You arrive in a barely furnished tea room of Kyuden Asahina as instructed by your daimyo.  There is little to recommend the spartan room, even the cushions are barely serviceable--a far cry from the luxury associated with the foremost artisan academy in the Empire.  There is only one occupant in the room--though he demands the whole of your attention--Doji Kuwanan, Crane Clan Champion regards you silently as you enter.

If Daidoji Sakura was surprised to see her Champion she did a good job of hiding it. In reality, she was surprised to see Doji Kuwanan sitting before her. Even if she had known that he was here she wouldn't have expected him to want to see her. True, she had done an admirable job during the Second Day of Thunder, but so had many other Daidoji. And she hardly expected her "unorthodox" magics to be praised by the ultra-traditional Asahina.

So what was she doing here?

There was no point in asking -- Kuwanan would tell them when he was ready and not before. So Sakura did what any good Crane would be expected to do. She bowed.

Daidoji Sakura bowed low, from the Seiza (kneeling) position, and waited to be addressed.

Ukyo entered the room, katana in right hand, and was immediately taken aback by the man seated before him in the room.  His daimyo did not mention why he needed to come to Kyuden Asahina, nor did he need to.

Ukyo quickly moved over onto the guest tatami next to Sakura, and settled in to the seiza, placing his katana on the floor to his right.  He bowed low, the formality of the bow marred only by a sudden wracking cough to which he had to cover his mouth.

"Doji-sama, I am honored to be in your presence.  Please forgive my startled nature upon entering as I did not know I was to be in the presence of the Clan Champion,"  to which he bowed again.

He turned his head slightly to regard Sakura, and gave her a small bow of respect as well.  It would not do to be impolite, after all.  He had seen her many times at the dojo speaking to a relative of hers, and had the occasion to make small talk with her before.  He felt her name was appropriate, as she did have the beauty of the blossoms she was named after.

He quickly snapped his mind back to what was at hand.  It would not do to have his mind wandering.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:49, Thu 01 Mar 2007.

Moving quietly behind Ukyo like a silent, faithful shadow was a man dressed as a monk.  The monk managed to suppress his surprise upon seeing the Clan Champion but inside his interest was immediately piqued.

Musashi swiftly followed the example set by the Crane samurai by respectfully bowing very low to the Clan Champion.  Musashi glanced over at Ukyo with a concerned expression as the young man began coughing during his bow.

Musashi moved to a position behind & to the left of Kakita Ukyo.  Once settled near his charge, Musashi gave Sakura a bow of respect... though obviously not as deep a bow as he had given to Kuwanan.  Musashi then placed his Bo staff down on the floor, to the right of him.

Well some do say that Doji Kuwanan-sama is... "unorthodox", though of course such is said only in concealed whispers.  I would be tempted to agree for once if this highly unusual meeting is any sign of Doji-sama's usual behavior.  But one must be wary of drawing too many conclusions from a single incident.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:43, Mon 05 Mar 2007.

Daidoji Sachi was surprised.  Well, maybe not THAT surprised, this was his father after all.  He had just arrived in Kyuden Asahina the previous night and had not made any visits before turning in for the night.  In the morning, Sachi had no sooner walked out of the door after eating a sparse breakfast consisting of 2 rice balls, when he was surrounded by four guards and a messenger who promptly handed him a scroll case marked with his father's personal mon.

He was "escorted" to a bathhouse and allowed time to prepare for a meeting of some sort.

Now, he walked into a small sparse tearoom only to find that it was already occupied by his monk friend Musashi, some "pretty" girl who seemed vaguely familiar, and a samurai who was bent over in the middle of a coughing fit.  Sachi scowled slightly, that coughing meant that the samurai might be an old rival.  He sighed a little inwardly.

Then he noticed just who it was that was seated on the other side of the room, The Clan Champion!  Well, if that was a test of composure, they failed to rattle him.  All they got was a raised eyebrow before he made his way beside Musashi, set his sword aside and bowed deeply to the champion.

Sachi sat up and awaited the words of the champion.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:22, Mon 05 Mar 2007.

Yoshiko was annoyed. Even here in Kyuden Asahina where the safety provided by the Crane Clan was unquestionable she didn't like to leave her charge out of sight, but the scant minutes she had afforded herself to fetch some tea had sufficed for Sakura to be whisked away unnoticed. The Daidoji samurai-ko barged into the room a little more forcefully than proper, looking for the Doji shugenja, but the scowl on her face froze immediately when she realized in whose presence they were.

"Doji Kuwanan-sama," she breathed while bowing further than strictly necessary even towards the Crane Champion before hastily kneeling down slightly to the left and behind Doji Sakura, sliding her sheathed sword out of her obi and placing it to her right in one smooth motion.

After Ukyo had straighted up he noticed a familiar face enter.  Sachi.  When did he return?

The two of them came up in the Kakita Dueling Academy together, both of them equal in skill.  They squared off against one another often, but neither was able to consistently gain an advantage over the other.  Then he left.

Ukyo had no idea where he went, but he felt a sting of regret at the loss of his rival.  Nothing had been settled.  Now he was back, and if he was here at this meeting as well, he would be working with him.  It was not an auspicious arrangement to find who is better.  Unfortunately, their rivalry would have to wait to be renewed.

Ukyo looked around to Sachi and locked eyes with him.  He inclined his head in a slight bow, as it wouldn't do to be impolite.  He also noticed Musashi had managed to enter silently while he was paying his respects to their host.  He gave another small bow to him as well.

He then saw another familiar face as Yoshiko entered the room.  He had seen her with Sakura at the training academy before when Sakura was there visiting.  This was quickly becoming an interesting group.

Musashi dutifully returned Ukyo's bow with a respectful bow of his own.  Musashi also bowed to Yoshiko and then made a slightly deeper bow to his old comrade, Daidoji Sachi.

Hmm... so Sachi-sama has been invited to this meeting as well?  Interesting.  I do hope Ukyo-sama will be willing to set aside any personal feelings towards Sachi-sama in order to pursue the undoubtedly higher purpose for which we have been chosen by the honorable Doji Kuwanan-sama.

I wonder who the Daidoji, both the guarded & the guardian, are?  There is something vaguely familiar about the yojimbo's charge... something my brother or late father mentioned perhaps... but I cannot place my finger upon the needed clue just yet.

I wonder who else may have been invited to this meeting... and more importantly, what the "higher purpose" is that we have been chosen to pursue by none less than the mighty Clan Champion of the esteemed Crane Clan?

Were I still Crane, I would no doubt be quite ecstatic about being called to meet privately with Kuwanan-sama.  But having renounced my past and thus being the humble monk that I am now, I must admit that sheer curiosity drives my wonder now more so than mere ambition.

Sakura could not return the bow of the others for she was still prostrated deeply along the ground. She had felt like this only once, toward the beginning of the Clan War when she was given an audience with the Empress, Bayushi Kachiko, shortly after the coup.

That audience had been "less than auspicious" -- it was a private affair, one with only a handful of Scorpion present. When Sakura could not contact her superiors in the Scorpion clan she took a chance and delivered a message asking about Shadow Hawk, her trainer and Lord. Apparently her cover as Daidoji Sakura had been a bit too successful since she almost didn't make it out alive. It was useful, however; it allowed her to be "fully effective" during the Second Day of Thunder.

Sakura hoped this audience would not be as ominous.

No Fear I am confident in my role and the Celestial Order. I seek to fill that role to the best of my ability.
No Desire I fulfill my duty as it is delivered to me by my superiors in the Order. A job well done fills me with serenity, the antithesis of Desire.
No Regret I accept reality as it is. Not even the fortunes can change what has been.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:20, Thu 08 Mar 2007.

"My apologies for the unusual nature of our meeting," Doji Kuwanan says gruffly, "however, the seven of you comprise one of the most talented task groups the Crane have available at the moment, and your Clan requires your service."

"Despite the ascension of Toturi-sama as the Jade Emperor," the Clan Champion continues, "all is not well with the Emerald Empire.  The Scorpion Clan, the Crane's greatest rival in the courts, is back, restored by decree of the Jade Emperor.  The Mantis Clan, newly declared a Great Clan by the Son of Heaven, has declared that they will represent the interests of the Minor Clans in court, a position that has traditionally been held by the Crane Clan.  And, possibly most disturbing of all, with Toturi-sama now the Emperor of Rokugan, the Lion have once again begun to desire Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho.  Winter fast approaches, and I believe that this Winter Court shall see the greatest political upheaval since the fall of the Hantei.  There is no way to predict what may occur this winter, so I am sending you seven to Toshi Ranbo because I believe our city is the lynchpin upon which the fortunes of the Crane stand."
This message was last updated by the player at 21:13, Tue 13 Mar 2007.

.oO(This is most confusing... I can't perceive the nature of our mission, given this strange group. Toshi Ranbo can be dangerous enough in any case, what kind of peril is Sakura being sent in?)

"With respect, Doji-sama," Yoshiko speaks up reluctantly, "I do not understand what we are sent to do. Forgive my lack of insight, but I would know how best to protect those in my charge."

"Forgive my lack of clarity," Doji Kuwanan nods, "your mission is non-specific because there is not yet a specific threat that has arisen.  However, Toshi Ranbo is where I anticipate all of our potential problems to come to a head, and I wish all of you to be in place before the trouble begins."

"Doji-sama, what troubles are anticipated?" Ukyo asked, a little concerned that their task was so non-specific.  "Also, are we to report to anyone in particular once we reach Toshi Ranbo?"

If our Daimyos are sending us to Toshi Ranbo, they are obviously anticipating something.  But what?  Do they know more then they are letting on?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:31, Wed 14 Mar 2007.

Sakura returned to the normal "Seiza" sitting position when addressed by Kuwanan. She sat listening to intently, her mind racing for understanding. Suddenly things started snapping into place ...

"Sumimasen*" she interrupted politely, "if His Lordship wouldn't mind checking my logic?"

"The Jade Emperor was once the Lion Champion, a fact that may mislead some of the more ambitious Lion Generals to believe that the Emperor would support their position should they decide to attack the Crane. The Scorpion are now recognized before the Emerald Throne once again, but the Clans only recognize them reluctantly. Because of this the Scorpion will most likely be forced to remind Rokugan of their place in the Celestial Order. Meanwhile the Clans that took Scorpion power will be reluctant to give it back, creating even more chaos in the inevitable 'war without blood' that is all but required before Rokugan can settle into peace once again."

"But where there is danger lies also opportunity. War may be avoided by politics, and the Scorpion's coming 'war without blood' need not involve the Crane. While we have always opposed one another in court, there are places that neither wish to go. On that we will still agree with our adversaries."

"In fact, it may provide a means to ensure that the Lion is too wary of their south to attack us."

Sakura hesitated politely.

"Am I close?"

.oO(Insightful as ever.)

Not surprised by Sakura's understanding, Yoshiko already starts considering and evaluating the consequences of this revelation while waiting for Doji Kuwanan's answer.

"I hadn't actually thought of it that way," Doji Kuwanan says, clearly attempting to adjust his preconceptions, "it is difficult to adjust to the idea that the Scorpion may, with some reservations, not be our enemy.  Your insight is most appreciated," the Clan Champion smiles slowly, "establishing an alliance--or, at the least, a non-aggression pact--with the Scorpion Clan will go a long way towards reestablishing Crane dominance in the Emerald Empire.  The dangers posed by the Lion and the newly established Mantis Clans still exist, however, and I would caution you not to become so focused on a single goal that the others fall on the way side."

Hmm... I am not so certain that the Scorpion can be trusted to restrain their stinger from hitting the Crane.  Nor am I sure that I would trust their word on such matters even if they were to pledge peace.

Then again... the Scorpion need any allies, or at least non-enemies, that they can get.  If they can shore up their flank as far as the Crane are concerned, then they can focus on other directions.

But do we really wish to bolster the Scorpion?  Might we not be bettered served to play the Lion against the Scorpion?  If the Scorpion could serve as the "common foe", then both the Left Hand & the Right Hand could come together to keep the Under Hand from rising too far, too fast.

As for the Mantis... if one were a Minor Clan, whom would one wish as one's guardian... an upstart with few Imperial connections and not even an entire generation past from their rise in status?  Or... the most influential, well established and highly connected Major Clan in Rokugan?

Ahh... these temporal issues of corporeal power, how they once plagued my mind when such matters bore weight upon my spirit.  It is a blessed relief to be free from such concerns so that I may focus on what truly matters, the development of the inner being to its fullest potential.

And yet... I can still feel the slight tugs at my heartstrings for the fate of my former Clan.  No doubt my Sensei would claim that this is just a sign that I still have very far to go along my path of enlightenment.

As befitted one of his modest status as a humble monk in such august company, Musashi remained silent as he carefully observed the noble samurai.  He had once been like them but now he knew he was something "different".  There were regrets at times for the life he had left behind... but there were new joys to be experienced as well, the elation of focused discipline and spiritual enlightenment.

Sakura frowned momentarily, but caught herself and regained her face. Sakura's eyes were downcast as she replied.

"I had forgotten about them. One would think that Crane trade routes are more important to them than anything that the Lion could offer. Still, the Mantis did dare to command the Jade Emperor so nothing is beyond them."

Ukyo raised a questioning eyebrow, showing a lack of comprehension.  Not unusual fo rhim.  While he is not stupid or uneducated, his head is for fighting and not much else.  The intrigues of court and plots confound him, although he carries himself well enough not to offend.

"Pardon my ignorance, but you said not to let our other goals fall by the waysdie.  What other goals.  other than going to Toshi Ranbo, I have not heard of any other goals."

He covered his mouth as another cough escaped his lips, this one much gentler than the previous one.

Musashi leaned over towards Ukyo and said in a soft, polite tone, <sub>"Honorable Ukyo-sama, I believe the wise Doji-sama was speaking in terms of Daidoji-sama's remarks about the Scorpion Clan.

The "other goals" are in reference to keeping a close watch on the multitude of potential foes facing the noble Crane Clan.  Or in other words, we should not focus solely on the potential threat posed by the renewed Scorpion Clan to the exclusion of other potential threats such as the Lion Clan or the Mantis Clan.

As for "specific goals", I believe the wise Doji-sama feels that at this time the potential threats to the Crane Clan are diverse enough that it would be potentially risky to prematurely narrow or restrict our paths of inquiry and observation.  Thus our assignment is being deliberately left "open ended" so that our efforts will not be adversely prejudiced by an overly limited set of instructions.

At least... that is how I understand the mission and its goals as expressed by the wise Doji-sama."</sub>

Ukyo nodded in understanding.  "Thank you, Musashi-san.  As always your insight is most welcome."

"Doji Kuwanan-sama, will we find dependable allies in Toshi Ranbo? I am honoured - as I am sure is everyone here - that you would put your faith in me, yet my knowledge of the city is limited and my contacts there nonexistant. Having someone who knows the runnings of the city well would be a valuable asset."

Musashi bowed his head gently and said in a calm, soft tone, _{"You are most welcomed Ukyo-sama.  As always, it is an honor to render useful service."}