Chou-Zhen keeps an eye on the sumotori, but leaves his whip coiled at his side and his expression neutral.

Ales remains neutral, but inside he secretly wished to shove his scimitar right into Shima's chest.

"Greetings."

"Ho, esteemed people of Sakemoko. Greetings."

In reply to Shima (msg # 240):

Saishi bows slightly in acknowledgement of him.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Fri 17 May.

Chou-Zhen returns his bow.  "Ho, Shima.  I see your arm has improved.  I am pleased that you have recovered so well."

"What brings you to seek the counsel of the Omo?", Ales said respectfully,

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 243):

the sumotori flexes his fingers... a little two flexibly perhaps.
"A strange priest healed it.  Seek audience with you master for my own purpose- I seek employment. I have been untethered since He left."

"I'm afraid we can't spare time to discuss this right now, Shima-san.  We have urgent business to attend to.  We will tell the Omo that you wish to speak to him. Ask at the gate tomorrow.  He may be able to make some time to see you.", Kichiro said to the big man. He kept his tone polite and friendly but still a bit serious.  No need to antagonize him.

This interruption to their movement back to the compound has Kichiro a bit on edge right now.  He glanced around to see if this could be a set up of some kind.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:18, Tue 21 May.

In reply to Kichiro (msg # 245):

Saishi, who had not met him, continues to ignore him as he looks for other trouble.

In reply to Saishi Jin (msg # 246):

The void left by the departure of Akira No Aku in little Sahud has only partly been filled by the Omo's expansion,
and there are a few Ronin, like Shima, but there seems to be little organized resistance to your return with Master Phuong.

The presence of his enforcer, Jin has cut down on petty crime and public disorderliness, but you aren't sure if there is anything more
organized creeping about in the shadows.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 247):

I see. Do we escort them safely back to the Ono's compound?

Ales feels uneasy heading back to Omo. "Don't it seem too easy? I wonder if this calm is hiding something more sinister.,."

"It seems as easy as it ought to be, escorting someone a short distance across town.  Easier than the last time, surely, but being shadowed by ninja is not normal."

Chung and Xu open the gates upon your arrival and admit your party.
Phuong gives them the eye, as they, along with half your party,
joined the Omo's service after he had left to the homeland in search
of the villagers' genealogies.

The Neku folk scatter according to Master Phuong's instructions.

In reply to Chung Wang (msg # 251):

Saishi will remain vigilant...

With Master Phoung safely delivered to the Omo, Kirchiro still maintained a heightened level of awareness.   He finds a high place within the compound and settled in for a few hours.  He sat and observed the area within his view.  His bow within arm's reach.

In reply to Kichiro (msg # 253):

Is there a grassy area Saishi can plant himself?

Chou-Zhen relaxes after checking that there is nothing else urgent to do.

Ales sets off to the Library to study the strange book given to him by the Omo.

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 256):

As Sashai extends his shade over the koi pond,
 Ales finds that the book offers strange insights into a forbidden lore, in which his chanting oozing pet seems to be mentioned!

From his perch on the wall walk, Kichirio observes that the rotund Shima has ensconced himself in a doorway across the way, and squats waiting.
He had initially leaned against a wall of a building sealed with red ribbon, and had moved himself away once he noticed  the seals.

Kichiro quietly watched Shima for a little while.  He made no attempt to hide his presence so for the time being, it appeared that he sincerely wanted to talk about a job.  He told one of the neku servants to pass word to Chung, Xu, and the rest of the Omo's security staff of Shima's presence nearby and the happenings at the dock...better safe than sorry.

After word of the situation had been passed, Kichiro stepped down from the wall and went to get something to eat.

Xu relieves Kirchirio, who soon finds that something is afoot - there are murmurs in the kitchen, that stop on his arrival.

An announcement seems likely soon.

Kichiro ignored the murmurs and the sudden silence but instead embraced it.

"No need to stop on account of me.  What have you heard?  I'll tell you later if you are right.", Kichiro asked the kitchen staff with a smile.

In reply to Kichiro (msg # 260):

"None of us are recently from the homeland- many of us are third or fourth generation, including the Omo.
Jin of course came recently, as did Master Fuwara but Jin is a braggart and Yoshimura-san keeps to himself.
Apparently, Master Phuong has discovered something about our collective ancestry that disturbed him, and he has revealed this to the Omo,
who will be communicating officially with all of us soon."

"Despite my looks, even I have an interest in this news.  My mother's family is the Homeland too.  I pray that it won't be too disturbing.", Kichiro replied with a bit of concern in his voice.  He went to the stove and scooped up a bowl of stew for himself since the staff was preoccupied with the potential news.