cause was just, but his reflexes were not as fast as those of his cousins' and his training was focused in different ways. It was ironic, he thought to himself, that in almost any other field of combat he would be able to best Kyruko. However, this was Rokugan and this was the way things were done.
Resheathing the blade, he took a deep breath in and left the room. He navigated the familiar corridors of the Iron Fortress and emerged into a courtyard. It was early morning and the wind was cool on his face. A small group of people stood nearby, bearing witness to the challenge. A short distance away from them stood his opponent.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 28, 2014 23:45:20 GMT
She stood relaxed, speaking with Gonhiro but as Kousei moved closer she approached him and they bowed politely to one another.
"Kyruko-san, do you know the manner of man you are championing here today?" he murmered quietly before the master of ceremonies came to join them. She smiled at him, although her eyes remained cold. "Well enough." In that moment his speculation about her affiliation increased. Kyruko was already reputed to have fingers in many unsalubrious dishes and Kousei thought that if by some miracle he did beat her then he would not be worried about an innocent soul being caught up in something going on over her head. The Kakita in front of him was aware and dangerous.
They moved apart and waited. The gentle light struck Kousei and an early memory of playing with his siblings by a river at a similar time of day bubbled to the surface of his mind. More followed - his training here in this very building... the first time he met her and saw her smile... standing on the Wall as an enormous oni attacked and how he almost lost his breakfast at the smell of it... Hida Reiha's blood slowly pooling on a courtroom floor. Finally as his eyes played over the crowd, his thoughts turned to the meeting he had had the day before.
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on May 29, 2014 5:02:56 GMT
He always hated coming here.
The lands were nice enough, and the militancy of the Daidoji was certainly something to be admired. What he couldn't stand was the feeling of constantly, silently, blatantly being watched. At least the Doji were polite enough to talk about you behind a fan, or the Scorpion subtle enough that you never saw the ones watching you. The Daidoji, though... When they didn't trust you, you knew it.
As Odai's small delegation arrived at the Iron Fortress, he could tell by the very brusque reception he received that it was going to be a long few days. The look the guards gave him when he mentioned he was here to meet with Kousei were interesting, to be sure, but it was obvious that they were not amused by his sudden arrival.
"Wait here," one of them said, eyeing him suspiciously as he disappeared through the heavy gates, presumably to see if the newly famed rikugunshokan was receiving any guests, much less a Yasuki, on the eve of his duel.
And so Odai would wait, with a smile on his face, as he prepared to take the first true step down a road that could very easily claim his life.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 29, 2014 23:26:12 GMT
Before long the guard returned, trying not to let his surprise show on his face, and lead Odai through the corridors to a door which he slid back then gestured the Yasuki to go through. With a soft whisper it closed again behind him.
Odai found himself in a simple chamber with no personal decorations, from which he deduced they were in the guest quarters. At a desk near the window sat Daidoji Kousei who just presently rising to his feet.
"Yasuki Odai-san. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" The words were polite but the tone was flat. Odai's visit had not been expected and knowing whom he had challenged Kousei was feeling more than a little paranoid.
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on May 30, 2014 4:42:41 GMT
Odai nodded his head as he entered the room, unfazed by the spartan demeanor of the room. Within his first few moments of assessing Kousei, the Yasuki knew how best to go about this meeting.
"Good morning, Daidoji-san, thank you for your willingness to receive me on such short notice." He moved a little further into the room, noting the stiffness Kousei's demeanor. Odai didn't blame the man, if he had been contacted by one of those traitorous scum he would be distrustful of unexpected visitors as well.
"You will not be offended if I displace with the usual pleasantries? I wish not to take up more of your time than necessary, I imagine you are making many preparations for tomorrow."
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 31, 2014 10:47:06 GMT
Slightly taken aback by the courtier's unexpected directness, Kousei nodded and gestured towards the tatami mats in the middle of the room.
"Tea, Yasuki-san?"
After Odai replied, Kousei continued. "There are few preparations left, Odai-san. The paperwork is completed, everyone is present, and tomorrow one of us will die."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jun 1, 2014 14:16:14 GMT
SOMEWHERE NEAR THE THREE SIDES RIVER...
Kousei's letter found Bayushi Satomi on her way to Kyuden Seppun, where her Champion had an appointment to the Empress. Her reunion with her Champion showed Satomi that there was a place in the Scorpion for her, and as she just imagined, she wouldn't be moving from it anywhere soon, unless she was able to commit crimes against the honor of the clan, but Satomi wasn't informed right now what would be the punishment for such actions. Sunetra cynically and patiently lectured the former Crab General about her threats towards the Asako daimyo, and what's more, being very clear about not tolerating those vulgar displays of "bad sportsmanship" a second time.
After her brief but memorable meeting with Yasuki Odai, Satomi had little time for herself but to be introduced in her "new way of life", aided by several tutors picked for her by Sunetra herself fromt he entourage accompanying the champion, and all of them eager to serve the Scorpion Champion. One of them was the mischievous Bayushi Paneki, and soon both discovered that Sunetra had a immensurable pleasure of having Satomi and the Imperial shireikan discussing while she merely watched.
She asked about Keitaro, and about Aishun, and about the former Champion Bayushi Yojiro, which the Asako daimyo revealed to be her father. She was said to be patient. Nothing else was said about them, and she hadn't means to discover by herself without incurring in Sunetra's disfavor. For a moment she felt it was a sort of test…
However, right now waiting to cross the Three Sides River with the Scorpion retinue, the Daidoji messenger delivered her General Kousei's message and she didn't like what she learned from the missive. First, it was so sudden and what the hell, how two Crane families daimyo, being one of them the ASAHINA daimyo, allowed a duel to death without a public and serious offense? How she could make it to Shiro Daidoji without invitation and in such a hurry, she didn't know.
She scribbled a short message to Tsuruchi Kasumi.
Honorable Tsuruchi Kasumi-san,
I hope this message have found you well. Sorry if this missive is short and abrupt; I'm currently travelling and struggling to not sound commanding for a change. However, my mind isn't at ease when I know the Empire's Enemies can be anywhere, so for the sake of a clear message, I'll spare both of us of useless words. I've heard word about your current role as main investigator in behalf of the Emerald Champion, regarding some matters of utmost importance. It happens that I'm also travelling to Kyuden Seppun, so I believe it can be of mutual interest if we meet to talk. I'll be at the Seppun Castle in the next days.
In behest of the Empire's best interests,
Bayushi Satomi
Right now, it was all Satomi could do… The duel was a Crane matter in every aspect, so having a Scorpion meddling in the issue probably would be misinterpreted.
This, and hope for the best, regarding the duel's outcome, she thought.
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on Jun 1, 2014 19:32:57 GMT
"Tea would be lovely, Daidoji-san," Odai replied, getting as comfortable as possible before getting down to business. Listening to Kousei's words calmed some of the Yasuki's misgivings about his goal here, but only slightly.
"Tell me, what do you know of this man, this Gonhiro, and his Champion Kakita Kyruko?"
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on Jun 3, 2014 1:27:49 GMT
Kousei gestured to a servant who scurried away to find tea. Odai's expertise in the field was well known, but Kousei had no idea which blend would be fetched up.
"Well enough, Odai-san. He is a healer, the one who attended me in Yasuki Yashiki. It was there that he committed his offence. As for his champion I know little about her. She is older than I am, but a proficient duellist. More than proficient, actually. You don't live to be almost of retirement age without being good." He smiled thinly. "Still, one can hope that age is finally starting to dull her reflexes.
Why is it that you ask? Have they caused you offence also?"
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on Jun 3, 2014 5:20:31 GMT
Odai noted that they were alone before responding, his demeanor suddenly very serious, as he fixed Kousei with an icy stare."His very existence is an affront to me, my family, and the Empire, Daidoji Kousei-san. This man and the people with whom he associates are extremely dangerous, and to let them continue to operate unchecked is something I cannot allow."
He settled back a bit, seeming for the first time... tired. "To answer your original question, my friend, I am here to ensure that tomorrow it is you who are victorious and Asahina Gonhiro who is dead." The moment the door opened, signalling the return of the servant with tea, Odai seamlessly reverted to the carefree, charming businessman, putting on a show of being overly delighted at the tea regardless of actual quality.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on Jun 3, 2014 23:21:25 GMT
As Odai's manner changed, Kousei reached for the aiguchi hidden inside his kimono, but the words that the governor spoke made him leave it where it was. The servant came in and served the tea, a Silver Needle blend which was found in the mountains, and when the task was complete Kousei gestured at him to leave the room.
Once they were alone again, he spoke frankly.
"His existence is indeed an affront to the Empire, and I aim to remedy that. However,if I fail tomorrow then word of his affiliations should reach Tsuruchi Kasumi shortly. I would rather it were settled as a matter of honour to preserve face, but I will do what I must. He has found a more highly skilled champion than I thought he would be able to, though."
Kousei paused, thinking things through. "You said you are here to ensure I am victorious tomorrow, Odai-san. Forgive me, but you don't strike me as an iaijutsu master with a secret technique to pass on..." Trailing off, he wished to hear what the Yasuki had to say. The Iron Warriors were honourable to a fault, but they were not adverse to practicality and Kousei's time amongst the Crab had instilled in him an even greater sense of pragmatism. His curiosity had been piqued.
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on Jun 4, 2014 5:11:21 GMT
Odai gave a grim smile in reply, almost laughing at the irony in Kousei's words. "You are quite correct, Daidoji-san, I am no master of the blade. However, I have not reached the level of influence that I have obtained without acquiring a certain... Talent, shall we say, for influencing the outcome of events such as these." He took a deep sip of his tea, sighing heavily in contentment as the strong mountain blend began to sooth some of the weariness from his bones.
After allowing a brief moment of silence, he returned his gaze to Kousei, with what could only be described as a mischievous glint in his eye. "Again, is there nothing else you can tell me of this champion of his, this Kakita Kyruko? I believe she may provide the chink in their armor, so to speak, that I am looking for."
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on Jun 4, 2014 6:51:56 GMT
Kousei racked his brains for everything he knew about Kyruko and proceeded to deliver it in his usual military style.
"Kakita Kyruko is the niece of the former regent, Kakita Kaiten. She is the governess of the Kishou province and ordinarily resides in Aketsu. She is nearly of age to retire, although she looks much younger. She is reported to be both brash and spoilt, but quick of both wit and blade. That is everything I know. Why she has agreed to represent Gonhiro I am not sure."
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on Jun 4, 2014 20:49:38 GMT
"Interesting... Perhaps I shall have to pay her a visit this evening, if I recall correctly her uncle was an avid lover of my village's sake..." Odai drifted off for a moment, his mind racing behind his now casual facade as he wondered how best to tread here. It was dangerous, this game he played, but he had no choice; he could not allow something so delicate be decided solely by the outcome of a duel.
"Very well Daidoji-san, I thank you for your assistance. And I am sure I do not have to tell you how important discretion is pertaining to my goals here," he continued, finishing his tea with relish. Reaching into his small travel bag, he produced an ornately engraved bottle, filled with his private stock of sake, which he took a sip of before offering it to Kousei with a smile. "A toast to your success tomorrow, Daidoji Kousei?"
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