Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod 
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Sept 2, 2011 5:18:34 GMT -5
[OOC - This thread is an interlude that starts at night, after some events that were already discussed by those affected but still haven't "officially" happened, due to time constraints on our part (eventually, I hope we will be able to RP the events that lead to this aboard the Mantis fleet thread). It's purpose is to allow me to communicate with Kakita Mitsouko and set the Mantis plans in motion, thus giving some background to the actions of Kitsune Daichi in the thread Lonely Assault in Kyuden Doji. We can also RP here the direct consequences of this communication. As such, it will begin with us and other persons can participate simply by using common sense. If your character is involved with or directly affected by the actions here described, feel free to join in, if you're unsure, just ask Mitsouko or me.]It was late at night, again. Manji had already lost the notion of when was the last time he had a pleasant night of sleep; rest and peace seemed a lifetime away. He was now standing on The Sun's Gambit' prow, savoring the night breeze and enjoying the new found nocturnal silence, now that the wounded had been all tended to. Long moments passed, where the only sounds in his world were those of creaking wood, waves and wind. Difficult trials awaited him and there was no turning back, so, he appreciated the simple smells of salt and sake while he still could, with the faint hint of blood in the air making him painfully aware of the sacrifices yet to be made. He watched as the Mantis ships went on their way, both to inform their clansmen and to execute their plan. Despite the personal consequences all of this would have to him, for he was now stripped of his family name and branded ronin, he felt a sense of accomplishment and knew this was the right course of action. He could only hope that the Tamori daimyo would understand his decisions, when he finally managed to meet him again. Despite having met Tamori Koichi only once, during a brief audience at Shiro Tamori years ago, Manji had a deep sense of respect for the man, mainly because his grandfather usually spoke highly of the daimyo's abilities and Manji knew that admiration didn't come easy for Tamori Moriya. But the war was still raging and now was not the time for dreams or wishful thinking. He still had a duty to accomplish. Manji washed these thoughts away with a gulp of Shinnosuke's doburoku, pulled a piece of parchment and started his usual mantra, pleading the air kami to lend him their swift voice. Then, he told them his minute long message: Mitsouko-sama, 'tis Manji. The Champion Tsuruchi Kourin is back and the Mantis stands united. A detachment of our ships, under the command of Kitsune Daichi, was sent to aid the armies that march upon Lonely Shore City. Their true purpose is to protect the common people, secure resources and capture your soldiers whenever possible, avoiding as many deaths as reasonable during the inevitable battle. His ships and troops will be identified by a sea blue hued Kitsune mon. Deaths are expected on both sides, for this is war, but warn your men beforehand, so, that they will know whom to attack and who to turn to when they have to surrender or flee. I'll arrive in Toshi Ranbo by morning with further details, please trust me again, as you have before, and the whole situation will soon be made clear to you.Somewhere in Toshi Ranbo, the wind whispered in Kakita Mitsouko's ear... EDIT: added little details, yay! 
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Sept 2, 2011 17:24:17 GMT -5
The cold water put her truly awake. The whispered words came to her when the kakita daimyo was trying to read reposrts, but the tiredness of the day was making everything blurry. But, the smooth, known voice if Manji-san, with the hurried tone, made her heart beat fast.
The Crane clan had decided to make the ultimate sacrifice, leaving almost abandoned their southern cities, even knowing Crab was marching against them, because their armies were asigned to defend Toshi Ranbo, mostly. All Crane families hearts were suffering about the daring decision; few Daidoji units were left behind, commanded by capable chui, ready to sacrifice their lives if needed. But they know it would not suffice. The people, the fields almost in time to be harvested, the best fields of the Empire... All of it left behind to be destroied, if needed, in the name of duty to their higher Lord.
But then, hope knocked their doors. Mantis Champion came to reason and in a long term thought, was able to foresee what the Crab and Lion March would do to Empire, trade routes and people.
Mitsouko knew the efforts of a brave man, Masamoto (and it's name didn't even made any sense to her) was behind it. As well many other Mantis engaged in this plan.Crane would not fail to respond to this offer of aid. Heimin are more valuable than a samurai would normally think. They were basis. They should be preserved.
She went outside and called a messenger. "Call me Yuuto-san. If he is not avaiable, another skilled Asahina does."
....
Somewhere else, Manji was able to sense the coming of a Air kami, and the Kakita daimyo voice near to him...
"Manji-san, Tsuruchi Kourin, you and the others involved as well have my respect. Our Daidoji warriors will not flee, but they will be engaged in other things than Mantis. Crab is already using most of our energy there. Loyal budoka will be warned to make it simple to Mantis in the southern shores, and the people willing to go will take supplies as well.
Inari-dono bless us all."
Then, she started to dictate messages.
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Sept 3, 2011 7:24:26 GMT -5
Kami's Delivery Service, he thought with a sly smile upon his lips after receiving his answer, as it was quite uncommon for him to be receiving messages in this fashion. He produced another small scroll piece from the sleeves of his kimono and sent a second message, this time to Kitsune Daichi:
Daichi-san, the Crane approved of our intervention in Lonely Shore City. Give the Crab no reason to doubt our allegiance, support them staunchly during the assault and always follow the Way of the Mantis. After all, we are not the only ones who have connections, be always aware and have in mind that others may be informed or guess about our plans. Remember that your focus is to protect as many heimin and claim as many foodstuffs as possible. Spare and capture the soldiers you can, kill swiftly those you cannot. May the Fortunes guide your path.
Afterwards, Manji told Masamoto about Mitsouko's message and left for him to inform the Mantis Champion, because he didn't trust her intentions yet, as her timely return had been just too convenient. He bid them a brief farewell and departed The Sun's Gambit aboard the same boat he arrived, for it would not do to for them to be seen together anymore, now that that he belonged to the waves.
Once upon the dark morning waters, Manji intoned a soothing mantra, followed by a complex set of hand motions and destined to rest both his mind and his body, 'cause he would not have time to sleep. One more time he asked the water and air Kami to speed his boat and followed the river towards the war.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Sept 3, 2011 19:00:15 GMT -5
Busying himself with the daily chores of administrative obligations and the mundane tasks that come with the care of the sick and wounded, Yuuto is interrupted by a request from Mitsouko's personal entourage.
As he enters her command tent, a coldness begins to creep into the atmosphere around him. The shadows extend alluring to him, as if tempting him with the secrets to be found in the void. The entire demeanor of Mitsouko, as he gazes upon her figure, pronounces a stance of secrets to be secured. His eyelids flick deviously to the left and then right as he eyes the shadow's words more closely, his voice hinting at the entertainment of possibly being in the know, "what do you ask of me, Mitsouko-sama?"
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Sept 5, 2011 7:32:16 GMT -5
A man called Manji will need aid to come to Toshi Ranbo once more. This shugenja has a Kitsune heritage, with natural white hair. He is right now of political importance for our clan, but I think you and him can be able to communicate yourselves easily with the help of Air Kami. Need your help. I know how important is to save hurt people in the infirmary, but right now, maybe we are talking about having our lands not ravaged by Mantis, our common people not massacred by Crab. Find him, bring him here, please.
She spoke almost whispering, dilated pupils, not because she didn't trust in her retainers, but because she was excited and her heart ran fast with the possibility of saving more thousands people more than she would dream one night ago.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Sept 6, 2011 0:44:26 GMT -5
Yuuto nodded at Mitsouko’s request, fumbling through a pouch to produce a candle for the ritual. Kneeling on the ground, he ignites the wick before sitting in a more comfortable position, the tiny flame licking up far more smoke than to be expected. The fire flares up momentarily as a breeze whirls around, soon eyeing Mitsouko up and down, before escaping the tent flaps into the skies around. As it disappears, an image in the smoke becomes more clear.
Breeze turns to gale as it parts spear tips between two on patrol, swiftly escaping the city gates before making a second pass around the ramparts. Arrows fling back and forth and drums beat brazenly, the tiny wind glimpsing unheard clangs of swords and clop of horse hooves as it follows the river away from Toshi Ranbo. Birds begin to chirp, as peasants far below toil in soil almost ready for harvest, wagons on roads a constant reminder of the war this little breeze has momentarily left behind. River soon turns to delta, before reaching open sea, a battered but proud fleet easily greeting its sight. Sailors furl sails and tug against moaning rope, salty sea spraying their shirts.
Yuuto and Mitsouko now gazing through the smoke, awe at the scene, and hone their eyes to the man they wish to seek. As his face is found, the wind whispers, and ears perk through white strands to listen. Manji-sama, those who mount a defense in Toshi Ranbo, wish to meet!
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Sept 6, 2011 16:28:42 GMT -5
It was still night when Manji received Yuuto's message, but it would be a long time until he was finally able to answer the Asahina shugenja. On the river, the Kitsune had to divide his attention between too many things. Communicating with the kami and keeping a watchful eye for river patrols consumed all of his efforts. That and the uneasy feeling that something of grave importance was about to happen.
Early in the morning, once in sight of Toshi Ranbo and ready to send Yuuto an answer, Manji met what the Fortunes had reserved for him. As a consequence, he ended up tending to Hiromitsu's and Haruka's serious battle wounds. This chance meeting showed him that the kami still had plans for both Scorpions, so he wouldn't allow them to die today, under his care. Knowing that most bushi would be too proud to ask for further help, Manji gave them enough travel supplies to last during the journey ahead and accompanied them for a good part of the day, until they came upon a road inn owned by an acquaintance of Manji. There he managed to find a horse for Hiromitsu and, far from the confusion of the battleground, the Kitsune was finally able to tend for both bushi more adequately. Once they were properly healed, he bid them farewell and went back to Toshi Ranbo on horseback to fulfill his duty.
Late in the afternoon, when he finally arrived back in the spot where he had hidden his boat amidst the reeds, Manji talked to the horse and asked him to go back to the inn's stables. Even on the opposite side of the river, the air was thick with the smells of fire and blood, the placid sound of the water replaced by the distant clangor of metal and a cacophony of cries. As the twilight approached, Manji could only think that this was a bad place to linger. He closed his eyes as he reached for a small piece of parchment, carefully hidden amongst the folds of his sleeve, unfolded it and murmured a soft mantra to the wind. With it, he said:
Yuuto-sama, I apologize for my tardiness and lack of news, but the Fortunes had other plans for me during this long day. I am now on the river, on my way to Toshi Ranbo's harbor and should arrive with the night. You will be able to find me in the inn Roar of the Origami Lion, feel free to come when possible.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Sept 7, 2011 1:00:13 GMT -5
Mitsouko had long tired of the shugenja's parlour tricks as the two gawked at the scenery in the smoke, retiring to the responsibilities of her rank. He assured her he would negotiate his arrival into her hands. A day later the missive from Manji had arrived, and Miga now found herself helping him into a worn brown robe Yuuto had acquired years ago from Mantis merchants in his travels. The wool tickled his skin annoyingly, but comfort is a small price to pay for the concealment it provided.
Miga’s cheeks glow a warm ruby hue; her long black hair let out and curling at the ends. Her eyebrow’s arching at the suddenness of this impromptu dressing ritual, “my mind can only wonder where you may be planning to wander,” her tongue showing its more relaxed position these last few day, as she binds his white hair into knot, “perhaps you have an itch elsewhere?” his fingers giving voice to the discomfort he felt. Yuuto’s glare was all the response she needed, as the kami’s finished painting the long strands of “fu manchu” down his chin.
As he crowns his head with jingasa, he solemnly replies, “I will return, but I ask you to honor our purpose without my presence,” his disguise complete, he quietly steps into the humid rain in the streets, a whispered and painful, “hai,” bidding him farewell. His feet slosh through the puddles and man-made rivers of the natural depressions of the cobbled stone as his footing find him to the pernicious portside of the city. Men move boxes, and boast drunkenly, the waves crashing rhythmically as hammers and curses coerce the very air despite the downpour. His rough exterior may not expose him, but even his smell and his mannerisms are out of place. Burly men, not made for anything other than the savagery of the sea, flank his parade through the pernicious port of the city.
The entrance to the inn rots; perhaps a product of the corrosive environment, but its roar certainly does give him reason to remove his presence from its papered gaze. The tattered drapes that guard the entrance envelope him as he makes his way into a dimly lit, and drab den of debauchery. The stretched grunt of the bartender greets him, as a woman of cheap colors and crimson lips puckers for his attention. ”Of all the sake shacks in all the cities of Rokugan,” he cringes as he shifts through the filthy tables and patrons to find a place more descript.
He sits, for what he believes to be an eternity, surveying the scene and petting his newly acquired facial hair as he looks for his mark. Fortunes are lost, and fights fume, as drinks find faces and finally the filthy floor. As Yuuto finds his own distraction, an admirer soon finds him, fondling his fabric longingly, “you don’t look like you’re from around here,” she chastises whispily, “perhaps I can give your night... purpose?” His eyes darting as she walks his back with her hands up and down enticingly, the noticeable stains on her worn kimono standing out as its silky motions find alluring rhythm. His noise regales him with sensitive scents that mask more savage smells, as a lump finds his throat, and her voice perks up, “perhaps you might like a drink?”as her arms surround.
Yuuto stammers, his confidence turning to discomfort, “sake,” wiltering will conspiring against his senses as sensation overtakes thoughts, “but only sake.”The shugenja's hazel eyes hide, lacking interest in such shuddered haven, as his hand motions her away, her lips preparing to pout. His shoulders relax as he fiddles with his now steaming collar.
He chuckles a little as his thoughts are consumed with advice from recent past, “although, if I am to deal with the Mantis, perhaps she may be able to give me some pointers!"[/color]
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Sept 7, 2011 14:31:28 GMT -5
OOC: This got kinda big because I couldn't resist the opportunity to play a prank on Yuuto and tell a bit about what Manji plans to do. The important part is really near the end.
After such a long and laborious day, the warm waters of the simple ofuro located in the back of The Roar of the Origami Lion were a blessing from the Fortunes. The Kitsune finished his relaxing bath leisurely, letting the water carry away all his worries and weariness. Afterwards, he bound his long white hair in a loose ponytail and calmly donned his last clean change of clothes, a simple reddish brown travel garb made of cotton, devoid of any family or Clan markings. Then he went on his way to find Shinnosuke and ask him if he had any news about the Crane shugenja that was expected tonight. He was a bit bummed that the one to meet him wouldn't be Yukihime and couldn't help but wonder if he had given her a bad impression when they met.
Manji took those thoughts out of his mind, quickly crossed the dimly lit gardens and quietly pushed open the homely building's lateral shoji. The inn was bustling with activity tonight and completely packed with ashigaru or ronin employed by the Crane in the defense of the Capital. It's main hall was a busy confusion of mixed conversations, with the three waitresses working hard to keep the many different clients well supplied of food and beverage. The pleasant smells of boiled vegetables and rice mixed themselves with those of sweat and leather. Manji crossed the room nimbly, avoiding the areas with more intense movement, and went towards Shinnosuke, who was near the fire, cooking another batch of rice.
- Good night Shinnosuke-san, I see things have been very busy since I left.
- Ahh, Kitsune-sama, yes, a Crane gunso friend of mine recommended the place for the soldiers who came to guard the harbor. Ever since then we've been booked full.
- Old friend, I've told you already, no need for such formalities with me just because you've seen me clad in Clan's silks. You were, after all, a friend of my father. Besides, they took the Kitsune out of the Fox, now I'm simply Manji.
- Hahaha, yes, your father used to say the same to me, must be a Dragon thing. You really remind me of him y'know? Except for that white hair o' yours, that makes you look like a Crane, son, he said with a broad smile. But after seeing the sadness in Manji's face, the old man added, sorry Manji-kun. Your father was a good honorable samurai, especially for a Magistrate, shame what happened to him, he paused for a while and finished respectfully, but now you tell me the Mantis took away your name? What madness came upon them to dishonor such fine young shugenja?
- They didn't took it, I gave it away. Had to, in order to fulfill my duties. Otherwise I would've been dragged along to the war, on Akodo Kaneka-sama's side, and that wouldn't do any good to my cause. And I prefer to anger mortal men than to anger the Fortunes, the Kitsune said, masking his worries with a smile.
- And what will you do now son?
- As soon as I finish some of my most pressing duties, I'm going after Tamori Koichi-sama. My grandfather used to speak highly of him, I hope he can understand my situation and still accept me into the Tamori.
- The Fortunes must be toying with you my boy, you just missed Tamori-sama. He came personally to the Capital soon after you left, bringing troops to reinforce the Crane, Shinnosuke said while giving one of the waitresses some freshly cooked bowls of rice and vegetables and organizing some jugs of sake.
Manji didn't know what to say to that, so he just sighed deeply.
My friend, I see that you're very busy, so I'll let you work. Just tell me, do you have any news of the Asahina shugenja I've been expecting? His name is Yuuto-sama, if I'm not mistaken.
Old Shinnosuke grew pale at the mention of the Asahina shungeja's name and made a deeply apologetic bow.
I'm sorry, Manji-kun, pardon my old fool mind. I forgot to warn you, one of my boys came in earlier and told me that those pests, my brother's boys, changed the signs of our inns again. Asahina-sama must be waiting for you at his inn, The Roar of the Salacious Lion.
Manji blushed involuntarily. The Roar of the Salacious Lion was property of Juunosuke, younger brother of Shinnosuke. The place was as infamous as its proprietor, who some said was a smuggler and a pirate (although never to his face), and everyone in the ports knew it to be a veritable den of scum and villainy. That and a red light house. It was also known that the two small sons of Juunosuke loved to play pranks with those that didn't knew the harbor and, on top of giving false directions, they usually tried to change the signs of Juunosuke and Shinnosuke's inn's.
Manji thanked old Shinnosuke and bid him a hurried farewell, speeding his way towards The Roar of the Salacious Lion while thinking that's was all that I needed to finish my day. I hope Yuuto-sama doesn't get into trouble before I arrive. At least this didn't happen to Yukihime-sama, he blushed again when thinking about Asahina Yukihime and scolded himself, fool, stop behaving like a damn kid.
When he finally arrived and entered the battered sake den, he saw it was exactly like the first time he came here by mistake and he imagined if this was how it always had been. The dimly lit room was populated with small isolated groups of sailors, most being promptly tended to by "courtesans". Manji quickly scanned the room in search for Yuuto. Luckily for him, the Asahina was conspicuously trying to look inconspicuous, his pretty hair having caught the attention of three "courtesans" already. Manji gave a sigh of relief and thought he found some interesting trouble I see... with a sly smile upon his lips while padding towards his fellow shugenja and the women fawning over him.
Nara, Rena, Kara, please, bring me some hot sake and leave us alone for a while, he said, while sitting in the open space in front of Yuuto.
- Manji-sama, how unusual to see you. We haven't seen you since that time when... Nara started saying in a purring voice but was suddenly interrupted by Manji's subtle motion, silencing her mouth with his index finger. Not now love, me and my friend have important business to discuss, with that, the women went away.
Manji turned to Yuuto and said, with an air of confidence and in a respectful tone, Asahina Yuuto-sama, it's an honor to meet you. I ask you to excuse me for the accommodations, they were not what I had in mind. Still, during these trying times, one can do naught but deal with what he has available. We have much to discuss and I imagine Kakita Mitsouko-sama sent you with many questions. So, please tell me, what would you wish of me first?
EDIT: those pesky typos. And a minor description added when I enter the second inn.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Sept 7, 2011 21:07:40 GMT -5
I stood at the very front of one of the smaller boats in the fleet. Toshi Ranbo was in front of me approaching closer. A quick spray crash across the bow of the boat sending a salt mist across my face. A small group of trusted Yoritomo Bushi accompanied me to the capital of the known Empire. Even through the gloom of battle breaks in the smoke clouds was letting in small breaks of fading light. I didnt even realize if it was twilight or dawn. It has been awhile since I slept more than a hour or two.
I couldn't remember the last time I was here. We were coming to take people aboard and back to the Sun's Gambit, to bring supplies to needed samurai, and take the innocent people of this stupid war to safety. A rumble of anger rolled through my body. I fought down rage, rage caused by ignorant people of the realm whoms ambition has caused much suffering. I felt a shutter go through my clad arm.
"Soon we will dock, be ready. We will not be trusted and do nothing to provoke their ire. We are here for one task. Save as many lifes as possible. Understood?" force was behind my words.
A chorus of "Hai Sama" could be heard over the crash of the waves
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Sept 8, 2011 0:14:25 GMT -5
Yuuto greeted his new found friend’s introduction with silence. The clacks of dice on wood and the protests of the girls had entrenched him further into his own thoughts of why he was here. These negotiations would be important, and while they may not change the war, they did have the possibility of lessening its impact on his people and the hearts of many factions involved.
Fortunately, despite Yuuto’s faux pas, Manji appears to be more distracted by the sultry sway of the trio’s swagger as they return with his sake and encircle the two. The pouty moans of Nara’s soprano voice interrupt his thoughts, as she begins the negotiations, “Manji-sama, your friend does not seem interested in me,” her right arm caressing Manji’s shoulders and chest as she plays with a curl in her obsidian hair, “perhaps he does not find me… pretty?” Her twin Rena quickly flanking his other side, her lips making a puffy childish frown, “Hmmph!,” she chimed. As the two play their part, Kara circles behind Yuuto, ceremoniously placing the sake and cups on table, before her fingers begin feeling up the hair on his neck, “perhaps he just needs to be made more... comfortable?”
The jingasa on his head hides the glint in both eyes faintly signaling the shugenja’s distress, eyelids shuttering to feign the discomfort as he pours his friend and himself a drink from dull jug. He lets out a long sigh before sipping the acrid fermentation, calmly stating his purpose, “I am here for business Manji-sama,” a pause giving seriousness to his words as the rim of his jingasa unveils the sincerity in his eyes, “risky business.”
Yuuto’s cup casually finds the table, as his hand caringly pets Kara’s hand, “ladies you are most lovely, but we speak of dangerous things, and I would not put you to risk simply because your profession has put you in our company,” he grimaces towards the now souring faces, “please give us some privacy,” the moans and whines and sighs trumpeting their retreat as the three quickly march away in defeat.
As his attention turns back toward his guest, his voice perks towards the next negotiation, “the question I present to you most honorable mantis, what services can you provide?”
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Sept 11, 2011 16:08:15 GMT -5
The Crane's discomfort with everything going on around him was palpable and he seemed so out of his element that Manji decided it would be best to be direct with him, so that they both could go back to their duties, leaving The Roar of the Salacious Lion behind. Yuuto-sama, if you allow me, first I must clear some misconceptions you seem to have about me and this whole situation. When I left the Mantis fleet behind I also left my name and some of my affiliations. Sadly, I'm no samurai anymore and any claims I had to honor would be disputable, at best, now, Manji's voice was serious, respectful and somewhat sad. He paused for a moment, to let his words sink in, then continued without taking his eyes off the Asahina, still, I do speak for some members of the Mantis and I gave up my name in order to better serve their current needs and those of our Empire.
Nara arrived with the requested hot sake right after Manji had finished speaking. She graciously put the bottle on the table and served the two shugenja with a deftness some would think impossible to find in a place like the Salacious Lion. Afterwards she offered a courteous bow and silently left their presence. Manji sipped from his sakazuki, pulled a face and said in a heavy voice, by the Fortunes! Thankfully this thing is hot. Yuuto-sama, I tell you, the only danger to you right now comes from the possibility of choking on this swill Juunosuke-san calls sake. The kitsune put his sakazuki down, waited some moments for the bitter aftertaste of the cheap sake to lessen in his tongue, then continued, I come with information that Mitsouko-sama might find useful and an offer. The information is that, as expected, the Mantis will still back Akodo Kaneka-sama's claim and join his armies. But all the Captains agreed that a ravaged Empire would do no one any good, us least of all, since the trade with the Clans is our lifeblood. Thus, we all agreed that the heimin and the food must be protected at all costs during this conflict. For that, the Mantis intends to sail the heimin away, unharmed, from the conflict zones to more peaceful areas. And the supplies we manage to forage during our incursions will be stocked to be partly distributed freely and partly traded during the war's aftermath. They also agreed that it would do us no good to severely weaken the Crane, one of our best trading partners, so, your Clan may expect as much courtesy and help from us as possible, considering our opposing roles in this war, and the Captains will offer fair treatment and protection to whatever warriors are captured by them. Some of the Captains are also very sympathetic to the Emperor's cause and are trying to find alternative ways to act on his behalf without directly opposing the Mantis decision to support Kaneka-sama.
Manji took another sip from his sakazuki, paused for a moment while carefully thinking about his next words and, after moments of silence, said in a cautious voice, that was the best I and Yoritomo Masamoto-sama were able to salvage from the parley meeting he organized. I must also warn your Clan that the Monkey seems very determined to support Kaneka-sama until the end, despite his clear disregard for the minor Clans in his campaign against the Yobanjin. Their champion, Toku Hirotomo-kun, is both childish and stubborn, as befit for one of his age, and will most likely not back down his boisterous claims. I suspect someone is secretly manipulating him into going to war, for getting involved in this conflict may very well mean the end for a minor Clan. I know all this information isn't much and I truly wish I could offer you more, but that was the best I could do.
As for my offer, it came to my attention that the Tortoise is willing to provide services that may help us alleviate the impact of the war to the Empire. I am going next to Kyuden Kasuga in hopes of coming to an agreement with Kasuga Shinobu about the establishment of alternative trading routes and to seek secure places for some of the heimin we manage to protect and part of the supplies we happen to gather, Manji paused for an instant, to toy with a tuft of his long white shaggy hair that stubbornly kept falling over his eyes. He deftly reorganized his hair and bound it in a loose ponytail with a stripe of black leather, before continuing, almost in a murmur, a little bird also told me about some, let's say unusual, techniques employed by the Crane in the defense of Lonely Shore City and I imagine the Kasuga may be able to procure the rare items required by your warriors. Thus, if any Crane feel it can trust me and wishes to accompany me during my journey, I would be happy to oblige, the kitsune said with a sly smile upon his lips, while offering a courteous half bow to Yuuto.
EDIT: Fixed some typos, changed some words for synonyms to improve the text's fluency and added a little description near the end. The text remains the same, but with a little bit more flavor.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Sept 12, 2011 9:47:56 GMT -5
In her tent, Mitsouko received a letter from the southern borders. She frowned while the content of the confidential missive designed a new scenario in her mind. There was only a person that was able to help her find a solution... But right now he was miles away. But he has sent to Toshi Ranbo a bridge to her. And this element should be actioned.
She was pretty sure of his loyalty to Crane clan... and maybe to her as well.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Sept 12, 2011 16:27:15 GMT -5
The Boat rushed into port. The winds picked up from the sea, a massive storm on the horizon. Many Crane samurai were waiting outside ready to defend the city. My crew did not falter, nor did they show any aggression. I stood at the front of the ship and jumped onto the dock as soon as I could make the leap.
I stood towering over the defenders, no weapon drawn. I peered over everyone and it seemed every eye in the docks were on me. I could hear the creak of the ship behind me and feel the rain starting to hit my face.
with a booming authority in my voice "I am Yoritomo Masamoto, we are here to help. first we seek shelter from the storm then after it passes, we will take the innocent people of the city to safety. No harm will come to them. Please direct me to your leadership."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Sept 13, 2011 9:18:54 GMT -5
The Crane in the port were alerted to be cautious with arrival of Mantis ships, as some of them were expected to have peaceful purposes (due the expectative of an treatise with Mantis). So Masamoto was made as comfortable as possible to either wait in his ship or in the shelter, under the vigilant eyes of Crane port defenders, while his message was been passed from lower to higher ranking in the Crane hierachy...
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