Mantis Army on the March [RP - Invite]

[kentaro]

[OOC - This RP is primarily a chance for me and my friend Usagi Yoshimitsu to talk trash about the other's loyalties. If you want to join in, then please PM either of us first.]

Weary from the long march he had led his army on, Tsuruchi Kentaro was grateful for the comforts of the small inn on the outskirts of Shiro Usagi.

He had been at the battles at Toshi Ranbo and Permission City, but had received news of an intensifying battle at Lonely Shore City. He had taken an overland route through Lion and Unicorn lands, and was preparing to meet and guard his fleet as they resupplied the Crab besiegers. He had not intended to march through Hare lands, but was not about to turn around.

-------------------------------

"Sir, any orders as we enter Hare territory?"

His gunso's question snapped Tsuruchi Kentaro out of his reverie. "We are not at war with the Hare. Keep banners to a minimum, and avoid any hostile contacts. Notify me if we make contact with any Hare scouts, and have the Hare informed we are merely passing through. We'll camp outside the city, but we should make some meeting with the Hare."

[Usagi Yoshimitsu]

Shiro Usagi seemed so empty, so quiet to Usagi Yoshimitsu. Gone were the sound of young Usagi and Ujina Bushi training in the dojo, gone were the artists and courtiers from the other Minor Clans that would often spend the season with their Hare allies to renew their pledges of loyalty to the Alliance. Gone were the beautiful Dragonfly madiens who would dazzle their court with their command of the kami, gone were the Sparrow story tellers who would recite the histories of the Minor Clans. Gone, for they had all choosen to side with the Shogun and his lust for power, because they had forsaken their oaths of loyalty to the Divine Emperor.

The very thought that half of his Clan had turned on the Emperor filled Usagi Yoshimitsu with shame as he stood in the small war room of Shiro Usagi as a Ujina scout entered the room, bowing and soaking wet from the rain outside.

"Sama, our scouts bring word that a substantiol Mantis force has mad camp near our position. They appear to be on the march from the capitol."

With a curt nod, Yoshimitu addressed the young bushi.

"Alert our forces, but do not engage in any hostile actions towards the Mantis. We can not afford to provoke them at the moment. Fetch me my lightest armor and finest kimono. I intend to meet with their commander."

Nearly an hour latter Usagi Yoshimitsu rode out of Shiro Usagi with two Hare magistrates in tow. They were all dressed in the standard light armor of the Hare Clan, mons clearly visible. Approaching the small village and making their way to the inn. Giving a curt nod to the Magistrates to wait outside Yoshimitsu entered the inn. He was greeted by the sound of Mantis Bushi carousing the way the often do. Calmly walking to the center of the room he addressed them in an authoritative voice.

"I am Usagi Yoshimitu, Chief Magistrate of the Hare Clan. Who here is your commanding officer?"

[kentaro]

Despite the concerns of Usagi Yoshimitsu, the Mantis had not in fact descended on this inn like a swarm of locusts. There was certainly some sake being consumed, but no more than appropriate. The laughter was actually over a subtle joke in the poem his gunso had composed.

Upon hearing the request, Kentaro stood.

"I am the commanding officer. I am Tsuruchi Kentaro, Magistrate, Chui, and Captain of the Mantis. My apologies for arriving unannounced. Regrettably, my gunso may have a finer head for verse than maps." <laughter from his men; mock offense on the part of his gunso>
"We are on our way south, and happened to be here at nightfall. Seeing as our other option was to press on to Ryoko Owari, this seemed by far the more attractive option. You needn't worry; the bulk of my men are stationed outside of town. I understand if you have more pressing duties, but would be deeply honored if you would join me for a meal."

[Usagi Yoshimitsu]

Yoshimitsu calmly regarded the Tsuruchi as he introduced himself. The name sounded very familiar to him and it took only a moment for Yoshimitsu to recall who this man was.

With a polite smile, Yoshimitsu bowed to the man and said "I thank you for you tact, given the current situation within the Empire I would be happy to join you for a meal."

With a nod towards the back he lead the Mantis to one of the private sake rooms. Offering Kentaro a seat before having the owner bring them a bottle of fine sake as well as having food prepared for them both. Yoshimitsu took great care in observing the proper protocols for entertaining a guest.

"You are well known among the Hare Tsuruchi-san. Your exploits in the war against the Yobanjin in the north have earned you a great deal of glory."

*Yoshimitsu regarde the Samurai calmly*

"I must say that it is an honor to meet you face to face, finally."

[kentaro]

"Usagi Yoshimitsu-san, it is I who should be honored; your ceaseless efforts at keeping Rokugan safe for travel and the common people are inspiring."

"As to my tact, it is unfortunate that it should draw such notice. I often feel that the samurai of the Empire are intent on conducting this civil war with all the manners of a sakehouse brawl. Strong convictions should not mean an end to manners."

Kentaro took a small bite of his meal.

"Truly delicious food; all the refinement of the Scorpion chefs, but none of that troublesome 'have I been poisoned' feeling. Oh, I am only kidding!"

"I suppose we would be remiss if we didn't mention the army I am marching through your lands. My apologies about that. I assure you, we are more than adequately provisioned, and shall not live off the land."

Sipping his tea, Kentaro asked

"My apologies for my ignorance; I am a warrior, not a diplomat; but I had not heard who the Hare Clan have chosen to back in this Civil War?"

[Usagi Yoshimitsu]

*Yoshimitsu could not help but smile a bit at the jest about the Scorpion*

"Of course. I spent my first tour of duty in service to the Emerald Champion in Ryoko Owari as a magistrate. It taught me a whole new appreciation for good cooking."

*He takes a bite from a fish roll and washes it down with some tea, taking care to not spill a drop. He looks at the Mantis at the mention of the civil war and the question of loyalties.*

"I of course will take your word that you and your men will conduct themselves in a manner befitting samurai. After all the Hare have long served with the Mantis before you promotion to Great Clan status."

*His expression becomes a bit colder*

"The Hare have long served the Hantei, for we have always been on the side of Order and Justice. As you have said this civil war is being conducted with all the order of a sake house brawl. A brawl that the Shogun started and is intent to continue despite the fact that he swore an oath to serve the true son of Heaven."

The TRUE members of the Hare Clan will always serve the Hantei."

*He emphasis the word "true", perhaps a little more boldly then he intended.*

"We will stop this little brawl, and those who helped it rage on will be brought to justice. I am sure you can appreciate the need for order Samurai-san."

[kentaro]

"Well, at the risk of being blunt: I support Toturi the III as Emperor. I feel that 'Hantei' has abdicated his claim to the throne by punishing his brother for defending Rokugan from Yobanjin. While I cannot say who attempted to assassinate Toturi the III, I can say that Hantei has made no effort to prosecute the culprits. Nor has he made any effort to deny involvement."

"It was Toturi the First who elevated the Mantis; I will support his true heir, Toturi the Third. Hantei would use pretty phrases and intrigue to defend the Empire; Toturi uses armies. Courtiers have their place, no doubt. I'm just unclear on how they prevent military threats from forces that don't negotiate."

Kentaro takes another small sip of sake, and continues:

"But, and perhaps I should not be so free with my words, it really doesn't matter. We just need one Emperor. Then we can return to more pressing matters. Safeguarding the peasants who feed us all, perhaps. But this is easier said than done. I would not cast aside my loyalties, and I would not insult you by asking you to do the same. No, there will be many dead. Kin will turn on each other. And Rokugan will likely be the poorer for it."

Kentaro laughed ruefully. "And I say this as I lead an army into one of these foolish, fratricidal battles."

[kentaro]

[OOC - Don't make me start fires here to get your attention... ]

[Usagi Yoshimitsu]

*Yoshimitsu drank his sake, saying nothing for a moment*

"With all do respect Kentaro-san, How the Emperor chooses to deal with outside threats is his business. Who is Kaneka to question the will of his Emperor? The Hantei is a divine being, his logic is beyond the comprehension of us mortals."

*He set his sake cup down, as a bit of emotion crept into his voice.*

"The Shogun's actions have directly lead to brother killing brother. You say that he is for defending the Empire, but this civil war will leave the Empire as a whole vulnerable for years to come. Some Clans may NEVER recover. Kaneka is nothing but a power hungry war-monger, and I would question the honor of any samurai who would willingly follow such a man."

[kentaro]

Kentaro smiled at the insult to his honor, and allowed Yoshimitsu to continue. Once the Usagi was done, he replied:

"You do make some interesting points. I would, however, like to point out that Hantei Naseru is not of the Hantei line. They're dead. So if the Toturi line has divine backing, then why change the name? If not, then..."

"And, on the matter of disloyalty. Naseru repayed his brother Kaneka's defense of the empire with an assassination attempt. I have heard the arguments that Naseru had evidence of Kaneka's treachery. Then why has he not simply asked for his resignation or seppuku? No, he sends ninja in the night. And even if he didn't, he makes no effort to catch those responsible."

"And, let's suppose none of that matters. My daimyo has ordered me to support Toturi. So I do. My feelings are irrelevant to the matter. Now, you may say that I have a duty to disobey a lord I find dishonorable. That same logic pardons Kaneka."

"And, I suppose I must defend my honor at this point. Are you calling me dishonorable?"

[EDIT: As this thread, among others I had attempted, languished unloved, I opted to have Tsuruchi Kentaro commit seppuku. I have made a new character, but kept the same account, to simplify/confuse things.]