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Post by Ikoma Kibo on Feb 20, 2011 5:07:30 GMT -5
I must say-- Akamatsu, even in his advanced age, is still causing issues. It does not amaze me in the slightest. Even in death, he will still aggravate the Empire, I believe. ^_^
Even the Ikoma know of him through their records.
I particularly know of him through my parents who personally knew him during the era of the Clan War.
There are many things one can recount about this rather... interesting individual, who perhaps resembles a walking yin-yang symbol more than anyone else in Rokugan.
To the Mantis, he is an ignorant cur that still did them a few favors.
To the Scorpion, a rather rude individual who managed to save Ryoko Owari from destruction. A useful tool when a secret that cannot be unlocked needs a key.
To the Crane, he is a rather inelegant man who was still a very valued detective when something seemed unsolvable.
To the Shiba, someone whom they do not wish to discuss, even though his stalwart defense of Shiba Castle in the Clan War was noted. To the Isawa, a rather arrogant, intimidating, rude, and stubborn individual.
Perhaps the Crab like him best. His rather... ahhh... rugged and straightforward personality and loathing of false sincerity endear him to them, as well as some of his rather daring exploits along the wall when a mystery needed solved.
As for my Clan, At least he was honest and impartial when justice was pursued, and a good Samurai in a fight. Perhaps the best word is... "tolerated".
I must take my leave, and I can only hope that Kai-san will at least agree in part with what I recount about Akamatsu-sensei. Perhaps in a more relaxing setting when one is looking for a good laugh, I could recount more stories about this individual over some tea and good sake.
Ikoma Kibo
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Feb 20, 2011 10:28:59 GMT -5
(ooc: Interesting. It's nice to build up npcs. Thanks ikomakibo)
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Feb 22, 2011 14:56:32 GMT -5
(Ooc: sorry for not being present lately. Tommorow I will post. By the way Kai I was controlling the time line and confirmed that the harriers do still exist but that their nature or presence is still a well kept secret of the crane clan...of course the fact that the Daidoji use unorthodox tactics is known. Welcome Ikoma san to our thread! Great to also have you join!)
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Kitsuki Kai
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan ? Ambassador to the Lion ? Magistrate ? Samurai ? Courtier ? Tatooed ?
Posts: 22
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Post by Kitsuki Kai on Feb 22, 2011 20:10:08 GMT -5
(OOC: Thanks for confirming the harriers Hikori. I wasn't sure if they were still active in the setting. I'll leave the post as is since way back in their histories Kai and Akamatsu had some direct and unpleasant encounters with the not so famed Harriers. Just in case you're wondering Ikoma Kibo and I are pooling knowledge about characters from our old game. I just could not resist the opportunity to explore these old characters with so new twists.)
Kai sat in front of Yuushahime's room for a few moments. No one came to open the door and it became apparent that the voices must have been drifting in from some other place. Kai took a moment write a small message to her and folded it into a small origami crane in green paper.
Yuushahime-san,
I have been appointed as the Ambassador to the Lion Clan ans was asked to speak with you prior to my departure. Please seek me out as soon as possible.
Kitsuki Kai
He placed the Crane precariously on the floor in the center of her doorway. He then resumed his search of the castle for Ryoko.
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Post by Ikoma Kibo on Feb 23, 2011 14:46:40 GMT -5
Kai-san, always keep in mind any Daimyo has forces in the shadows watching and waiting. Whether distasteful or not, it is always the prudent thing to do.
Hopefully, I shall see you in Lion territory soon, and perhaps end up embroiled in one of your adventures. 8)
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Feb 24, 2011 13:03:02 GMT -5
She was right. She had trusted him much more than he had, exposing herself. He looked at her for a moment analyzing the situation and her demeanor. "You are right to assume there is more to what I have found. You have shown great trust in me and i will repay you as much. Should you be in league with our master's assassin I congratulate you on your skill, should you be telling the truth I congratulate you on your sincerity and sense of purpose." Hikori retrieved the small dragon once more and showed it to Yuushahime. The words he had just said where visible on the dragons belly. One more word could be seen. Kolat. The way it was written, less pronounced than the other words,indicated that it wasn't as certain as the other clues. The name Ishigasu was the first in the list and as such indicated the first step on a possible investigation. "Let as analyze this together then. Ishigasu is the first name in my list. Sensei would have intended that I start from him...but why? I would probably easily find out that he is a doshin and I would check his investigations near the time of his death. This way I would find out who Sanoko is. Natsuko on the other hand would be the name of the one behind this." Hikori paused contemplating something for a second "But why should sensei let Natsuko or any other poison him. There was no guarantee that Sanoko would be spared after his death. And why didn't he approach others among the Kitsuki, instead leaving a message for me? Did he not trust the other Kitsuki with this? Would he put his clan to danger to hide his personal failing? I don't think so. If he sacrificed himself he did so to allow me to...to allow us to surprise our opponents. Perhaps he wanted us to gather information that would lead to the Kolat in general, not only stop them here." Hikori paused once more, hoping he was worthy of his sensei's trust. He turned to look Yuushahime. She was a capable diplomat and magistrate, more importantly she had clarity of purpose. He found her idealistic streak refreshing compared to what he was used to. Reso would have been proud of her. "Anyhow Yuushahime san your investigation will probably have stirred the waters enough to catch the attention of our prey. They will probably have no idea Reso's note and so they will try to understand what your motives and the exact extent of your knowledge is. In the mean time I would suggest we give a look at Ishigasu's reports, perhaps there are more clues there for us" He hid the dragon in his kimono again and purposely turned his back to Yuushahime, his hand rubbing his chin as if he was immersed in his thoughts. One last test...
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Feb 24, 2011 16:08:12 GMT -5
She listened quietly to Hikori's findings, her surprise showing at the message on the Dragon itself. She suspected there was more to it but she appreciated Hikori revealing some of his information. She had smiled weakly at his suspicions but not commented. He was being suitably cautious considering he was not on his own soil. She was enjoying seeing the more serious side of him but she wished the circumstances were different. The Kolat? Not even all the Kitsuki family were yet in agreement the organisation even existed. She herself had seen some evidence but it was never quite absolute.
Yuushahime allowed herself a sigh, nodding her agreement to Hikori's words "That is another reason I did not want to meet in my own chambers. It is likely my initial questions have stirred some suspicion on Natsuko-san's part"
She finally stopped cupping her face, blinking again to focus on her surroundings and emitting another sigh. Her right hand touched her hairpin as she thought, her index finger tracing it before she then folded her arms. She was calmer now and beginning to formulate a plan of approach.
"Thank you for trusting me with your information Hikori-sama. I think your analysis is correct. We should start at the bottom and work our way up. If there are other forces involved then it could well have been Reso-sama's wish that we surprise them too. I do not think he would have given his life for anything less. The Kolat though..."
She frowned wearily while clicking her tongue in annoyance. This was potentially quite a big issue.
"I'll trust you for the time being as I have done thus far. If I was an enemy, well, you could have been killed by now and all the Kitsuki would have to do would be to send a letter of apology to your family explaining that an accident had happened. I'm not your enemy. That said, I am an excellent diversion right now and for us to work together would expose you as a target. I'm not willing to put you in that danger. Please question Ishigasu. I will see that you are given the correct paperwork to allow this. I will also see that it is not traced. You can inform me of your findings when you are ready. In the meanwhile I will make more open moves to confuse our enemy. As you say, my original questioning has probably stirred the water. I may as well add some ink to discolour it too..."
She paused as Hikori still had his back to her. What was he up to now?
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Feb 26, 2011 23:29:48 GMT -5
Hikori remained with his back to Yuushahime for some time seemingly emerged in his thoughts. Then he turned back to Yuushahime.
"Questioning Ishigasu at such a late hour would arise many suspicions. I would rather start by giving a look at his reports."
Hikori paused for a moment
"I agree with you that you would make a fine diversion. I won't belittle your courage by asking you to reconsider this course of action...just be careful Yuushahime san"
he said a hint of apprehension evident in his voice
"I don't have to tell you that should our enemy be the one we suspect your life will be in great danger."
He turns his eyes from Yuushahime and continues
"This meeting won't go unnoticed. We should find some adequate cover...romance"
He returns to see Yuushahime's reaction blushing a little bit himself.
"Such a clandestine meeting could be easily explained by romantic interest"
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Feb 27, 2011 8:45:11 GMT -5
"I wouldn't suggest you question him now either!" Yuushahime said with a surprised tone "It can wait until morning. I can find the reports for you but that should probably wait for tomorrow too"
Yuushahime waved her hands at his apprehension "I am well supported here and know the environment well. I should be fine. It will be difficult to act openly against me. Isn't danger always a given for samurai?" she asked, smiling a little "I do appreciate your concern Hikori-sama" she added in a gentle voice.
Yuushahime looked quite startled when Hikori went on to discuss a cover for the meeting, blushing quite heavily herself. She quickly interjected before Hikori could continue "l-let people assume what they want! I will maintain the original cover that this was a meeting to discuss fabrics and kimono for a friend. O-okay?"
With that she stood up sharply and unnecessarily adjusted and patted down her kimono. Collecting herself she addressed Hikori "I will contact you in the morning regarding Ishigasu's report and where you can find him. I'll work as a decoy then. Have a pleasant evening". She bowed politely and low before moving to the sliding door, forgetting about the lanterns
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Feb 27, 2011 10:38:08 GMT -5
"You forget that tomorrow I will have to depart for the front Yuushahime san. I suppose I could delay my departure for another day though without arising suspicion."
He pauses and looks at her
"I didn't want to startle you. Please excuse me for what I said, but understand that my concern is that our meeting could bring unwanted attention to me. I only suggested we leave hints that would lead anyone investigating deeper in our meeting to think that it was romantic in nature. But if you have a better idea Yuushahime san..."
He trails off, it is clear that after Yuushahime's reaction he is quite uncomfortable speaking of the matter
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Feb 27, 2011 11:06:11 GMT -5
"I had assumed you would stay longer, with these recent revelations. Forgive me. As for romance..." She paused, considering and averting her eyes from Hikori by pointing herself to the door "they can believe that. You haven't startled me - I am perfectly fine. We don't need to leave further evidence to hint at that, do we?".
She slid open the door and stepped out, bowing once again as she turned to face the room and close it "Until the morning Hikori-sama. Thank you for your advice. Please put out the lanterns when you are done. Have a good evening" she said, quite formally before sliding the door shut. Her silhouette lingered for a few seconds before it could be seen briskly walking down the corridor back to her quarters.
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Kitsuki Kai
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan ? Ambassador to the Lion ? Magistrate ? Samurai ? Courtier ? Tatooed ?
Posts: 22
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Post by Kitsuki Kai on Feb 27, 2011 15:00:51 GMT -5
Kai remained for a time in front of Yuushahime's room. For a second he thought he heard voices again. He strained to make out the distant conversation but no more was forthcoming. He stood and pondered where to search for Ryoko next. He had covered most of the palace already. Slowly he strode down the long hallway. Someone was coming towards him....
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Feb 27, 2011 15:26:29 GMT -5
(ooc: Kai I had an idea to mix you with the investigation...but who is saying Kolat in your post?...I and Yuushahime are far from there)
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Feb 27, 2011 16:02:17 GMT -5
(ooc: Yeah Kai, we were in another room. If you have a plan for another group, in my room? - to be having a conversation about the Kolat, you ought to plan it out with Hikori ^_^ )
Yuushahime nodded respectfully to Kai as she past him but she was in a hurry to get to her room and lie down.
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Kitsuki Kai
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan ? Ambassador to the Lion ? Magistrate ? Samurai ? Courtier ? Tatooed ?
Posts: 22
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Post by Kitsuki Kai on Feb 28, 2011 16:28:52 GMT -5
(OOC: Yuushahime, you said the word Kolat in reply #81. I was going to write in something about how Kitsuki castle was designed with passages meant to convey sound from other rooms but decided against it.
What I was intending was to hear you two talking in the training room, but just barely. And certainly not well enough to actually listen in. I should also point out that at this point you still haven't met Kai and he would be an unknown person in the hallway as you pass.)
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