Kenpachi and Senshi about Kaneka

[Bayushi Senshi]

The weather had let up enough that the trip back from the city of lies was no where as tumultuous as the ride there. Senshi wondered abjectly if he would run into Haruka, who he had sent here as soon as he could.

He began to wonder if even his own keep was safe enough however.

Senshi didn't come alone. With him came Toku Kenpachi, the de facto champion of the famed clan of magistrates.

Senshi led him directly to his private chambers, and sent the servants home. He didn't check his bedroom, knowing that if Haruka was here she would make her presence known soon enough. Senshi turned to Kenpachi when he was satisfied that they had enough privacy, "The Kami bless the man, but Kaneka has the worst timing. Even I, who am known for being impatient know better then to make a move at a time like this."

[Toku Hirotomo]

"I'm sure there is reason enough." Kenpachi said looking around. "I don't know what is going to take place. There are rumors that the Unicorn joined his cause, as well as the Lion. I have little doubt that the Crane will rush to Toshi Rando. Kaneka-dono's own swift action makes the need for everyone to act swiftly. Kenpachi was looking tired, something that had nothing to do with his journey.

"All Monkey Champions are required to take an oath. The oath is to never raise a blade to a scion of Toturi. None of us could foresee this happening, and my oath leaves me paralyzed. My time as Champion is over. It's getting clear that our lost champion may not return to us. With the war happening, he may be killed quickly. Impressed into one army or another, possibly just killed for seemingly being a ronin. He still took the same oath as I did. I do not know if he could act any more than I could. I am leaving the leadership of my clan to my son. With a revised oath. You once offered me a favor. I ask that you keep this coming war from our boarders for as long as possible. If we work together, we can funnel any opposition to you through the Biden Pass. You will not have to fight on multiple fronts, and my home will not suffer the fate of the Tonbo. Kenpachi did not know who the Scorpion would back. It seemed that the Champion at least thought well of Toturi III. Perhaps he should tell him that Hirotomo was certain to back him. He would let the Champion ponder his words before spilling the remainder of his secrets.

[Bayushi Senshi]

Senshi thought a moment, "Yes. Yes, of course I will do what I can to keep Toku Torid-e safe, Kenpachi san. In fact I think I may be able to operate a lot more freely then I thought once the conflict begins. I can uphold my military alliance with the Lion and the Crab and see that I stay with the Unicorn by siding with Kane-... Toturi."

Senshi looked at a mosaic on the wall, depicting a map of Rokugan. "If the crane do support Hantei, that would mean the only front I need worry about is from the Tsuruchi or the Crane... That doesn't look good for you, Kenpachi."

He pointed at a portion of the map, Kyuden Ashinagabachi was directly south of Toku Torid-e, and the Crane access to reach the Lion or the Scorpion ran through the recently acquired Three Sides River province. In fact, it would seem the Scorpion lands were isolated from the conflict on all sides by allies. "I will coordinate with Tomatsu-san about Three Sides River, I hope that the mantis will side with us, if not we need to hope that the Tsuruchi just stay in their keep.

Taking Three Sides will secure your security from all threats but the Mantis, and if they are a problem, they will then be totally surrounded. I'm no tactician, but I will check this with the Akodo to be sure. Does that suffice for your protection? My forces are not much, but we should be able to protect the Toku holdings, and gain some ground ourselves."

Senshi turned away from the wall, "Truth be told it is the belief of my people that some other source is responsible for all the odd happenings in Rokugan, we just haven't narrowed down the exact source. I intend to have men on either side of this conflict to secure my clan's position once this war is over, and to hopefully get to the heart of the corruption. Can I count on the aid of your magistrates in this? Or will they try to support the Emerald Champion Hachi?"

[Toku Hirotomo]

Kenpachi smiled. "It seems we have a similar plan. My son will side with Toturi. If Hantei wins the day, only my life will be forfeit. I will declare that the Toku involvement was my idea, my son and others merely pawns. My magistrates are already informing me of events similar to the ones you speak of. I will share what they tell me. I'll inform my ambassador to share everything we know. Her name is Fuzake Chiyuki, she is young but she is bright and loyal. I've heard that your wife is acquainted with her. The Mantis will wait to gather strength. They will see us as more the annoyance than a threat. That will give my son time to make Toku Torid-e a very unappealing target. Some of my clan my oppose our view however. I will thoroughly clear all the magistrates I send on this mission. Being a minor clan has it's advantages. People tend to forget about us until it's too late. Kenpachi gave a feral grin.

He managed to secure protection. His son would have one less thing to worry about. He still had much to do. Reportedly, the Crab Champion was seeking him out. With them to the west, the Tsurichi, even if they did side with Toshi Rando, would be far to concerned with them than the Monkey. The Crane would likely assault the Lion first. Old hatreds die hard.

[Bayushi Senshi]

(OOC: OK, so officially Senshi's mind had not actually been made up yet. He does not yet know if he wants his clan to support one or the other, but he personally will support Kaneka. So some subtle changes to this thread, but I'll do what I can to alter my meaning in past posts without retconning them.)

"That..." Senshi paused, considering his words carefully, "Would be inadvisable. You could claim your children only pawns, but your dishonor would still stain them. Your life would not be enough to actually clear their name, only yours.

"Instead," Senshi braced himself for this suggestion, "Blame your course on the corruption of the Maho tainting this country, say that a dark magician from Ryoko Owari Toshi made you a thrall. That will point the finger in my direction, and then should you choose to, your death would not carry the stain to your children. You may even be able to live."

Senshi stood up straight, "I cannot say where the winds of court will take any clan, I can only suspect. I suspect that while I may support Toturi, my clan may best be served on the side of Hantei, should that happen, I will take a journey of enlightenment freeing myself from the clan, and leaving it in control of a regent. I will only have the benefit of my personal guard to defend Toku Torid-e in that instance. I will however do what I can in either case to see if the Lion can help you defend."

Senshi smiled, the act ruffling his cowl, "But once this is all said and done, I do believe we will be even. I had wondered when you would call in the favor I gave you for fighting beside my brother. To which I am still eternally grateful." Senshi backed up a step and gave a very formal bow.

[Toku Hirotomo]

Keeping his face neutral, Kenpachi fought to keep Face when the Champion advised a different plan. Kenpachi bowed in return. "It was my honor to fight beside him. He truly was one of the best the Empire has ever seen." Kenpachi was surprised at the Champion's words. Offering his own life to spare his son's honor and possibly Kenpachi's life. Perhaps he could ask the others supporting Toturi to give concessions to the Scorpion. Perhaps Three Sides River since the Crane would likely support Hantei. He would have to use intermediaries, he was not a friend of Toturi after all. Much hinged on the sides chosen. It would be unwise to start the game when not all the pieces were visible.

[Bayushi Senshi]

(ooc: Because in the game of thrones you either win or you die.