Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Apr 1, 2011 14:20:26 GMT -5
OOC: Okay, long road, and now we're at Toku Torid-e. This RP is ment for Kitsuki Yuushahime, Kakita Mitsouko, and Toku Sanjuro, but as always if anyone has reason to be visiting the Monkey you're more than welcome to add your two cents.
Morning: Toku Torid-e
Toku Kenpachi was waiting for his son in front of the family estate. Hirotomo unhorsed and bowed to his father. Kenpachi bowed back and then embraced his son’s shoulder. ”Welcome home, Hirotomo, I’m happy to see you met with little difficulty.”
Hirotomo smiled and steped back to introduce Rinko. “Father allow me to introduce Kitsuki Rinko-san. She was handpicked by Kitsuki Yuushahime-domo, for the investigation.”
Kenpachi looked into both his son’s and Rinko’s eyes. He smiled. ”Welcome to my home, Kakita Rinko-san. Thank you for bringing my son safely home. There is much to be done today.”
Hirotomo looked over to Akodo Jin, 'This man is Adkodo Jin, father. He requested to speak with you.'Kenpachi bowed politely to the Lion. The Lion returned it and a brief mark of shame marred his face that he was quick to recover.
Hirotomo delivered Kitsuki-domo's letter. Kenpachi stored the letter in his obi.
Kenpachi ordered the guards to hold the ronin until interrogation. He then sent a messenger to Toku Sanjuro, the Clan Champion.
”Hirotomo, your cousin Kakita Misouko is here. She will also be assisting with the investigation and to witness your Gempukuu. Let’s get out of the morning sun, it’s good for plants but I’m not a carrot.
In the sitting area, Kenpachi has tea brought, Rinko will notice that her tea is lukewarm. Kenpachi read the letter, and noticed first the symbols of sincerity and senseablity. He read the letter twice. His son had done well. He was ready. He would make a good samurai. This Rinko was interesting. She was certainly pretty, he could see why his son felt affection for her. That was a discussion for later though. ”Your tea is not an offence, Kitsuki Rinko-san,” Kenpachi clarifies, “I was informed that it was to your liking. Please, tell me what happened at Three Sides River.”
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 1, 2011 17:48:35 GMT -5
While Kenpachi sat with her newly arrived son and Dragon guest to a cup of tea, Mitsouko and Sanjuro came from the garden where they were strolling and admiring the splendid view of the mountain. They bowed to the houseowner and his guest, Mitsouko smiled to her cousin Hirotomo, that had sprouted a lot since she saw him in Shiro Daidoji, months ago. Also warmly smiled for the Dragon samurai-ko, Rinko, as Sanjuro told her Hirotomo was planning to marry Rinko, waiting to be properly introduced to her by Kenpachi-san.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Apr 1, 2011 18:46:13 GMT -5
Walking up from the gardens with Mitsouko, was dreamlike for Sanjuro. It was a perfect day with the perfect event is store, and the worlds most beautiful woman with him. The world melted for him. This was blissful. He had to actually think of pinching himself to see if he was dreaming.
It had been an age since Sanjuro had seen Hirotomo and was eager to see how he fared.
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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 Apr 4, 2011 11:41:59 GMT -5
Toku Kenpachi held up his hand to introduce the new pair. "Kitsuki Rinko-san, allow me to introduce my Champion, Toku Sanjuro-sama and Kakita Mitsouko-san, my late wife's cousin." Kenpachi turned to his champion."Sanjuro-sama, this is Kitsuki Rinko-san, the Dragon Magistrate, whom the Kitsuki has graciously loaned us for the duration of the investigation."
Kenpachi touched his hand to his chin. "Before we begin, perhaps it will be best if we all eat. I'm sure you have grown a little weary of trail rations. Even the most skilled cook can to little with dried fish, after all." "Sanjuro-sama, Mitsouko-san?" Kenpachi said turning to his champion. "I hope you will join us, I'm sure Hirotomo has much to tell about his travels, I find that unsoiled eyes sometimes have the best memory."
In Kenpachi's Family Shrine
Shortly after breakfast, Kenpachi excused himself for a moment. He walked down the central garden path, to his family's shrine. He entered and found his father's daisho in the center of the small room. With a single, fluid motion, he drew the katana and performed the most basic kata of the Matsu school. The blade was perfect, to be expected of a Tsi blade. Hirotomo would honor the blade as the blade honored him. "Father, you would be proud of him.Kenpachi said, smiling as he prayed. "He borrows your name and your swords, and he will do both justice."
Kenpachi wrapped the daisho in silk and walked out of the shrine. "I hope I am doing the right thing." He said to the wind. The wind did not answer. Kenpachi smiled, it was the wind's perogitive to be silent sometimes.
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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 Apr 4, 2011 17:27:15 GMT -5
Bowing and introducing herself had gone well. Kenpachi seemed like someone she could work easily enough with. The time spent getting there had given him time to lessen his grief. She was thankful for that.
Rinko had noted with slight amusement the lukewarm tea. She realised in that moment that Hirotomo was more observant that she'd given him credit for. Sipping it carefully she'd given her report. It was full and detailed and she ended it with how she wished to interrogate the ronin - through torture if necessary, but that she hoped it would not be necessary considering his willingness so far. Her report on the Akodo was more... mixed. She left the decision of how to go about questioning him to Kenpachi. Obviously the situation was more complicated - the Lion's Lord would need to be involved before any serious measures could be used against him. At least if they wished to avoid a political row.
Rinko had bowed to the Kakita, slightly raising an eyebrow at her presence. She hadn't expected further investigators. It didn't really bother her though. What had actually surprised her was the obvious aura of happiness that Mitsouko exuded alongside Sanjuro. Regaining her senses she had smiled back. It was not everyday you met the Clan Champion of a minor clan. She was thankful he seemed quite relaxed and informal. Mentally she cursed that she wasn't aware of the close connection between Kenpachi and Sanjuro. Yuushahime had advised her that Kenpachi was a glorious man and well known but she had never thought that he would be on such good terms with his Lord.
She did her best to hide her thoughts and merely remained as silent as possible. When able, she probed the matter of analysing the crime scene and looking at the other evidence that had been assembled so far. She also requested an update on what had happened since, her eyes flickering over the Crane for a moment. She sensed there was much that had been unsaid so far. She also asked to question any witnesses. Of course her issued Writ of authority enabled her to do any of these but as the Toku had issued it, it was only right to politely confirm each action with them rather than use her own initiative in their lands. She was only an assistant in the matter afterall.
The food had been good and well received. Hirotomo's report was almost identical to her own about his journey, bar his added opinions on Dragon lands and unnecessary chatting. She understood that he was catching up with family though. She'd just never been too good at informal conversation herself. Letting him talk enabled her to further gauge what the others were like though...
When Kenpachi excused himself, Rinko had bowed deeply and took the time to ask what else had occurred "Mitsouko-san, I gather a lot has happened in the last few days. Please could you bring me up to speed?". She put down her tea, now finished, doing her best to look engaging.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 4, 2011 18:01:18 GMT -5
Kakita Mitsouko smiled, as not expecting to be noticed. During the tea time conversation, the men talked and she was silent, listening. In fact, she seemed to be listening something else. But she slightly waved a hand, as to dismiss a inner thought. “Well, dear Rinko-san, as you know, Aiko was my cousin and my family is very interested in know who made this and what were the reasons. Aiko was so much loved for us. Kenpachi-san told me the Kitsuke would come to investigate, as he has your investigation methods in high regard. We are waiting for your coming, since now.” She exchanged a glance with the Toku champion. “We found some evidences in the terrain and in the wing that’s now closed, waiting for further investigations, but I am here a mere observant now, as I discovered myself between great and highly skilled persons to perform this investigation with success. But, as I said to Kenpachi-san, anything he needs from me in such matter, I am ready to perform or offer."
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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 Apr 4, 2011 19:15:46 GMT -5
"Of course, thank you. My apologies for keeping you all" Rinko said succinctly before silence returned to the room. She suspected there was more to everything, especially with Mitsouko's behaviour and her glance with Sanjuro, but pressing the matter further would likely not garner anything.
She sat in waiting for Kenpachi to return. Her tea cup was filled by a servant as she did so. It was a pleasant change for the tea to be cooler straight away. She didn't burn her tongue. She gazed over at Hirotomo who also seemed a little quiet. Was he getting nervous?
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 4, 2011 19:30:38 GMT -5
“In fact, Rinko-san, the time of your travel back Toku Torid-e are useful to give time to our host to meditate about this horrible loss… and well, I am sure the Lord of Kenpachi-san can tell you and Hirotomo about the things he discovered when interrogating a ronin found near these lands. Would you please, Sanjuro-sama?" again a glance like the first, a gentle smile, but her eyes were sad and preoccupied.
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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 Apr 4, 2011 20:10:47 GMT -5
Hirotomo[/b]
Hirotomo glanced over at the table. Rinko was calmly taking everything in. He was a little more unsure of what was going on. His father seemed, happier. He glanced at Sanjuro-sama, perhaps his Lord could clear up what was going on. He was quite pleased that his father seemed back to his old self, but he was worried that this change, without a reason, was hiding something deeper.
Misouko seemed different as well. She kept looking at Sanjuro-sama. Sanjuro-sama was in turn keeping most of his attention on her. The way they entered the room was odd. What in the name of the kami happened while he was away? Perhaps his father would shed some light.
Kenpachi
Kenpachi walked back twords the sitting room. He was pleased that the first time he used his won tea set was with a Dragon. He looked around at the grounds. The cherry blossoms would bloom soon. He mentaly checked off the items that were needed. Daisho, Armor, fan, and a small medallion. Kenpachi carefully stored them in a small ready room that his uncle, Fuzake Nakata had blessed years ago. Kenpachi walked back to the sitting room. After pleasantries were finished, the ronin would be questioned. Forcefully if need be, Kenpachi thought grimly. The Akodo, asked to meditate. When he was finished, Kenpachi would ask some questions of him as well.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Apr 4, 2011 21:25:58 GMT -5
OOC: I'm going to try something a bit different then what I have been doing, instead of describing using third person I will try first person. Hopefully it flows well =).
Seeing Kitsuki Rinko and Hirotomo acually made me smile, knowingly of the side intent of the visit. The situation in general has many different feelings mixed in the air. The sorrow of the loss of a wife and child. The satisfaction of saving the spirit of a loved one. The splendor and passion of blossoming love. I've never experienced so many different emotions mixed into one large cacophony of love and loss. I guess this is what Sensei Fuju always talked about experiencing real life opposed to simulations in the exercises of the dojo.
Its hard not being distracted by Mitsouko. Every time I see her it never ceases to amaze me how fast my heart beats, and the world seems to melt away except for the two of us. This must also be what Sensei Fuju told me would happen. I stared into Mitsouko's eyes what seemed like an eternity until Kitsuki Rinko asked me a question about the murders. I broke my gaze from Mitsouko. How long had I been looking into her eyes.
The breeze felt good against my face and brought the scent of flowers to mind. "After discovering the scene and Kenpachi-san myself and some of my retainers searched the local and extended area Rinko-san. We found a ronin that when he saw us he tried to elude us. We quickly captured him using standard flanking techniques. The ronin confessed to aiding a group of sohei monks by smuggling weapons into the Toku lands for them. We scoured the area to our borders and couldn't find the sohei. It was brought to our attention that in the southern Lion provinces there happens to be a sohei holding. We were wishing to investigate this holding, but we need to contact the Lion before we move. After we found that information the rest of the events unfolded that night when I arrived to tell Kenpachi-san of our findings."
Rinko-san kept a good neutral look in her face. She had proper training being a investigator of the Kitsuki. I know her perspective will be invaluable in these matters.
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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 Apr 6, 2011 13:25:54 GMT -5
Rinko nodded her head, taking in all Sanjuro had said. "These are all useful leads. I will help you get to the bottom of this". Tilting her head to the side she began to process some possibilities.
Her thinking was interrupted as Kenpachi rejoined them. She took the opportunity to ask for permission to begin the process of gathering and interpreting evidence. "May I please inspect where the crime took place? I know it was some time ago now but it is likely that useful details will remain." She then regarded Sanjuro for a second, thoughtfully adding "Sanjuro-sama, I would also be interested in your own thoughts"
The man's investigative talents were quite well known so his insight would prove useful combined with her own. She'd learn what happened, who was responsible and then find them and interrogate them to find out why. Then, with all of those questions answered, there would be the truth. And then there would be justice. Nothing pleased her more.
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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 Apr 6, 2011 15:32:56 GMT -5
Kenpachi nodded. "The rooms were left undisturbed, and they have been watched. I see no reason they would have changed from that night." Kenpachi asked Hirotomo to check with the guards and assist in the preperation of the interogation. Hirotomo nodded and quickly excused himself.
Kenpachi led the group past the sectioned off hallway. There was a light film of dust, showing the place had not even seen a broom in some weeks. Kenpachi took a breath before he opened the room where he found his wife. There was a dark stain on the floor that Kenpachi deliberatly ignored.
"This is my youngest son's room." Kenpachi said with a tinge of wistful bitterness. Stuffed animals lined the room, along with a small boken that was stacked neatly in a corner. It was quite obviously the room of a young child. Kenpachi absently picked up a book. It was well worn and in black letters the title, Wit of Naki the Monkey, were clearly visible.
Kenpachi stared at the book, and could almost hear his son's voice. "Again, Papa!" as he performed the role of the clever Monkey Naki, who outwitted the horse, the ox, even the evil oni. His son had laughed at the funny voices Kenpachi used to play the parts of the characters. Kenpachi's eyes began to water as he set the book down.
Kenpachi could barely see the room for what it was, a crime scene, he olny saw the past. He cursed himself. He would be little help here. Kenpachi turned to the others. "Does anyone see anything that could be of use?"
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 7, 2011 7:25:20 GMT -5
Mitsouko felt sick, tried to hold herself, scanning the ambient with attentive eyes. She was very observant, and the focus for her was the movements people made. It Always did. She learned with her father in how observe people’s movements and consequent actions. He even taught her how to check the subtle trails on the soil (Kakita Shinoburo learnt it from a Crab), left after a duel. This knowledge was useful to learn about a duelist's typical movements, and guess his next one. With time and practice, she developed this technique to other fields. She figured this unusual skill might be useful to help her as magistrate (a good way to travel through Rokugan, her main focus accepting the job), and it really did. She wasn't that good in reading persons or interrogating and such, but often she had fun impressing people with her skills (they was never expecting that from a Crane). Not now, when it was her own family, and her adored Aiko-chan. "No much of the room was touched by the group which was here, but they were concentrated in this side. Probably your little son was sleeping here. Aiko ran into the room to take him and flee, while the servants and friends tried to fight against the invasors. But she had no time. But… One of them follow her. She tried to fight, but she was cornered. Then the rest of the band came in. The bandits terrorized her for a moment. When the first came closer, she tried to attack. Probably she kept the wakizashi hidden for a time. This person who attacked first wasn't the one who kill her. The first one was smaller than the one who did it. The smaller person retreated probaly shedding this drops of blood near the clothes' chest. When a bigger one gave a step ahead and quickly stroke Aiko twice. A powerful strike had broken her weapon. So the second strike killed Aiko and her baby. The man who did it was exhibiting himself to his gang. They..." her voice failed for a moment, but Mitsouko finished her observations. "...observed Aiko and the baby agonizing, and after it, they stayed in the room for a while, so they finally left. But… I think there was… four of them. And, as a duelist myself, I think this man once studied Lion Bushi Techniques, by the way he dragged his feet on the floor to perform the attack." Again she shuddered, after unload her conclusions at once on them. Felt a bit ashamed. Of course Rinko could reject Mitsouko affirmation’s, but she did her best with so little evidences left. " If I am wrong, please tell me." She added.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Apr 7, 2011 20:46:40 GMT -5
Damn impressive Mitsouko!I thought to myself. I smiled looking at her a sense of pride in my bearing. She covered all the angles of the scene. How it had happened the motions of the event. She really is great at this. A smile crept onto my face as I scanned the room confirming to myself everything Mitsouko had said.
I turned to look at Rinko-san. "I concur with Mitsouko-san. As far as the motive goes nothing was taken from the house, so that shows malicious intent. Also the Ronin's confession of the sohei plays into this as well. There are two paths that I have seen from this. One: The person behind this had a personal grudge against Kenpachi-san and this was ment to send him a message and exact revenge. Two: A manipulator whom would benifit from Kenpachi's misery sets this up to look like a rival did this, setting up the story of sohei and planting a ronin to lead us into a situation the manipulator could control. At this point springing the trap would prove this if they knew we were coming and ambushed us."
I turned to look at Mitsouko and I couldn't help a quick smile.
"Unfortunately also to prove this we would be walking into a ambush."
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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 Apr 12, 2011 11:23:35 GMT -5
Kenpachi listend carefully to thier words. An ambush seemed unlikely. Perhaps on the night of the assault, but it was well over a month since that time. Who could have reason to do this though? Several weapons, one of the assailants trained in the Akodo school?
There seemed to be nothing taken from this room. "There were items taken, Sanjuro-sama." Kenpachi corrected gently. Kenpachi told them of Hirotomo's and Rinko's findings. Aiko's winter court kimono and a few odds and ends were found on the ronin.
Kenpachi took a look at Rinko. She seemed to be silent. Waiting respectfully for others to voice thier opinions then saying her own. Perhaps she had seen something and was being polite.
Hirotomo- Judicial Hall
Hirotomo took a few bounding steps up the stairs to what his father called the Judical Hall. Hirotomo assumed his father called it that because "Torture Shack" did not roll off the tounge as easily. A small, weedy eta was sitting on a stool, sharpening a hook. The eta saw him, rose and bowed. "My Lord, the ronin is in the third cell, awaiting Lord Kenpachi." The eta, Gek, always made Hirotomo feel uncomfortable. He was good, that much was clear, but his eyes seemed to be those of a dead man. Hirotomo nodded. "My father requests that you get your tools ready, we'll begin the interogation soon." Gek nodded and gave an evil laugh.
Hirotomo looked in at the ronin. He was praying fervently. The man's despair was clear, and for a moment Hirotomo felt a wrench of pity in his stomach. The wretch had most likely little idea of the implications of his actions. Hirotomo regretfully concluded that even if this man killed his mother and brother, he could not hate him. The man was a weapon, and Hirotomo could no more hate him then hate a spear that was used against him. Whomever weilded the weapon was the real target of his hate.
Hirotomo left the small building and walked back to his father. He hoped the ronin would talk. More for the ronin's sake than anyone else's.
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