Given orders to start developing a defense plan by Doji Kusanagi himself, Daidoji Kumi begins by discussing their options with Doji Akibieden--a well known veteran of the last defense of Toshi Ranbo.

OOC:  I know everyone is still involved in Crane Choices, but I've got other people involved in two conversations at once so, in order to save time, I'm trying to get all of the conversations which don't impact each other done at once (I'm not sure how well it'll work and it's kind of like running 4 separate games at once, but I think it'll be okay ^_^)

Kumi walks in and slides the screen shut. After a deep bow she sits on the cushion across from Doji Akibieden she places her katana and wakazashia to her right and the fan she carries in court to her left. "Akibieden-sama thank you for agreeing to meet me. I have recently arrived in Toshi Ranbo and am ready to serve the Crane. I believe that you are familiar with my position amongst the clan. I am more then ready to defend the city with steel and my blood. How may I serve the Crane?" 

....and achieve my goal of a homecoming at the same time?

"As we are soon to enter battle I will speak to the Taisa about placing you in one of the units here." Aki searches his mind to remember who this person is. "You will be assigned to a gaurd rotation at first unless  this would be a waist of your skills. Tell me Kumi-san, what do you think would be the best use of your talent?"

Having heard about the impromptu pre-planning session, Kakita Zenko--magistrate of Toshi Ranbo--enters, prepared to serve in what ways he can.

Konichiwa Crane-sans, I am Kakita Zenko, Zenko bows low to the assembled Crane. How might this grumpy Crane serve his clan this day?

Konichiwa Zenko-san, It seems that battle will once again rock this castle. The civilian population will need to be prepaired for this. Also some may wish to evacuate the city should battle indeed become inevitable. The roads to the palace of the emerald champion need to be secured. In addition if you could perhaps begin searching for sutible men umongst the peasants to draft as ashigaru. The order to create a unit has not been issued yet, but it would be prudent to be prepaired if such an order is given.

Nodding, Zenko says Of course, Crane-sama although I might not be the best choice in choosing ashigaru. I can hold my own in a battle but I am afraid my abilities don't involve assessing the combat abilities of others. I can however lead a unit if the need is great. By breath and blade I will defend this Kyuden as well any Crane that I can.

Akibieden-sama allow me to lead the ashagaru. City fighting is one of my specialties.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:30, Thu 01 May 2008.

I belive it would be best if the two of you worked together on this task. We need to secure the peasants and the lands they work. Zenko-san the yoriki will no doubt have knowledge of any who have served in the military before. The past few years have not spared many, you may be suprised at the skill of the peasants. In addition other plans are in the works for the defence of this city. You are to make yourselves availible to Daidoji Tsukiko-san and the monk Satoru-san. A youg women named Daidoji Sakura-san is also in the city with a ronin escort. She is aiding in our defence and has been dispatched by the clan champion himself. If you wish untill I recive official orders from the Taisa you may join in *Keiko and Waza drills with my unit.

*Sparing and skills training.

Nodding his head, Zenko says For the Crane.

Thank you for the opportunity Akibienden-sama. I have affairs that need to be prepared and then I will begin to look for possible ashagaru. Is there any other matter that needs to be addressed?

That is all for now I would hope that you take me up on the offer of practice though. The men have spared together so many times the no longer fight in ernest. A new face on the field would no doubt inspire them to redouble their efforts. I will also be inviting the ronin Kedo-san he practices niten and iI for one would enjoy the chance to test my skill against that style.

Hai, once my affairs are in order I will return and gladly accept the training.

This message was deleted by the player at 12:32, Mon 05 May 2008.

Nodding, Zenko turns to Kumi and says I am ready when you are Crane-San. I have all that I need with me.