Word, when it came, was both sudden and unexpected.  The first casualty of war had occurred without warning, in a manner no one understood.

All of your meetings, all of your plans, are interrupted by a messenger from Doji Kasarugi, daimyo of Toshi Ranbo, "inviting" every honorable samurai to attend him in Court within the Tsume Palace.  It is an invitation punctuated by armed guards for those not of Crane descent.  Rumors do not fly in silence--and there is an abundance of silence in a room lined with armed ashigaru and samurai--yet there is a sense of anticipation, as if war is about to be--or has already been--declared.  It is into this silence that Doji Kasurugi speaks:

"Doji Kusanagi, commander of the Crane armies of Toshi Ranbo, is dead by the hands of the enemies of the Crane," he declares, "until his murderer is apprehended, no one--eta or samurai, shisa or shugenja--may leave the City under any circumstances, for any reason."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:28, Tue 06 May 2008.

Satoru sat, staggered by the news. He said nothing but looked to see how his fellows reacted. Pushing all memories of his Lord aside. He concentrated on how best to still serve. His murderer must be found... and dealt with. He would need to request a chance to help the investigation, but his past expertise will prove most helpful in this regard. He was sure Kasarugi would give him the honor.

Manami knelt quietly, her eyes hidden behind the sheer black veil that hung over her eyes.  The only motion she made, was forming her mouth into an "O" of silent surprise.  This was indeed a new twist of fate.  Was there merely one force at work or several competing and disrupting each others plans?  She thought to herself was of getting deeply involved into the investigation.  She would need the perfect angle.

Rage...Sudden and staggering rage, Akis blood boils from it. The viens on his forhead and neck stand in relife against his taught flesh. How could this have happened, the men of this castle are amonge the Cranes finest. Aki's hand fumbels about his obi where his Katana should be out of refelex. Honor or not Aki will cut down every one involved in this treachery!

[Just to confirm, this is NOT the Lord of the City that was found dead, ne?]

Sakura sat in stunned silence for a moment. She did wish to speak to Kasurugi, but couldn't do so under these circumstances.

"Lord Kasurugi ...."

She paused only a heartbeat, only enough for etiquette to be satisfied yet not enough to be interrupted.

"May I ask the identity of the Magistrate assigned to this case?"

There was something left unsaid that showed in her eyes, something that Kasurugi -- and those present at the greeting -- should know that the others would not. If Sakura was to complete the mission given to her by Doji Kuwanan then she must be permitted to investigate this matter, even if only as an assistant.

[Hmmm ... looking at the list, are myself and Kedo the only ones left from the original Kuwanan group? Or is Ukyo still around somewhere?]

Kumi sits there staring at the messanger. Lucky she decided to wear her half-mempo had she not the others would have noticed that seemed unmoved at all by what happened.Just what I need, magestrates snopping around. Now it would seem I need to involve the pesants to get my job done. Not something I enjoy. With a heavy sigh Kumi leans against one of the colums near the back of the room and waits.

 Depending upon the level of offensiveness and force displayed by the group sent to 'apprehend' Sakura and himself there may have been quite a dangerous moment when the uards came bursting into a perfectly pleasant little scene between the Sensei, student, shugenja and himself but ultimately Kedo is a man of soft words and slow anger, and so he simply escorts his ward to the meeting, where the shocking announcement is made.

 Oh my.

 His head turns slightly to consider Daidoji Sakura as though looking to her for a lead, then swings about to contemplate others in the crowd, as though wondering which - if any - of those assembled might have come to the meeting with blood upon their hands.

Satoru's face became a mask but his eyes bore into the Daidoji. Curiousity was ill suited for this moment, the monk thought, but did not speak. His Lord would know waht to do and who to put where. He was positive of that.