Wishing to discuss the future direction of the impending war with the Lion, Doji Akibeiden gathers his officers in one of the many war rooms that once served Lion officers.  It is a smallish conference room, enough for a map, a few seats, a book shelf (filled with commentaries on Akodo's Leadership), and a small tea set.

"Do not worry about matters of precedence, Doji-san," Kakita Asakura bows, "I have been discussing for many months with Doji Kusanagi-sama about appointing a younger bushi to take my place.  I am far more comfortable in the dojo than on the battlefield."

"I am honored to take command of this post sencei. Your wisdom will be most valuable to our plans."

Aki then turns to his officers and Settles some administrative matters. He promotes one of the officers of his guntai to Gunso and places him in command of the unit. He then introduces the other members of his newly formed team as his advisers.

After a short pause he begins, "Men we have been given a daunting task, failure is not an option. The gate in the southern wall is the key to taking the castle we must defend it at all cost. My first thought was to place the vast majority of our forces on the walls as archers. The spearmen will hold in reserve on the field behind the gate to defend it should it be breached. Our Irregular units will have standing orders to abandon the wall should the gate be breached and rush the field to aid the spearman." Aki pauses a moment. "This was my first thought but may not be the best tactic. The input of everyone assembled is expected."

Thinking about the situation for a bit, Kanisai nods.
"Has there been any thought to intercepting the Lion as they approach?" he asks.  "Meet them at a point before the gate, then fall back to the wall for the full defense.  As a way to further prepare the wall's defenses and to winnow their numbers to make them manageable.  A small force of harriers with a small band of regular troops to catch the attention of the Lion would be all that would be necessary."