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Post by Shoju on Aug 12, 2011 13:45:23 GMT -5
"I like your style Kenpachi-san. It is a shame that the first time we met was under such.... unwanted circumstances. Shoju motioned for the Monkey retinue to sit, and then he did as well. "The truth be told, I fear that we sit with opposing opinions in this civil war, but yes. I'm hoping to find a way to establish my birthright.
Shoju pointed to a map that hung on the wall. The Lands of the Snake are surrounded on all sides by those who would be allies to anyone but myself. Great Clans with a significant Military Presence. A Great Clan that crushed my ancestors underfoot. I don't wish to quarrel with them, but the gambit I plan to make could be costly. Which leads me to the most important question. Where do the minor clans stand in this war?"
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 12, 2011 15:44:37 GMT -5
"The Monkey, The Hare, and a portion of Badger, a few Sparrow, some Dragonfly, and a smattering of the other Minor Clans support Toturi III. I've been allowed to retain my neutrality, due to my oath to Toturi II. The others have remained faithful to Hantei. To be frank, I care little about the war, and some diverse others have joined me in that matter. The Phoenix will be far too busy with the war to deal with you taking back your lands, and by the Emperor's orders, no Great Clan can war with a Minor Clan unless permission is given. If you take your lands swiftly, and prove your worth just as swift, the Phoenix can only stand idly by. Though negotiations with the Phoenix may be even more useful in the long run. Either way, no matter what path you choose, the Alliance knows that to destroy one of us is to destroy all of us. Any attack on one's homeland, we will fight for them. We do not wish to be wiped aside, and only with each other can we survive this war."
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Post by Shoju on Aug 14, 2011 16:23:44 GMT -5
Shoju rubbed his chin and thought for a moment. I do not wish to bring blades against the minor clans. I feel that bringing blades against them will only hurt my position. Yet, I'm certain of how I feel about the matter of the brothers war. Shoju looked over the retinue of Monkey and smiled. Perhaps I will seek the council of the Phoenix, and in the mean time begin cleansing the lands of the Snake from those who seek to corrupt it.
Shoju's face grew stern for a moment. Make no mistake Kenpachi-san, I do walk a path that people will find offensive. I embrace knowledge to understand it, and I embrace practices others may deem corrupt. All members of the snake understand that their practices are monitored, and there are actions that are strictly forbidden. We are not the pure driven snow, but we are not the blasted landscape we now find ourselves in either. I hope you understand.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 14, 2011 17:44:28 GMT -5
"There are the Tortoise, who's actions disturb the sensibilities of many samurai. The Unicorn is still seen as outsiders two centuries after their homecoming, even the Scorpion are seen as the villains of the Empire. Any actions you may partake in is not something new for the Empire. People are offended easily. Then they grumble for awhile, then they sullenly grow used to the idea and attack you in court, rather than a battlefield. I can help you in court." Kenpachi spread his hands. "The Empire just needs to get used to you. Once that happens, you'll be surprised how many new allies one can acquire. You just need, in the words of the Mantis, a selling point."
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Aug 14, 2011 18:35:22 GMT -5
"Seen as the villans..." a dark and heavy voice rumbled on, churning into a sound laugh. Tenshi entered the room with some magnitude as she emerged into plain sight. "I'm afraid the Scorpion are more than simply what they seem."
At this she bowed truly and deeply to all seated. She still wore a light set of armor as her long dark hair rested unrestrained. The resemblance to her sister, Haruka was uncanny. But her voice was different. "A thousand apologies my lord and good honorable souls, but there is one thing that I cannot allow to be misunderstood. Where the Unicorn's acceptance or the Mantis or Tortoise's ways are something of a matter of perspective..." She drew nearer to Shoju's side.
"The Scorpion will be more of an enemy than ever before. They choose their path, they cannot be trusted." Her intense gaze fell on Kenpachi for a moment before bowing away respectfully to the floor. "And from what I have seen with my own eyes, even in diplomacy... they cannot be trusted."
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 14, 2011 19:53:56 GMT -5
Chiyuki's eyes widened, then narrowed, but before she opened her mouth, Juta stepped forward. "The Scorpion have enough on their collective plates at the moment. If they do not choose a side, their bargaining power will diminish swiftly. They are perhaps still stinging from their exile, and are waiting for a better position. In truth is that not what the Scorpion desire? Each is the sole exception to his clan, the only Scorpion you can trust. They will position themselves to gain the most. As we will have to. This is politics, my dear Lady. Who said anything about trust?"
Kenpachi nodded to Juta. The young shugenja spoke well. He bowed to the lady ronin, though her stare chilled him slightly. What was this? The Lady Scorpion? Impossible, the voice was off. He fought beside Uta-Bayushi Haruka seen her with his own eyes."I must agree with my aide, but your statement is sound. I've not the pleasure of meeting you before, though I may have known a relative of yours. I am Toku Kenpachi, and these are my aides, Toku Fusashi, Fuzake Juta, Toku Gozu, and Fuzake Chiyuki." He said, introducing each in turn.
Kenpachi smiled at the woman. A warm smile, one an uncle might give to a favorite niece. The rest of the Black Monkey bowed, Gozu and Fusashi's were perfunctory, Juta's was florid, and Chiyuki's was as though she had a bar of frozen steel in her spine.
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Post by Shoju on Aug 15, 2011 9:07:04 GMT -5
Shoju smiled as Tenshi entered the room, and nodded as she spoke. Shoju saw the logic and the anger and hatred in her eyes and voice as she spoke. In the Monkey's response, he saw their realist qualities, and the desire to have allies, and keep them from quarreling.
Welcome Tenshi, I'm pleased you have decided to join us. Kenpachi-san and I have a very interesting history. Shoju smiled at offered Tenshi a seat next to him. What Tenshi said rings true though, A move made by myself would cause them to seek to destroy us at every opportunity. It would take a mighty effort to make the scorpion stay their blade against us.
Shoju grinned slightly, An idea had surfaced. I have made acquaintances with several of the Yobanjin in a tribe north of the Empire. I wonder if they would allow us to reside in their lands while we reclaim our lands... it would keep the movements of the Snake obscured until we were able to retake our lands. I think once we retake our lands, our selling point as you called it, will make itself clear. Shoju paused and looked at the cieling for a moment. Sometimes, the most successful tool you have for rooting out a problem sometimes feel like the problem itself. There is no one better suited in the Empire to find an root out rogue cells of bloodspeakers than myself, and those who follow me.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 15, 2011 14:39:30 GMT -5
"That will be sure to earn you a few allies in the Empire. Though if the animosity the Scorpion hold for you is that deep, you may have two enemies to worry about. You will have to get either the Scorpion or the Phoenix to agree to a cessation of hostility. Perhaps you could gift them with knowledge of cults within their borders, ensure that you are useful enough to not molest for the time being, while you secure Imperial support." Kenpachi's wind was whirling. Plans within plans.
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Post by Shoju on Aug 15, 2011 15:15:41 GMT -5
Shoju's grin widened a little. Kenpachi-san, The Master of Secrets never forgets, as I'm sure you never do either. Couple the loss of The Master of Secrets brother with half of the stories you have heard about me, and you will understand what I mean when I say: I'll take my chances with the Phoenix Shoju chuckled. Though, I have been told you and the Master of Secrets hold each other in regard as allies..... Perhaps you could aid me if it comes to it. If the bid to take retake the plains should attract the attention of the Master of Secrets, maybe you can show him the path to patience.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 15, 2011 18:19:53 GMT -5
"I conciser the Master of Secrets a personal friend and one of my greatest allies. I'll not come between the two of you. I am from a small clan, and I don't think he would blink to wipe us out for a chance at you. You'll have to secure Imperial support before you tangle with him. He is many things, buy disloyal is not one of them. The Hidden Guard will not be your friend, but if you prove useful to another family, you may at least live long enough to give your clan a new start. Personal enemies aside, the greatest one can accomplish is to leave a legacy. We are all transients in this life." Kenpachi was watching the female ronin. Where did she fit in this? She did not wear the mon of Snake or Spider. A tool perhaps? Something more something less. He would have to speak with Haruka about this. His son should be reaching Kyuden Bayushi soon. Perhaps another trip was due.
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Post by Shoju on Aug 16, 2011 8:49:14 GMT -5
Shoju frowned slightly and nodded. I can understand the position you find yourself in, for I fear that I find myself in a similar position when it comes with the Spider. I'm afraid at this point, my options are sparse. Shoju had a thought, but he dare not speak it yet. Thank you for meeting with me Kenpachi-san. I hope that you will accept my offer to stay for the evening. You are our first guests, and I do believe that there are festivities planned for the evening if you stay. We have accomodations for you and your honor guard ready and prepared, if you would like. I hate to admit it, but I do need to attend to some business at present, but can plan to meet up with you later on in the evening.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 16, 2011 18:08:37 GMT -5
Kenpachi looked at Fusashi, and the man nodded. The Jade supplies were still full. "Thank you for the invitation, Shoju-san. We will take that offer. We're honored to be your first guests. When you have leisure, I would enjoy speaking again."
Kenpachi looked to his aides. Gozu was looking unhappy. He was worried about being here. Kenpachi was not thrilled either to be sleeping in the Shadowlands, but risks must be taken if he was going to finish his task.
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Post by Shoju on Aug 17, 2011 8:52:59 GMT -5
with the monkey
Shoju bowed, I am very happy you have accepted my offer. Sansi will show you to your quarters, and give you time to take care of anything you may need to. Dinner will be served for you later, followed by a kabuki display. I will try to be ready for dinner, but I will most assuredly be with you for the Kabuki. As shoju finished speaking, and began walking out, the energetic young woman Sansi walked back up to them.
"Come with me samas! I will take you to your quarters." She led them into the left hallway, Kenpachi would noticed that the stones looked the same, and as they passed down the hallway. They passed the first door, and proceeded to the end of the hallway. The hallway looked the same, but the door most assuredly did not. Instead of a heavy bulky door, there was a light ornate door, with no traces of blood magic.
When they entered the room, it was opulent. There was a low table and cushions directly in front of them, and then a series of screened areas, where one could see beds, and what not. "I hope that this is ok for you samas. I know that it is smaller than what many would be accustomed to, but I have assurances from Shoju-dono that this was once his private study." Sansi said smiling. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
After Shoju Left
Shoju was headed back to the citadel with Tenshi. I will be attempting to contact the Mistress of Secrets. Her silence after receiving the letter leaves me curious. We will need to prepare an envoy to the North. Our first attempt will be to contact the Ox, and if that proves fruitless, we will use our contacts in Yobanjin Mura. Shoju seemed irritable. The monkey's delicate situation makes their ability to help a tough decision. I cannot expect them to aid us in reclaiming the lands of the Snake. Shoju thought for a moment. Perhaps there are those loyal to Hantei who believe in us.
As they reached Shoju's chambers in the Citadel, Shoju sat at his low circular table, and held the crystal in his hand. He only hoped that the Mistress of Secrets was free.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Aug 17, 2011 11:00:13 GMT -5
Tenshi quietly and thoughtfully followed after Shoju simply nodding along with his words in silent agreement. The familiar setting of him utilizing the crystal allowed her to sink back and let him have the conversation unhindered while still allowing her to eavesdrop. Folding her hands away in her kimono she simply stood by and watched.
In typical fashion, Shoju would have to wait only a few minutes before his call was heard. The crystal's limited view showed Haruka to be in some quiet part of Kyuden Bayushi. And from her eyes he could tell there was some displeasure in her heart at something.
"Shoju, as expected. I suppose I should begin with an apology, but your message did reach me, however I have had to.. decline the invitation that you extended to me." Haruka seemed more to the point, as it seemed her more gentle and pleasant mood had been replaced by someone more weary.
"Is there something you wished to discuss?" Glancing over her shoulder once at a gentle shift in a room nearby, but dismissing it and looking back.
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Post by Shoju on Aug 18, 2011 9:51:26 GMT -5
Shoju smiled. It is understandable Haruka-san. You look as though you have a great burden upon your own mind at this time. I do hope that all is well with you. I'm sure that you have been made aware of the developments that have transpired across the Empire. The Spider have been driven out, and their envoys dead.
Shoju sighed for a moment. That is why I felt it was time to take my birthright. I have left the Spider, and while I am currently residing in my home in Saisei, that too will be a place in my past soon enough. I have made several tentative allies recently Haruka-san, but we both know that there is still a major enemy facing me. In the near future, I will be making a move to reclaim my ancestral lands. I'm not completely sure by what method I will be reclaiming them, but I'm hoping to do so peacefully. My only hope is that while I'm settling into a more honorable existence, you are able to keep your husband and clan focused on other tasks. I know your husbands heart. There will never be redemptiom granted from him to me. But with him distracted, I hope to manuever myself to a point where he cannot seek his vengeance. Can you keep him from setting his sights on me?
Shoju looked sincere. There was something different about his body, it was almost as if he looked... healthier.
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