Usagi Izutsu
Ronin
Hare Clane Samurai
* Hare Clan Regent * Samurai * Jade Magistrate * Master Tracker * Heir *
Posts: 54
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Post by Usagi Izutsu on Jan 19, 2012 19:50:55 GMT -5
He stood in silence as the Yasuki Daimyo went on about Mitsouko, with an eyebrow raised. Interesting, for it seemed everyone here was considered trustworthy to hear such information. Though that is to be expected, he supposed, in the company of Agasha Shodai. As the Crab addressed him,, he stood in thought for a moment before responding.
"Well Chad-sama, you honor me with your words. I did not know that I was so well-known in higher circles. As to Mitsouko-sama's condition, I must admit that I have yet to come to a conclusion. I was engaging her in conversation, asking about her condition, when we were interrupted by a young Kakita, Battou I believe was his name." He seemed annoyed by this, his eyes narrowing slightly as the memory passed by him, but he continued.
"She stormed off without another word, so I have taken several discreet precautions until I am able to talk to her further. I hope that this can be dealt with in as swift and delicate a manner as possible."
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 19, 2012 21:20:01 GMT -5
"Hitoshi-san, I would be happy to accompany you to meet the newcomer. My business with the void master is not so pressing, and I'm certain it can wait until later. Samas, if you will excuse me..."
He stepped out of the booth with Hitoshi, whispering something to the man on his way over to the new person.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Jan 19, 2012 23:31:39 GMT -5
"The swiftest method of dealing with it would be to rip Alesha's heart out through his blackened chest and throw it into Tamori's Furnace!" Yasuki Chad said thisat a low tone but with such extreme hostility that Both Izutsu and Shodai's Assistant tensed momentarily. "He has use of her name, what's to say he won't attempt to summon the Oni again? As far as I know he only needs to be reasonably near her to attempt the Ritual.He shook his head, "No, the Traitor must be hunted down as soon as possible. Not because she is a threat, but because he might make her so if given the oppurtonity. Therefore, I have a request to make of the Jade Magistrates....and the Hare Clan." He reached into his Kimono, into a hidden sleeve under the left arm, and pulled out several folded sheets of papers. "Not all that long ago, there were reports of a great battle in Monkey lands. A Maho user of great power chose to randomly attack. Alone. He allegendly was killed, after wounding one of their leaders." He handed the reports to Izutsu. One was a Lion report, two were scorpion, and one was from the Monkey. All gave a vauge account of the incident and all agreed Maho was involved. "You and I both know how a maho cell can be insidious. The Reports all indicate that "Sprinkles" was working alone and there was little follow up." He rolls his eyes. "How COULD there be, with the War on and the Monkey Mobalizing and sending most of their samurai....most of their TRAINED MAGISTRATES to Fight with the Lion?"Chad pours himself a cup of sake, and downs it in one gulp. He leans against the Rail and pretends to watch the contests below before continuing. "The Monkey would not gladly welcome the Hare to their home, even to protect them. Yet I am very unconvinced that their home is clean of these Maho Tsukai. Sprinkles was powerful, and Shodai will remember several Spider showing up for the White Orchid tournament. He may recall of whome I refer." He Turns to face them all and leans back against the railing. "He was easily powerful enough to train Alesha and was in the Empire prior to his fall.""I formally request you investigate The Monkey province for traces of the Maho User Sprinkles or any cells that could have aided him there. If the Monkey refuse you, I can offer you military aid should the Hare choose to force them to Comply forcefully. I want no one in or out of there until any link has been proven or disproven."He Hands you a Written Formal Request for investigation, Signed with both his personal Chop, and that of the Crane clan. (Chad is of course, refering to the events in rokuganee.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=monkeyhq&action=display&thread=1713 )
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Jan 20, 2012 0:03:14 GMT -5
"Greeting, Kakita-sama..." The silver-haired Kitsune started. "I am Kitsune Yumi." She returned the bow her hair falling wayward. "I have been sent in place of my brother but I am not exactly as well versed as he is at these things. Though it is finally good to get out of the Mori." She smiled as she pushed back the hair finally.
Then noticing the next one approach she gave another bow and her hair went wayward again on her. "Greetings..." She let that one hang catching herself from just repeating what she just said. She did however go back to pushing back her hair.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 20, 2012 0:21:12 GMT -5
Sojiro smiled at the woman and returned her bow.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Kitsune-san. I am Kakita Sojiro. Welcome to Kyuden Otomo, and please, have no worries about not being "well versed" in these things. I am not one to hinge my opinions of someone on their strict adherence to courtly protocol and fashions, by any means."
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Jan 20, 2012 1:50:08 GMT -5
At the mention of the traitor Alesha's name, Shodai's eyes narrowed. As one trained in the art of medicine, the Void Master was not fond of the Rokugani custom to use torture to extract a confession - no matter what the reason...
But in the case of the bastard that had infected his beloved Mitsouko with an Oni, the Phoenix shugenja would not only feel no qualms in extracting information from the maho-tsukei in such a fashion, but was sorely tempted to do the job himself rather than entrusting it to an eta. He would need to purify himself afterwards, but such sacrifices were acceptable in these circumstances.
The eyebrow over Shodai's emerald eye rose slightly at Kakita Shojiro's emotionally painful yet honest opinion and the sharp eared Yasuki Chad's counter comment. He was about to reply when Isawa Tetsuro returned with Usagi Izutsu.
Agasha Shodai turned and gave a bow of acknowledgement to the Hare samurai. "A true and honorable samurai is always welcome in my presence, Usagi-san, but it is a special pleasure when they are also one held in high regard for discharging his duties exceptionally well. Especially on this delightful, rare moment of peace during this infuriating conflict that currently plagues the Empire."
"Please, join us..."[/b] He gestured to an open spot at the table, near Yasuki Chad, noticing the tension in the man's aura. "And feel free to relax a bit: I simply have a long-standing habit - one that pre-dates my ascension to Void Master - of inviting interesting people from different clans and all walks of life for some stimulating conversation during Winter Court."[/b]
He turned back to Kakita Sojiro. "While Chad-san makes the more pleasant sounding point, I must commend your honesty, Sojiro-san; few samurai - even from my own clan - would so candid with me. All too often I am presented with comments that are born out of polite acquescence because of who and what I am. The truth is something more precious than gold or rice, but far more easy to produce if one has the courage to face it."[/b]
Then the two Kakita excused themselves as they spotted a Kitsune woman. Usagi Izutsu then described an action on the part of Mitsouko that was rather unusual for her - abruptly walking away from a conversation - and concerns for her health began again to nip at the edges of the Void Master's patience.
Then Yasuki Chad went off on a tear about the gaijin khadi, Sprinkles. Shodai sighed softly, wishing he'd taken the time to inquire as to what Chad-san had wanted the Magistrate for in the first place, and then took a sip of his tea to steady his nerves while he waited to see the Hare samurai's response to the Crab samurai's Clan stereotype outburst.
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Usagi Izutsu
Ronin
Hare Clane Samurai
* Hare Clan Regent * Samurai * Jade Magistrate * Master Tracker * Heir *
Posts: 54
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Post by Usagi Izutsu on Jan 20, 2012 3:20:51 GMT -5
He took the various scrolls from the Yasuki daimyo, his face inscrutable as he glanced over each of them briefly, though he held on to the Scorpion reports for a moment longer. He returned the scrolls to Chad, his face lost in quiet contemplation, his dark brows furrowed and his eyes cold and calculating. "I know of the incident of which you speak. Not only that, I have spent the past few weeks investigating it; the reason I am even here right now is because I needed to acquire some paperwork relating to it." He took a cup of sake offered by the Dragon, sipping it slowly, before continuing.
"I knew only rumors of the event for a time, but I met with Toku Hirotomo several weeks ago, and when I broached the issue with him, he assured me the situation was under control. I remained unconvinced, and began gathering information for a formal investigation; those reports and the documents I grabbed from my office today give me enough to do so." His face grew darker, and he finished his drink in one swift gulp. "I know not how much you know of the situation of the Hare, Chad-sama, but I can tell you this; no Hare forces will be involved in any actions that are taken. The entire army is under orders from the Champion to remain in the province, and the penalties for subverting those orders are severe indeed."
He grew solemn for a moment, as he often did when he spoke of home, his eyes glossing over for a moment, an almost wistful look behind them, but it passes quickly. He looks back to the imposing figure that was the Yasuki daimyo, his face set in a determined look. "Chad-sama, you make many valid points, and the evidence that you present is a crucial piece that I have been missing. I also thank you for your offer for aid; it is an offer that I will take you up on, for while I have access to considerable resources in the Jade Legions, I must admit our forces are spread rather thin, and the scope of the investigation that will be required is considerable."
Izutsu gave Chad a serious, knowing look, one that spoke volumes to what he was NOT saying. "I will of course wish to speak with you more in private, so we may discuss the more, shall we say, tactical aspects of this expedition. I look forward to it, in fact." His eyes were steely as he smiled at the Crab, thanking Saiko as he refilled his cup once again.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Jan 20, 2012 3:35:07 GMT -5
[OOC] I hashed this out with Sojiro in PM so that we could collect all our responses together and then just post them as one big post. Since I was giving a gift to him, we didn't want to have to pump six posts into the thread. tl;dr - Battou gives Sojiro a gift, following all protocol, Sojiro accepts the gift. [/OOC]
{Battou} That was when Battou noticed that Sojiro was in the court. He walked over to him and joined the conversation that he was in. He bowed to the group assembled around Sojiro and then spoke.
"Excuse me for a moment, but I find that I must intrude. You see, I have been told things and in response to them, I have a message to deliver to Sojiro-sempai."
He turned to face Sojiro in particular and from his left side, he drew the other sword, including saya, that was not part of his daisho out from his obi. He held it in both hands in a horizontal fashion so that all those assembled could see it. And in a grander voice than was necessary, so that all, even those not in this conversation could hear him, he spoke.
"Sojiro-sempai, it was my great honor to recieve the training to be able to make the blades commonly referred to as Kakita Blades. And, I have been told, from your own lips and from the words of Mitsouko-sama that you have been made Hatamoto and Karo of the Kakita family. I have been at labor for some time crafting this sword that I hold in my hands, and as you may have noticed, it lacks a tsuba. I was crafting it for you, as a gift, but now I believe that it was divine providence that granted me the insight to make it, and be able to present it, when such a fortuitous event, your promotion, has transpired. Please, do me the honor of accepting this as my gift to you, my friend and teacher, in honor of your promotion and accomplishment within our family."
Battou bowed his head and waited for the game to begin.
The sword itself looked fairly spectacular. The handle was black and indeed did lack a tsuba, after the same fashion as Sojiro's daisho. The saya was deep indigo, almost black. On it was the kakita mon, followed by the kakita elite mon. It was elegant in it's simplicity. After the sword is drawn, it will show that it glows with the wan blue light indicating that it was forged in the special fashion that Kakita blades are. It looks incredibly sharp.
{Sojiro} Sojiro was surprised when Battou came up and interrupted the conversation, but he let the man continue on. When Battou finished his presentation, the look on Sojiro's face told the story - he was truly stunned.
"Battou-san.... I don't know what to say. This blade is truly magnificent." His eyes lit up as he examined every detail, taking particular note of the kakita elite mon on the saya with a smile.
"It is truly a work of art, Battou-san, but I'm not sure I can accept something you put so much time and effort into, so much of yourself. I know there are others in the Crane that can use a blade of this caliber. Are you certain I am the best choice for it?"
{Battou} Battou smiled, for he knew this was to ensue. He closed his eyes and sighed though he looked pleased. Clearly Sojiro was impressed with it.
"Ah, but Sojiro-sempai, you see there is no one better to bear it, as I made it specifically for you. There can not be a better bearer."
He held out the sword again, provoking Sojiro into just accepting it. He was also smiling at him. He knew he wanted it.
{Sojiro} Sojiro eyed the beautiful katana again, the glow from the blade reflecting off of his eyes as he spoke.
"This masterpiece is worthy of a clan champion, Battou-san. Certainly it should not be wasted on a mere Hatamoto such as myself."
{Battou} "I know, Sojiro-sempai, I know who it is fit for. And I say it is fit for you. Surely you are not going to call my judgement into question, old friend. As hatamoto and karo of my family, you will bear the justice and righteousness of our clan. And I could think of no better tool for you to use than this in your endeavors. You will make it a part of your soul, and as a part of your soul, it will always be beside you to help you, just as I will. Accept my humble gift."
He bowed and outstretched the sword again, this time, Sojiro would surely accept it, or it would literally be an insult to Battou.
{Sojiro} Sojiro grinned. He hated the 'acceptance game' as much as Battou did, but here in winter court, there was no way he was going to do something that could be perceived as a slight to his student's skill or honor. Battou deserved the full ritual, even though they both would rather cut right to the point of the matter.
"Battou-san... you have done me a great honor with this gift. I will strive to live up to it's worth in all I do. Thank you, it is truly amazing."
With that Sojiro bowed deeply to the younger man and took the katana, sliding it through his obi in a manner that was certain to display both mons on the side of the saya. The smile never left his face - he was truly stunned and happy with the gift, and obviously hadn't been expecting it.
{Battou} Battou bowed again to all those who were there in the group. And he remained where he was.
"Again, I will say that I am sorry to have interrupted, but I had to do this. I hope that you didn't mind Hitoshi-san, and I hope that you didn't mind, you lovely lady."
He turned to look at the Kitsune and smiled.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Jan 20, 2012 13:03:06 GMT -5
Chad bowed deeply to Izutsu. " Yes, of course. I would be greatly pleased to be able to aid you in any way in this matter. Simply name the Place and time, and I will be there."
He could feel Shodai was less then Pleased at this turn of events. No matter. The Hare was less easy to read, but that was to be expected given his Clans history.
He turned back to Shodai. "I apoligize for ruining the serenity of this place with yet more unpleasent talk but, winter court or no, there can be no rest for me during a time of such upheaval." He sighed. "I do worry for Mitsouko-sama. And I believe finding this Alesha or thinning his agents in the area to be the most prudent course."
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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 Jan 20, 2012 14:27:47 GMT -5
Fuzake Chiyuki stood at the entrence to the Winter Court. A shiver ran through her spine. Dangerous times. Toshi Rando was bad enough, but going into the viper's pit of the Otomo was different. She looked over at one of her yojimbo and he carefully touched her obi ties to comfort her.
Toku Kenpachi stood alongside his young charge. It had been a year since he was last here. Well last at Winter Court at any rate. Of course the idle prattle of courtiers would dominate agaqin. Rumors swirled of the Hantei seeking a bride and the Crane and Lion reaching an accord. His son's own talks with the Lion were quite profitable. Perhaps peace would return after all.
Minor Clansmen in the court were often overlooked. The Monkey's presence was minimal. No Winter Court for the Toturi camp. No splendend parties. Perhaps that was for the better. Kenpachi bowed to a few of his hosts. Polite talk, mostly involving the upcomming wedding. A few were disapointed to hear Hirotomo was bethrothed. Kenpachi saw no allies. Still, Chiyuki had a valuable mission for the Monkey. Perhaps this would not all be in vain.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Jan 21, 2012 1:45:54 GMT -5
"That is such a relief, Kakita-sama," Yumi said looking quite visibly relieved. "I was nervous about our reception due to the current situation. Even now it is taxing because I am worried for my home. I am sure you are no less worried about your own."
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 21, 2012 8:51:45 GMT -5
Still visibly elated with his new gift, Sojiro nodded to the woman.
"Hopefully, winter will give us all some reprieve from the ravages of war, although I must say, I am happy to see the Mantis here. I have heard of their conduct at Seawatch Castle, and I will always be thankful for it. I intend to personally travel to Mantis lands to give my thanks to Yoritomo Raiden-sama and Kitsune Daichi-sama when the snows lift. It is the least I can do, and the least they deserve."
"But, I am getting sidetracked. Should you wish it, I can introduce you to a man who I am sure would be inclined to both tutor you in the finer points of the courts, and to make sure that the... ahem... vultures of the court don't seek you out as easy prey."
His grinned at her.
"Naetaru-sama, the Doji Daimyo, is a fine man. He may well be the only courtier I have ever met that I have never heard utter a lie. Besides, he managed to endure me as a student of the courts, and I am certain that you would be a more apt and receptive learner than I was, Yumi-san. If you would like to meet him, I would be honored to introduce you."
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Jan 21, 2012 10:06:06 GMT -5
"Hopefully we shall still hold our lands when that time comes." Yumi said a bit grimly before cheering up as she continued. "I am not one to turn down advice and teaching and I would be honored to be introduced. While my brother likes to boast how well he holds in courts, I am sure he likes to be a bit different and I wouldn't mind help in avoiding the vultures. "
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Jan 22, 2012 1:01:04 GMT -5
When Usagi Izutsu proved himself to be unflappable before Yasuki Chad's rash outburst, Agasha Shodai's embarrassment disappeared and shifted to concern. Tamihei Shoju had mentioned the other khadi during the assault on the Snake Clan encampment that Bayushi Senshi had initiated and the Void Master had participated in.
The shugenja nodded in acceptance of Chad's apology. "It is fine, Chad-san; there are some things too important to wait for a more opportune time to follow up on and maho-tsukei are among those things. And, yes, I remember Sprinkles far too well..."[/b]
Shodai turned to the Jade Magistrate. "If you intend to seek the gaijin, there are a few things you MUST be warned of... First is that Sprinkles is a very rare type of undead known as a khadi - like Iuchiban was. Unless you can locate and destroy his heart, if you kill him he will eventually return to life in a new body." "Second, Sprinkles is an opponent whose raw power not only rivals my own, but I fear EXCEEDS it. The gaijin is not a shugenja in the way we are accustomed to thinking of them: he is what is known as a sahir, according to the stories of what lies beyond the Burning Sands that the Unicorn and Scorpion returned from their respective exiles. Unlike other undead, who lose the ability to touch the Void, Sprinkles can invoke the five elements of light in addition to the element of Corruption that is Maho. Make sure that you take men and women heavily trained in the shugenja arts... Sprinkles is powerful, but in the end he is still one man; if you can overwhelm him with opponents that work in concert with each other, you may be able to subdue him..."[/b]
The Void Master prepared another cup of tea for himself. The ritual helping calm himself further. He looked up at Chad as he let the tea steep in the hot water. "And I hate to dash your hopes, Chad-san, but I sincerely doubt there is any connection between Alesha and Sprinkles... Though they both bear the mon of the Spider, they are but a means to an end for the khadi."
"Sprinkles lusts for ultimate power: to gain the strength to topple the Celestial Heavens itself and raise himself as a new, immortal, omnipotent god that stands in command over all 11 spirit realms. Given that objective, I find it highly doubtful that he would take the time to teach Alesha anything... The khadi is also extremely paranoid; he would percieve any student as a potential future rival."[/b]
Shodai took a drink of his tea, savoring it before he shook his head. "I can tell you with complete certainty you will not find Alesha in the Hare provinces... He may have been foolish enough to attempt to connect Mitsouko in his vile scheme, but he would have had to know that targeting her would bring ME crashing down upon his head like a meteor of pure jade. I have sought the traitor through my divination, but found no trace of him... The only way for that to be possible is if Alesha has fled to the far side of the Kaiu Wall, where the corruption that is the Shadowlands interferes with all magic save for the forbidden art."
"I can, however, give you peace of mind about one thing, Chad-san. Because of the way Alesha's summoning ended in complete failure, as part of the removal of the Oni Mark I was able to seal the means by which he was able to force the mark upon her. If he is foolish enough to attempt it again, not only will his spell fail, but it will place a mark upon him that would allow me to track him into the dark heart of Jigoku itself."[/b] A sly grin crossed the Void Master's features. "And that assumes that if he is foolish enough to emerge from the shelter of the Shadowlands that he will be able to get within a thousand kilometers of Mitsouko before I find him..."[/b]
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Jan 22, 2012 1:53:26 GMT -5
Ryumon, having briefly withdrawn from the main chamber to talk to his advisors, returns. With nods to Chad and Hitoshi, he catches sight of the distinctive tan kimono of the Monkey Clan, and approaches.
"Fuzake-san. Good evening. I'm very surprised to see you here. Have you tried the sake? It is quite pleasant today"
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